SlashScope

The new Primo Star student microscopes from Carl Zeiss are offered in ten configurations and built to withstand "extensive use and rough handling". 'Ideally designed for educational use, Primo Star offers numerous innovative solutions: a modular illumination concept was developed with the choice between a 30 W halogen bulb, LED and the tilting mirror. This means that, for the very first time in this instrument class, it is possible to switch between the various types of illumination, with easy, convenient replacement of used bulbs. The control display on both sides of the stand provides information about the light intensity of the microscope - even from a distance of several meters. The integrated carrying handle allows simple, safe transportation from the lab bench to the storage cabinet. The external arrangement of the power supply unit in the rear panel allows easy replacement in the event of damage and ensures tidy stowing of the supply cable. Further benefits include the ergonomically correct Siedentopf tube with two different viewing heights, the variable interocular distance between 48 mm and 75 mm, reversed nosepiece, course focus with friction control and fine focus with jog/shuttle knob on the right side of the stand.'

Read: Primo Star from Carl Zeiss - Thomas Net

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Dave Bonandrini writing over at Astromart.com posts the highlights of a "Great Red Spot Junior" flashlight which he recently acquired. 'Its one of those flashlights you shake to charge with a red LED light installed. I got a package in the mail the other day containing a "Great Red Spot Junior" flashlight (I'm not making this up!). The flashlight is a smaller version of the original flashlight. It's not quite a mini so I guess the title of junior fits. The GRSJ flashlight is about 2 inches shorter and a little thinner around. I wonder what they will come up with if the GRS and GRSJ join together as one big monster spot sometime next month?'

Read: Great Red Spot Junior - astronomy flashlight - Astromart

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Matt Culler posts a comprehensive review of the entry-level Sony DCR-DVD105 camcorder on Camcorder Info. 'Sony’s lowest-end DVD camcorder this year, the DCR-DVD105 comes around the bend with virtually the same specs as last year’s DCR-DVD92 and performs similarly. This year’s model does include some extra software, as well as sports a better design and a color viewfinder, but you might get more value from your money by looking at the next model up, the DVD205. The Sony DCR-DVD105 offers a 1/6” CCD with 680K gross pixels (340K effective). This is the smallest chip size you’ll find among the major manufacturers, and is common among entry-level models. As expected, the image at 3000 lux is underwhelming. The picture isn’t bad—it’s just not good.'

Features/Specifications:
•LCD Screen Size (inches) 2.5
•Viewfinder Color
•Manual Focusing Yes
•Optical Zoom 20x
•Digital Zoom 40x
•Night Imaging SuperNightShot+
•Picture Stabilization Super SteadyShot
•Max Recording Time w/ Included Battery 115 minutes
•Digital Still Camera Yes
•Still Image Formats JPEG
•Weight With Battery (ounces) 15.04
•Width (inches) 2-1/8
•Height (inches) 3-1/2
•Depth (inches) 5-1/8 vParts Warranty 1 Year
•Labor Warranty 90 Days

Read: Sony DCR-DVD105 Camcorder Review - Camcorder Info

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DC Views reports on the announcement of a new multi-Functional DV536 Camcorder-PVR which goes on sale next month for $199.99. 'Digital convergence has transformed the consumer electronics landscape, and few manufacturers have embraced it more decisively than Mustek. Witness the new Mustek DV536 Digital Camcorder-PVR, a palm-sized entertainment powerhouse that takes convergence to new heights. A personal video recorder (PVR) for recording straight from a TV or DVD player, a VGA-quality digital camcorder, plus a 10-megapixel digital still camera, voice recorder and MP3 player... the DV536 does it all.' “Digital convergence is about giving consumers more of the features they want in a form factor that is compact, easy-to-operate and value priced,” said Bill Nguyen, Director of Marketing & Sales, Mustek. “Our new DV536 embodies the digital convergence ideal. It merges all the fun of a digital camcorder and still camera with a functionality of personal video recorder, opening up a new world of exciting possibilities for consumers to explore, from transferring their favorite DVD onto an SD card to enjoy anytime to making an impromptu movie classic of your own.”

