UK Digital Cameras Blog

Canon has announced the launch of a new range of digital cameras, including two that are aimed at entry-level users.

In addition to the high performance, nine-megapixel Canon PowerShot SX110IS and the style-conscious Canon PowerShot E1, the manufacturer is to add to its range of A-series compact models, Trusted Reviews reports.

The site states that the Canon A1000 IS and Canon A2000 IS will both boast a ten-megapixel sensor, as well as optical image stabilisation, DIGIC III processing, 30fps VGA video capabilities and a 3200 ISO maximum sensitivity.

However, the article notes that there are some differences between the two cameras that will separate the two on their release next month.

“The A2000 IS has a 6x optical zoom lens and a 3.0-inch LCD monitor and is available in gunmetal and silver, while the A1000 IS has a 4x zoom lens, a 2.5-inch monitor and comes in a range of colours, blue, brown or silver,” it adds.

In addition both models offer 17 shooting modes and face detection technology and are likely to be up against rival models from Panasonic and Samsung.

Adobe’s has boosted its cannon of digital photo enhancement software this week by announcing the launch of a new version of its Photoshop application.

The company’s Adobe Premiere Elements 7 has been unveiled and will be accompanied by an additional membership package that will be available to users on the Photoshop. com website.

It is noted that the new digital photo and video editing software is a “landmark upgrade” and will represent the opportunity for digital camera users to improve their skills.

Commenting on the launch, Adobe’s vice president and general manager of consumer and hosted solutions Doug Mack said that Premiere Elements 7 puts powerful techniques at the fingertips of its users.

“The addition of Photoshop. com membership provides cinematic inspiration and the ability to set up screenings anywhere of videos packed with knockout effects,” he said.

Digital camera users signing up for Photoshop. com membership will be able to add sound effects and music to their projects as well as access web tutorials.

Canon’s latest range of digital cameras continues the company’s dedication to providing young consumers an entry-level photography solution.

Commenting on the launch of its latest ten-megapixel model, the Canon PowerShot E1, the manufacturer said that the colourful model is designed to be simple and stylish.

Canon admits that the PowerShot E1 digital camera is targeted squarely at the “teen and tween markets” and is ideal for slumber parties, concerts or graduation celebrations.

Commenting on the new model, Canon US’ senior vice president and general manager for consumer imaging Yuichi Ishizuka said that the E-series models offered young people the opportunity to get involved with the joy of photography.

“Canon keeps photography fun and inspiring for memory-seekers of all ages by producing a camera that is relevant to a younger market,” he said.

The camera features a 4x optical zoom-lens, image stabilisation, face detection and is available in white, blue and pink.

A new model from Olympus is as rugged as it is innovative, a new review has suggested.

The Olympus Stylus 1050 SW digital camera has been praised in a recent article for the Indian Tech Gadgets website for its tough exterior and range of interesting features.

It is noted that the Olympus 1050 SW is shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof and incorporates touch-sensitive and motion sensing technology.

Nadine Clark, product manager of Olympus Imaging America Inc said that the purpose behind the model was to offer high-performance features that were easy for consumers to get to grips with.

“Consumers are familiar with motion-sensor technology from popular videogame controls that translate physical motion into electronic commands, she said.

“The Stylus 1050 SW employs similar technology. Adjusting the camera settings is intuitive, because the whole camera reacts to the way it’s tapped.”

The camera features a 10.1-megapixel sensor, is available in blue, champagne, silver and black - and is equipped with shadow adjustment, face detection, smile shot and red eye reduction.

Three new ten-megapixel compact cameras have been added to the Canon PowerShot range, according to reports.

Pocket Lint states that the manufacturer has boosted its range with units that are around 25 per cent slimmer than their predecessors and are expected to be available next month.

The Canon PowerShot A1000 IS is noted as a replacement for the A580 and the Canon PowerShot A2000 IS was suggested as the successor to the manufacturer’s A720.

It adds that the third in the selection, the Canon PowerShot E1, “has been launched with the claim that it is designed by women for women bringing ‘head-turning, feminine style’ to the range”.

