Author Archive for Digital camera, imaging and photography news
Samsung launches entry level PL20/ES80 cameras
Maybe someday I will grasp the Marketing rationale behind the current camera product plans with so many cameras that have only marginal differences in their pixel count, optical zoom range and LCD screen size. For the time being it only keeps us busy with the maintenance of our cameras databases. Having said that, Samsung has extended its already impressive ES-Series with model ES20, offering a 12 megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom. The new PL20 packs a 14-megapixel sensor and the same zoom range…
Olympus introduces four more compact cameras
Following its abundant camera launch at CES, Olympus now introduces four more compact cameras. The Tough TG-610 is waterproof to a depth of 5 mtr, shockproof against falls from 1.5 mtr and freezeproof at temps as low as -10°C. The new VR-330 comes with 12.5x optical zoom, a large-screen 3-inch monitor, DUAL IS, and 3D shooting mode, where as the VR-320 comes without the 3D mode. The VG-110 features a 12 megapixel CCD, 4x optical zoom from 27mm wide angle and DIS mode that reduces picture blur using faster shutter speed…
The Olympus SZ-10 even detects your cat or dog
Olympus announces the SZ-10 compact digital camera that is perfect for travel and sports and features an 18x ultra-zoom lens, DUAL IS, and HD (1280 x 720) movies. The SZ-10 features an expanded range of Magic Filters inherited from the previous model, and the newly added Watercolor and Sparkle. But what’s more, this clever little camera can even automatically detect dog and cat faces. When you select [Pet Mode - Dog] or [Pet Mode - Cat] the camera will detect up to 10 faces of different dogs or cats…
Pentax announces Optio WG-1 and WG-1 GPS
Pentax announces its 12th generation of adventure series digital cameras, the new Optio WG-1 and WG-1 GPS. The new model features a 14 Mp sensor, 5x internal optical zoom (28-140mm equiv.), a 2.7 inch LCD, and is waterproof to 33 feet, shockproof to withstand falls up to 5 feet and coldproof to sub-freezing temps of -10 degrees C. Its Enhanced Digital Microscope mode offers five macro LEDs for macro lighting. Both cameras will ship in April and will be priced at $349.95 for WG-1 and $399.95 for the version with GPS…
Canon announces EF500mm / EF600mm lenses
Canon announces 2 new models of its Image Stabilizer (IS) super-telephoto lenses. The EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM offers professional photographers a lighter weight option for situations that require a long focal length with improved image quality and enhanced durability, and is ideal for professional, sports, nature and wildlife photography. The EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM is the successor to the current EF 600mm with reduced overall weight by 27% to 138.3 oz. The EF 500mm will be available in May for $9,499, the EF 600mm in June for $11,999…
Canon launches new PowerShot compact cameras
Canon unveils 4 new PowerShot models, the SX230 HS, Elph 500 (IXUS 310) HS, Elph 300 (IXUS 220) HS and Elph 100 (IXUS 115) HS. The SX230 HS features a 12.1 Mp sensor, a 14x optical zoom lens (with Optical Image Stabilization) and a 3.0″ LCD. The camera will be available at the end of March for $349.99. The 500 HS features 4x optical zoom and a 3.2″ LCD. The 300 HS features 5x optical zoom and a 2.7″ LCD. The 100 HS features 4x optical zoom and a 3.0 LCD. The prices are $299.99, $249.99 and $199.99 respectively…
Canon unveils Rebel T3i / T3 (EOS 600D/1100D)
Canon unveils the 18 Mp EOS Rebel T3i (600D) and the 12 Mp T3 (1100D) digital SLR cameras. Both cameras are aimed at the beginning photographer. Canon’s new Feature Guide instruction will walk the T3i/600D user through functions and provide recommendations for various settings, a great hands-on learning tool. The T3i is scheduled for March for $799.99 (body only) or $899.99 (with Canon’s new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens). The more modest Rebel T3 will be offered for $599.99 in a kit with the same lens…
JVC Japan introduces GC-PX1 HD hybrid camera
JVC Japan has announced the GC-PX1, a HD hybrid camera for shooting videos and still images at high speeds. The most striking feature of the camcorder it its huge lens housing (for the 10x optical zoom Konica Minolta lens) and its thin body that comes with a 3-inch swivel LCD touchscreen. The camera achieves high-speed shooting and movie recording of 60 frames per second at full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution. You can even shoot stills at a whopping 300 frames per second when the resolution is set to 640×360…
Praktica introduces luxmedia 14-Z50S digital camera
Praktica announces the new 14 megapixel luxmedia 14-Z50S digital camera. The camera is equipped with a 5x optical zoom lens (26-130 mm) with optical image stabilization, a 3″ (7,6cm) TFT color monitor and 32 MB of internal memory. It features the usual array of function such as face and smile detection, blink detection, intelligent scene mode, but also Lomo fish eye lens mode. Video recording is supported in 1280 x 720 HD, 640×480 and 320×240 video resolutions with 3 seconds pre-recording…
Metz mecablitz 44 AF-1, the flash for shutterbugs
Within a few weeks of its launch in December, the new mecablitz 44 AF-1 digital had successfully established itself on the flash unit market. The number of pre-orders for the system flash unit, which was launched at photokina 2010, even exceeded what were already high expectations. The new 44 AF-1 (GN 44 for ISO 100/21° and 105 mm) features an integrated wide-angle diffuser, a flip-out reflector card and a USB interface. Its control panel with illuminated keys on the reverse of the unit makes the device exceptionally easy to use…