Read: DC Views Press

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The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) is not the typical structure that comes to mind when you think about telescopes, however, as soon as you begin to contemplate looking (or listening) into deep space, the telescopes begin to take on a completely unfamiliar configuration. Popular Mechanics has provided an informative one page pdf download on the LBT. 'Essentially a pair of enormous telescopes bolted together, the $120 million Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) combines the light from two mirrors to simulate a telescope with a single larger mirror. The LBT's components were crafted in the United States, Italy and Germany, and assembled at 10,400 ft. on southeastern Arizona's Mount Graham. In October 2005, LBT took its first image of space--what astronomers call "first light"--using only one primary mirror. Later this year, the second mirror will become operational. Says mechanical engineer Shawn Callahan, "It's a very exciting time to be working on top of this mountain."

Source: Popular Mechanics

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If you desire a point-and-shoot camera, the Samsung Digimax L60 may satisfy your requirements with its sleek design and array of features for you to manipulate your photos. 'The Samsung Digimax L60 has a fairly standard control scheme: power button and shutter release on top, 2.4-inch TFT LCD and camera controls on the back. Next to the screen sit the zoom rocker; a four-way-plus-OK control pad; and mode, effect, setting/delete, and review/print buttons. A wide lanyard hole sits between the zoom rocker and the control pad, with its textured base serving as a small thumb rest. The effect and setting buttons let you access the most often used features in the camera without digging through menus. Fans of tiny tunnel-like portals will note that the camera lacks an optical viewfinder.'

Features:
• 6 Megapixel Up to 2816x2112, Up to 640x480 VGA MPEG4 Mono WAV Audio
•Internal Memory: Approximately 23MB Flash Memory
• External Memory: SD/MMC Card - J&R Recommends a 512MB card or greater for more practical usage
• File Format: JPEG, EXIF 2.2, DPOF 1.1
•Video Out: NTSC & Pal
•Self-Timer: 2 seconds, 10 seconds, Double 10 seconds, 2 seconds
•Image Sensor: 1/2.5 inch CCD
•11 Scene Modes: Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-up, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Text
•Sharpness: Soft, Normal, Vivid
•Shutter Speed: 2 - 1/2000 seconds, Night Mode 15 - 1/2000 seconds
•Power Source: 3.7V Li-ion battery
•Still image Modes : Auto, Program, Scene, Voice Recording
• System Requirements: Pentium II 450MHz or higher, Pentium 700MHz recommended, DirectX 9.0 or later, Machintosh Power Mac G3 or later, Mac OS 9.0 - 10.3, 200MB of available hard-disk space, Over 1GB recommend, Minimum 64MB RAM, Over 128MB recommended, USB port, CD-ROM drive
•Dimensions: Width 20.5 x Height 56.8 x Depth 96.9 mm, Width 0.81 x Height 2.24 x Depth 3.82 inch
• Weight: 129.5 grams
•Color: Silver

Read: Samsung Digimax L60 Review - CNET

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The Canon DC40 DVD Camcorder is a sleek looking device packed with a range of features for you to enhance your photo and video recording experience. 'With its broad, useful feature set; zippy shooting performance; attractive design; and good video quality, the Canon DC40 cements a place among the best of the DVD camcorders. Of course, it suffers from many of the same flaws as its competitors--such as sluggish disc activity--but if your heart is set on recording direct to DVD, it's definitely worth checking out. However, if your idea of a good time is hitting the Easy button and pointing the camera, you'd best consider the Sony DCR-DVD405 or the DCR-DVD505 as well.'

Features:
•4,300,000 pixel CCD captures rich details with excellent clarity
• Offers 10X optical zoom for wide angle coverage, and 200X digital zoom for acquiring fine details
•DIGIC DV system maximizes still image quality for computer display
•Smooth Zoom Control prevents jerky zooms, for professional style zooming
•Image Stabilization system compensates for camcorder shake instantly, ensuring no loss of image quality
•Wireless Remote Control lets you operate your camcorder from a distance
•USB interface allows you to transfer digital photos to your PC directly from the camcorder
•Level Shot Control
•Low Light Performance
•Wide-Angle and Teleconverter Attachments

