Fujifilm Europe announces 9 megapixel Finepix F47fd

The new FinePix F47fd is the latest in Fujifilm's range of advanced compact digital cameras. Offering a 9.0 million pixel resolution, this camera model further enhances the reputation of its predecessor the FinePix F40fd.

Featuring Fujifilm's proprietary Real Photo Processor II, Super CCD HR VI and hardware-based Face Detection, the new model continues the F series tradition of delivering sophisticated technology in a smart compact body.

In addition, the F47fd offers quality ISO 2000 sensitivity at full resolution, which delivers detailed, versatile images that can be cropped or printed at large sizes. The 3.0x optical zoom lens and long life battery are just two other stunning features that make this the ideal take-anywhere-digital camera.

Real Photo Technology

Fujifilm's Real Photo Technology brings together CCD, processor and lens to deliver images of optimum quality that are rich in colour, detail and sharpness and low in noise.

Fujifilm's proprietary Super CCD HR VI is a unique octagonal shape, which means it has a larger surface area than traditional sensors, making it more sensitive to light.

This gives Fujifilm's FinePix cameras their high ISO sensitivity ratings, which mean faster shutter speeds and a reduction of image blur. The Real Photo Processor II has a unique double 'noise' reduction algorithm, which is highly effective at reducing the grain that can ruin pictures in low light. The FinePix F47fd achieves ISO 2000 (1600 selectable) at full resolution, which allows you to capture priceless memories with every gradation of light and colour, even in low-light situations without flash.

For detailed visit www.dcviews.com/press/Fuji-F47fd.htm

Canon PowerShot S5 IS

The Canon PowerShot S5 IS ($499) is the follow-up to the incredibly popular PowerShot S3, which was introduced in February of last year. The S5 takes an already excellent camera and improves up on it, adding these new features:

• 8 Megapixel CCD (versus 6MP on the S3)
• DIGIC III image processor
• Large LCD display (2.5" vs 2.0")
• Hot shoe for external flash
• Higher top sensitivity (ISO 1600 vs 800)
• In-camera redeye reduction
• Face detection AF
• Ability to record longer movie clips

What hasn't changed since the S3? The S5 IS still has a 12X optical zoom lens, optical image stabilization, full manual controls, a rotating LCD display, and a top-notch movie mode. A few things have changed for the worse, though, including the continuous shooting rate and battery life.

The PowerShot S3 (along with its two predecessors) was one of my top picks in the ultra zoom category. Does the new S5 continue the tradition? Find out now in our review!

What's in the Box?

The PowerShot S5 IS has an average bundle. Inside the box, you'll find:

• The 8.0 effective Megapixel PowerShot S5 camera
• 32MB Secure Digital memory card
• Four AA alkaline batteries
• Neck strap
• USB cable
• A/V output cable
• CD-ROM featuring Canon Digital Camera Solution
• 33 page basic + 201 page advanced + 84 page software manuals (all printed)

Source : www.dcresource.com

Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2

After I reviewed the Canon PowerShot TX1, I received several requests to review the Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2 ($699 list price). Now, I've never used a Sanyo camera before, but I was game for trying the HD2, since it sounded pretty interesting -- at least on the surface.

The VPC-HD2 features a 7.1 Megapixel CCD, 10X optical zoom lens, a 2.2" rotating LCD display, full manual controls, and HDMI output. And did I mention the 720p movie mode that records stereo sound? If that sounds a lot like the PowerShot TX1, you're right. The main differences are size (the TX1 is smaller) and image stabilization (the TX1's is optical, the HD2's is digital and only for videos).

I'm yet to be won over by any of the camera/camcorder hybrids, which include the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1/M2 and the PowerShot TX1 that I already mentioned. Will the Sanyo HD2 break the mold? Find out now in our review!

What's in the Box?