Easy Mode will feature on all models and will be just one of 17 various shooting modes that can be used alongside face and motion detection as well as red-eye management.

The Canon PowerShot A580 is an eight-megapixel model available now for under £100.

Fujifilm’s FinePix Z200fd is a ten-megapixel digital camera that that boasts a range of options that could be of interest to those shopping for a new model.

In addition to a 2.7-inch screen, 5x optical zoom, xD and SD card support and face recognition, it has red eye correction.

The Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd was unveiled earlier this year as a replacement to the manufacturer’s Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd model.

It was designed to be added to the Japanese manufacturers existing range as a more portable, lighter model as well as offering improved specifications and better zoom technology.

Imaging Resources reported that the Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd would begin shipping to the UK this month and that users could expect the ten-megapixel model to be well equipped with an impressive sensor.

“[The camera] is listed as being four grams lighter than the previous model and one further change is an increase in digital zoom strength from 5.1x to 5.7x,” the site said.

However, the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd does have a bigger built-in memory than the newer camera and is currently available in a number of colours.

The Olympus family of digital cameras have been praised in a review for the Trusted Reviews website.

It is noted that the Olympus FE-340 is a welcome eight-megapixel addition to the clan and has been able to build on some of the more successful elements of its predecessors.

The manufacturer’s previous FE model, the Olympus FE-250, is the most notable of these and the review notes that this camera was in itself “rather good”.

It adds that the Olympus FE-340 is equipped with a 5x zoom lens, as well as a 2.7-inch, 230k LCD monitor “which is sharp and bright, has excellent contrast and a nice fast refresh rate”.

The review states that the unit is available in a range of colours such as pink, black grey and silver and that its £120 price tag puts it “towards the budget end of the price spectrum”.

Other similar compact digital cameras which consumers may wish to consider would include Pentax’s Optio L50, the Nikon CoolPix S550 and the Sony Cyber-Shot S800.

Another addition is about to be made to the Olympus Mju family, according to reports.

Pocket Lint states that the digital camera manufacturer will next week release a new model into the range that is strong on zoom power but stays as slim and lightweight as a compact.

The site claims that the Olympus Mju 1060 is a ten-megapixel model that will be equipped with a 7x optical zoom lens as well as a range of other features - making it a great gift idea.

“Featuring … image stabilising technology and a three-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen, Olympus is hoping it will be the choice of the digital camera fan this Christmas,” the article adds.

It states that Advanced Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment and Intelligent Auto Mode are among the standard quality applications that will also feature in the camera.

Olympus’ other Mju models include the 840, 850, 790, 1010 and 1030.

A new model has been added to the Fujifilm range which aims to make the most of the people it captures.

According to the Indystar news website, the ten-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd is a digital camera that can help ensure the end result is worthy of uploading to your digital frame.

It is noted that the camera is able to do this by capturing “flattering images” even in the most dimly lit rooms, outdoor areas and where natural light is involved, with a toned-down flash.

The camera is equipped with a 2.7-inch screen and has a 5x optical zoom. It also boasts support for a range of memory formats including xD and SD cards.

“It also focuses on up to 10 faces in a scene and automatically corrects any red eyes. Better yet, an automatic timer lets you put yourself in the picture,” it adds.

Also available in the manufacturer’s range is the ten-megapixel Z20fd, which comes in a host of vibrant colours including green, pink blue and black.

One year after the site reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18, Trusted Reviews has turned its attentions to its successor.

In a piece for the site, Cliff Smith states that the camera was not only a very capable bridge between the compact and digital single-lens reflex market, but was one of the best models around of its type.

However, it states that the manufacturer’s latest ten-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 tops its sibling despite looking on paper like “an incremental upgrade”.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 is praised for its quick response, accurate focus, proper exposure and final images - all in all, it claims, the model is “a very satisfying camera to use”.

“In my opinion it is currently the best all-round super-zoom camera on the market, and will become better value as the price drops over the next few months,” the site concludes.

For those looking for something in the compact market, Panasonic offer a number of Lumix models.