Read: Canon DC40Review - CNET

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The EasyShare Z612 is a camera for users serious about their photo shoots and with the 12X optical zoom, full manual exposure controls along with the other features, great shots should not be that difficult. 'Kodak's 6.1-megapixel EasyShare Z612 looks like a Lilliputian SLR. But as with the crafty little people in Jonathan Swift's novel, there's more to it than meets the eye, some of which should be approached with caution. Like most superzooms, it uses an electronic--rather than optical--viewfinder, so if you don't like looking at tiny LCD screens, this isn't for you. On the plus side, it's fairly high-res at 202,000 pixels and doesn't blank out as much as some EVFs when in burst mode, though the image is still a bit herky-jerky compared to an optical finder's. If you don't frame with the EVF, you'll use the Z612's 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD, which is viewable even in bright light and brightens--that is, gains up--in low light to make it easy to frame in dim situations. Its 12X optical, 35mm-to-420mm (35mm equivalent), f/2.8-to-f/4.8 Schneider-Kreutznach zoom lens gives you plenty of reach, and the camera's image stabilization should help keep things steady at the longer end of the zoom.'

Features:
•Battery 1 x Li-Ion Included
•Display Screen 2.5" TFT Color LCD 230 Kilopixels
•Lens Type Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon Lens: Focal Length: 35 - 420mm (35mm equivalent)

•Interfaces/Ports 1 x Audio/Video Output
•1 x USB
•1 x Docking Station
•1 x DC Power Input
•Viewfinder Type Electronic - Viewfinder with 202 KiloPixels LCD

•Flash Modes
•Auto Flash
•Flash OFF
•Fill Flash
•Red-eye Reduction

•Optical Zoom 12x
•Internal Memory 32MB
•Effective Resolution 6.1 Megapixels
•Standard Warranty 1 Year(s)
•Total Resolution 6.4 Megapixels
•Digital Zoom 4.2x
•Storage Media 1 x Secure Digital (SD) Card Supported 1 x MultiMediaCard (MMC) Supported
•Image Stabilization Optical
•Focus Mode
•Auto Focus - TTL
•multi-zone, center zone,
•selectable zone (5 zones selectable)
•Single Auto Focus
•Continuous Auto Focus
•Manual Focus

Read: Kodak EasyShare Z612 Review - CNET

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Floyd Blue shares his experiences on the Astro Sky 10" f/6 telescope via Astromart.com. 'This scope was delivered and returned by a customer because they were not happy with the structure due to issues with the finish and other items not listed. When returned it was damaged in transport, which required some disassembly and replacement of panels before it was shipped to me. I did not send the optics so the scope was not tested before it was shipped. I agreed to accept the scope as the replacement for an earlier version of the 10” f/6 structure. This was an agreement between Astro Sky and myself that rectified some problems with the original structure that had to do with weight and balance issues and the structure needed modification to make the f/6 work properly. It was built in December of 2005 and was not painted with the new system and the plywood and materials were not the same, as the new scopes will use for the structure. So it is possibly not quite as good as the new ones will be.'

Read: Astro Sky 10" f/6 Review - Astromart

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Thomas Net reports on the launch of the EZ4 StereoZoom microscope from Leica. 'The Leica EZ4 StereoZoom® delivers unique benefits at a price-performance level that provides outstanding value for routine inspection. Unique! Dimmable Illumination: Achieve sharp, clear images with light as bright as fiber optic illumination. The five integrated LEDs can be switched individually, dimmed, and combined with transmitted light. Daylight 6500°K color temperature remains constant; true colors are preserved. Leica's unique 3-way incident light technology provides outstanding illumination to view samples from strongly structured objects to flat probes. The LEDs have a 25,000-hour service life, which means no more bulbs to replace. The LEDs stay cool; microorganisms and plant samples are protected.'