The VPC-HD2 has an excellent bundle. Inside the box, you'll find:

* The 7.1 effective Megapixel Xacti VPC-H2 digital camera
* DB-L40 lithium-ion rechargeable battery
* Camera dock
* AC adapter
* Lens cap w/retaining strap
* Wireless remote control
* Soft camera case
* Cable adapter
* Microphone connection cable
* USB cable
* Component video cable
* A/V output cable
* CD-ROMs featuring Photo Explorer and DVD MovieFactory
* 212 page camera manual (printed)

Source : www.dcresource.com

The Olympus Digital Camera EVOLT E-410

When Olympus announced that their compact E-400 digital SLR would not be sold in the US, the collective groan could've been heard in space. After all, we Americans want small D-SLRs too! Thankfully someone at Olympus was listening, and they brought the E-400's replacement -- the E-410 -- to the rest of us. This compact SLR, priced from $699, has quite a few tricks up its sleeve. They include:

* A 10 Megapixel LiveMOS sensor
* "Live view" on a high resolution 2.5" LCD display
* A brighter optical viewfinder than the E-330, Olympus' last live view D-SLR
* Dust reduction system as found on all Olympus E-series cameras
* New TruePic III image processor promises better photo quality and faster performance
* Dual xD and CompactFlash memory card slots

The E-410 has a big brother as well (the E-510), which sells for $100 more. The two cameras share the same basic components, with the E-510 adding CCD-shift image stabilization, a larger right hand grip, and a more powerful battery. I'll have some side-by-side shots of the two cameras later in this article.

The entry-level D-SLR space is pretty crowded these days. How does the E-410 fare against the competition? Find out now in our review!

What's in the Box?

The E-410 will come in three kits: body only ($699), with a 14 - 42 mm lens ($799), or with that lens plus an additional 40 - 150 mm lens ($899). Here's what you'll find in the box for each:

* The 10.0 effective Megapixel Olympus E-410 camera body
* F3.5 - 5.6, 14 - 42 mm Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens [lens kit only]
* F4.0 - 5.6, 40 - 150 mm Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens [dual lens kit only]
* BLS-1 lithium-ion rechargeable battery
* Battery charger
* Body cap
* Shoulder strap
* USB cable
* Video cable
* CD-ROM featuring Olympus Master
* Quick start guide + 131 page full camera manual (printed)

Source : www.dcresource.com

Pentax K100D digital SLR

Pentax today introduced an updated version of their K100D digital SLR, known as the K100D Super. What's super about it? Well, it adds a dust reduction feature, support for Pentax's new SDM (Supersonic Drive Motor) lenses, and a new top ISO of 3200. Here are the other specs:

K100D Super [specs]

* 6.1 effective Megapixel CCD
* Supports every Pentax lens ever made
* CCD-shift image stabilization means sharper photos without having to buy expensive stabilized lenses
* Dust removal system literally shakes dust off of the sensor
* 2.5" LCD display with 210,000 pixels
* Full manual controls; shutter speed range of 30 - 1/4000 sec; ISO range of 200 - 3200
* Numerous scene modes
* Uses four AA batteries
* SD/SDHC/MMC memory card slot
* USB 2.0 High Speed supported
* Ships with an 18 - 55 mm lens this August for $599


Source : www.dcresource.com/news

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9

The Cyber-shot DSC-H9 ($479) is Sony's top-of-the-line ultra zoom camera. It features a whopping 15X optical zoom lens, optical image stabilization, tilting 3-inch LCD display, full manual controls, infrared "NightShot" shooting, and much more. It also uses the same Bionz image processor as Sony's Alpha digital SLR, which promises improved performance and photo quality over previous models.

If you want to save some money, then you may be interested in the H9's little brother, the DSC-H7 ($399). This camera is almost identical to the H9, with the differences being LCD size (2.5" on the H7), battery life (better on the H7), and NightShot (the H7 doesn't have it).

Being a top-end ultra zoom, the H9 finds itself amongst some pretty tough competition. How does it perform? Find out now in our review!

What's in the Box?

The DSC-H9 has a good bundle. Inside the box, you'll find:

* The 8.1 effective Megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-H9 camera
* NP-BG1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery
* Battery charger
* Lens cap w/retaining strap
* Lens hood w/adapter
* Shoulder strap
* Wireless remote control
* USB + A/V cable
* CD-ROM featuring Picture Motion Browser and drivers
* 38 page basic manual (printed) plus full manual (on CD-ROM)

Source : www.dcresource.com/reviews

Canon PowerShot S5 IS

Those of you who have been waiting for the next generation Canon ultra zoom, your wait is over. While it's an evolutionary upgrade, the new PowerShot S5 IS still packs some impressive new features. They include:

PowerShot S5 IS [specs]

• 8.0 effective Megapixel CCD
• F2.7-3.5, 12X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 36 - 432 mm
• Optical image stabilization
• Flip-out, rotating 2.5" LCD display (up from 2-inch on the S3)
• Full manual controls; shutter speeds as fast as 1/3200 sec
• Uses DIGIC III image processor, allowing for better photo quality, faster processing times, longer movies, Face Detection autofocus, and in-camera redeye reduction
• Hot shoe for external flash (new!)
• Records movies at 640 x 480 (30 fps) with stereo sound until 4GB file size limit is reached (takes about 32 mins); optical zoom can be used during recording; camera can take a full resolution still photo while recording
  
• Supports optional conversion lenses
• SD/SDHC memory card slot
• Uses four AA batteries; 450 shots per charge using 2500 mAh NiMH rechargeables
• Shipping in early July for $499

Source : www.dcresource.com

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH

The other new Canon camera is the PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH. If you thought the last round of PowerShots had confusing model numbers, get ready for this one. Despite its name, the SD850 is not the replacement to the SD800. Rather, it's the replacement for the SD700 (they couldn't use SD750 since it's already taken -- and who knows what they'll call the follow-up to the SD800!). And in Europe, it's known as the IXUS 950 IS, which doesn't make any more sense, as there's already an IXUS 900 Ti. Who comes up with these things?

Rant over -- here are the specs:

PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH [specs]

* 8.0 effective Megapixel CCD
* F2.8-5-5, 4X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 35 - 140 mm
* Optical image stabilization
* Ultra-compact metal body
* 2.5" PureColor LCD display (which impressed me quite a bit on the SD1000) is glare, fingerprint, and scratch resistant
* Point-and-shoot operation
* Same DIGIC III features as the S5 above
* New Creative Light Effect scene mode can "alter the shape of background bright spots - into hearts, stars and the like - when shooting a night scene"
* Records movies at 640 x 480 (30 fps) with sound until 4GB file size limit is reached (takes about 32 mins)
* SD/SDHC memory card support
* Uses proprietary li-ion battery; 230 shots per charge (which is actually a little worse than the SD700)
* Ships in June for $399

Source : www.dcresource.com

Fuji FinePix S700

The FinePix S700 ($249) is Fuji's new entry-level ultra zoom camera. It replaces the FinePix S5200, and sits below the S6000fd, which was introduced last summer. The S700 lacks the SuperCCD sensor, face detection, and SLR-styling of the S6000fd, but it still has a plethora of features, including a 7 Megapixel CCD, 10X zoom lens, full manual controls, VGA movie mode, and more. It's also one of the first Fuji cameras to have a memory card slot that accepts the xD and SD formats.

The entry-level ultra zoom field is pretty crowded these days. How does the FinePix S700 compare? Find out now in our review!

The S700 is known as the FinePix S5700 in some countries.

What's in the Box?

The FinePix S700 has an average bundle. Inside the box, you'll find:

* The 7.1 effective Megapixel FinePix S700 digital camera
* Four alkaline AA batteries
* Lens cap w/retaining strap
* Neck strap
* USB cable
* A/V cable
* CD-ROM featuring FinePix CX software
* 178 page camera manual (printed)

For detailed : www.dcresource.com

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 ($350) is the updated version of the popular DMC-FZ7 ultra zoom from last year (see our review). This latest model is an evolutionary upgrade, providing these new features compared to the FZ7:

* A 7.2 effective Megapixel CCD (versus 6MP on the FZ7)
* Uses Venus III image processor (the FZ7 used Venus II)
* Higher resolution LCD and electronic viewfinder (the latter is a bit larger as well)
* RAW image format supported
* 11-point autofocus system (versus 9-point)
* "Two speed" zoom controller
* ISO now goes up to 1250 in regular shooting modes, or 3200 in high sensitivity mode
* Intelligent ISO mode automatically adjusts ISO based on lighting and subject moving
* Support for SDHC memory card format
* Battery life improved by almost 20%


For detailed : www.dcresource.com

Nikon D40x

Less than four months after introducing their entry-level D40 digital SLR, Nikon released a fancier version, known as the D40x. I think it's safe to assume that a lot of D40 owners weren't entirely pleased with this news!

The original D40 brought ease-of-use and a comfortable compact body to the D-SLR world, and it was a welcome development. It offered a solid design, great photo quality, a very user-friendly menu system, and the kind of performance that you'd expect from a digital SLR. Naturally, some features were "stripped" to keep the price down, most notably the lack of a built-in focus motor, which meant that older lenses were manual focus only. Still, the pros outnumbered the cons, and the D40 earned an easy recommendation.

So what's new with the D40x, which costs just under $200 more than its predecessor?

* More resolution: the D40 had a 6.1MP sensor, while the D40x has a 10.2MP sensor
* A faster burst rate: from 2.5 fps on the D40 to 3 fps on the D40x
* New ISO starting point: the D40 started at ISO 200, the D40x starts at ISO 100
* Slower external flash sync speed (1/200 vs 1/500 sec)
* 10% improvement in battery life


More detailed : www.dcresource.com

Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

The good: Combination of fast drive mode and high resolution; large buffer; highly customizable; saves custom camera setups to media, supports cards greater than 2GB.

The bad: Noise in underexposed image areas; imperfections appear when paired with lower-quality lenses.

The bottom line: In a league by itself, the Mark II offers professional photographers extensive customization, excellent photo quality, and market-leading speed.

Source : cnet.nytimes.com/digital-cameras

Samsung Digimax L74 Wide

When you think about camera lenses, "zoom" is probably the first word that comes to mind. Lots of camera manufacturers focus on giving their cameras the longest zoom lenses available, but while 5x, 10x, and 12x lenses are all handy for getting up close to far-away targets, they're not so good for wide shots. Typically, these high-zoom lenses have wide angles equivalent to 35 or 38 millimeters, which is relatively narrow for taking shots of groups, landscapes, or buildings. The 7-megapixel Samsung L74 Wide's lens is designed for framing the big picture.

As its name implies, the L74 Wide specializes in taking wide-angle shots. Its 3.6x zoom lens starts at a 28mm-equivalent angle of view, letting you fit more into your shot, which tends to be much more useful in everyday situations. For example, a 28mm-equivalent lens can get more people into a group photo, or frame a tall building without forcing you to step back as far as you would with a 35 or 38mm-equivalent lens. In an attempt to help keep your shots steady, the L74 Wide includes Samsung's Advanced Shake Reduction, an electronic image stabilization system that boosts ISO sensitivity and speeds up the shutter for high-speed and zoomed-in shots.

Source : cnet.nytimes.com/digital-cameras

Fujifilm FinePix F40fd

Fujifilm was among the first camera makers to push up to ISO 1,600 and beyond in compact cameras, thanks to its effective noise-reduction algorithms. That resulted in a parade of double-digit F-series cameras that employ Fuji's Real Photo Technology--a group of features aimed at shooting usable photos in low-light, among other, situations. The latest of those cameras is the FinePix F40fd, which offers an 8.3-megapixel Super-CCD-HR sensor, sensitivity up to ISO 2,000, a 2.5-inch LCD, and a 3x, 36mm-to-108mm f/2.8-to-f/5.1 zoom lens. However, you won't find optical or mechanical image stabilization, which puts it one step behind many of its competitors, some of which also offer 4x or even longer zoom lenses.

Source : cnet.nytimes.com/digital-cameras

SD14 Digital SLR Camera from Sigma Corporation

Compact and powerful, the SD14 Digital SLR Camera from Sigma Corporation makes high-performance digital SLR photography easy and convenient. Featuring a 14 mega-pixel sensor resolution, SD14 delivers vivid colors in sharp detail. Its large 2.5-inch LCD monitor enables you to compose and preview shots. With a continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second and camera’s predictive auto focus function, it allows photographing fast moving subjects with ease. Plus its mirror lock-up mechanism raises the mirror to prevent vibration and help reduce camera shake.

Sigma SD14 features Foveon X3^® direct image sensor that captures primary RGB colors in three layers and helps ensure full and complete color range reproduction. SD14 incorporates both RAW and JPEG image recording formats enabling photographers to capture high-definition pictures in small file sizes. Additionally it’s equipped with pentaprism viewfinder that offers clear coverage of your subject. A built-in flash with a Guide Number of 11 and a 5-point AF system, durable shutter mechanism and many more versatile features this camera allows you to capture every shot in all its brilliance. From its inviting body contours to its easily accessible controls, SD14 makes picture taking satisfying and fun.

accessories.us.dell.com

Sigma SD14 firmware 1.03

Sigma has today released version 1.03 firmware for the SD14 digital SLR. This new firmware contains two fixes; Corrects the intermittent camera freeze while CF CARD BUSY LIGHT is on during continuous shooting. Corrects the remaining battery power display on the top LCD panel. Firmware can be user updated and higher version numbers contain all the fixes of previous versions. This new firmware can be downloaded from the sigma-sd14.com website (link after the jump).

www.dpreview.com

Samsung GX-10 firmware 1.20

Samsung has released firmware version 1.20 for its GX-10 DSLR. Adding functionality to the command dials and green button seems to be at the heart of this update, improving speed and ease of operation by allowing photographers to change settings without having to delve into the menu system. The firmware may be installed over all previous versions as it incorporates the changes added in previous releases and is available now via Samsung's support site (link after the jump).

www.dpreview.com

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9

Almost exactly 12 months after the launch of the Cyber-shot DSC-H2 and DSC-H5 Sony announced the replacement cameras; the DSC-H7 and the top-of-the-range model reviewed here; the DSC-H9. That Sony chose to increase the pixel count (to 8MP) and to include this year's 'must have' features (face detection and ludicrously high maximum ISO) can't have surprised many, but there are a few less predictable new features, and a few welcome changes. The former include Sony's unique 'NightShot' infra-red mode (seen on many camcorders as well as a few Cyber-shots over the years), a 15x zoom and HDTV (well, 1080i) output. The latter include an articulated (tilt-up) screen, improved focus system, faster performance and a new (in the box) remote control.

The super-zoom market is still one of the most competitive sectors and the H9 is up against some stiff competition from old foes such as Panasonic, Canon and Olympus. The H2 and H5 were both well-received when reviewed this time last year, so let's find out if Sony has built on that success or not.

www.dpreview.com

Pentax 50th Anniversary Asahi Pentax DSLR

In the Pentax Square in Shinjuku, Japan Pentax has revealed a special 50th Anniversary edition 'Design Study Model' digital SLR with the tentative name of 'Asahi Pentax'. This prototype camera is based on the K10D (as is obvious on closer inspection) but has a very different viewfinder, which is of the same design as that found on the very first Asahi Pentax from 1957, the first Japanese SLR with a fixed pentaprism viewfinder. Note that there are no plans to put this camera into production, rather it is a celebration of Pentax's 50th anniversary and their long contribution to SLR photography.

www.dpreview.com

CIPA Specifications Guideline for Digital Cameras

CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) has today published a draft of their new 'Specification Guideline for Digital Cameras', this document is designed to provide guidelines to manufacturers for the publication of specifications and features for digital cameras. It covers a wide range of details such as focal length, effective pixels, sensitivity, signal to noise ratio and even weight, dimensions and volume. One interesting inclusion is a distinction between mechanical image stabilization and digital blur reduction. CIPA members include Canon, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sigma and Sony.

www.dpreview.com