Features:
•Zoom ratio 4.4:1 provides magnification range from 8-35x
•(with 10x eyepieces)
•3 Versions available:
•- integrated 10x/20 high eyepoint eyepieces
•- integrated 16x/15 high eyepoint eyepieces
•- open eyetubes
•Eyetube angle of 60° is optimized for user comfort
•100 mm working distance allows easy access to specimens
•Integrated LED illumination system for incident and transmitted light
•25,000 hours service life for LED’s
•No removable parts for highest reliability and less chance of broken or lost parts
•Integrated universal power supply from 100V to 240V

Read: Thomas Net Press Release

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Dont be put off by the rubberized black body of the Samsung Digimax L85 camera, this device is not one of those type of cameras your parents previously owned but a modern, feature-packed snap shooter for all those family and vacation shoots. 'The Samsung Digimax L85 is a surprisingly functional 8-megapixel digital camera. Its chunky, retro design belies its very flexible, high-end feature set, including the unique ability to output HDMI . Granted, HDMI in a digital camera is more novel than utilitarian, but the wealth of manual settings and image features will be appreciated by anyone who wants to take solid photos. As long as you don't mind its propensity for fringing on edges and the lack of a fast burst mode, you'll find the Samsung Digimax L85 a versatile, quality shooter.'

Read: Samsung Digimax L85 Review - CNET

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If you are operating on a tight budget you do not have to make-do with a "throw away" camcorder. While an expensive device in the hands of a newbie would not necessarily translate into professional reproduction, the features in the affordably priced JVC GR-D650 could certainly be put to good use by an informed user. 'Relatively compact and weighing a little more than a pound, the JVC GR-D650 has a tall, thin design that fits comfortably in the hand and is compact enough to slip into a jacket pocket. The case is typical silver-and-gray plastic fare, with a solid design that feels like it should hold up well to everyday handling. Like most modern camcorders, the GR-D650 relegates the majority of its settings to menus, but you will find buttons for common functions, as well as a four-way directional pad that does double duty for menu navigation and quick access to settings such as backlight compensation. The GR-D650's menus are well organized and easy to navigate.'

Read: JVC GR-D650Review - CNET

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As night vision scopes go, this USB InfraRed webcam selling for $35 over at USB geek.com can, for all intents and purposes, be considered a steal of a deal. The webcam features a 1.3 megapixel CMOS sensor which should provide some recognizable reproductions to be transmitted via MSN, Skype, ICQ or other messenger type service. There are 2 InfraRed LEDs for nightvision and 3 white LEDs for light assistance. Topping off the features of this really neat device are the a built-in microphone and headset for live chat.

Specifications:
•Senor: 1/2" CMOS
•Resolution: 1280 x 1024, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480, 352 x 288, 320 x 240, 176 x 144, 160 x 120
• Frame Rates: Up to 30fps@640x480
•Capture Ressolution: Up to 1280 x 1024
• Focus Distance: 3cm ~ infinity
•Microphone: -45DB
•Infrared Light: 0~2m high power

Source: USBGeek Via; 14U News

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Channel News Asia reports on the installation of night vision equipment in vehicles in Singapore. 'It's more commonly used in the military alongside other high tech toys, and more recently, thermal imaging equipment was even widely used in Singapore during SARS. But now it is available in passenger cars to help drivers assess potential road hazards. This night vision for cars is believed to be the first of its kind to be introduced on Singapore roads. The captured night vision is displayed as black and white images on the centre console of the car. The warmer an object, the whiter it appears on screen. BMW believes one advantage of this thermal night vision is that it sees further ahead than conventional high beams.'

Read: News Feature Channel News Asia

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The Kodak Easyshare V603 Zoom Digital Camera is aimed at the 'easy-going' user who prefer a simple, easy to operate camera/gadget which offers a 'digital' experience. ' Essentially a 6-megapixel version of the EasyShare V550, Kodak's EasyShare V603 shares the same black-and-silver styling; the same 3X optical, 36mm-to-108mm, f/2.8-to-f/4.8 zoom lens; and the same 2.5-inch LCD as its sibling. Fans of tiny tunnel-vision viewfinders will note that the V603 has no such framing device, so you'll have to use the LCD to line up your shots, just like the rest of the digital snapshooting world. It also lacks manual exposure controls; 22 scene presets help you tackle a variety of conditions, while exposure compensation lets you tweak the camera's automatic choices. Unlike a lot of EasyShare cameras, the V603 doesn't come with a dock, though you can buy one separately. To connect the camera to your computer, it comes with a USB cable and an ImageLink-to-USB converter, so the ImageLink dock connector is still the camera's interface with your PC. The 600mAh lithium-ion battery charges inside the camera, which plugs directly into the wall using a small plug that resembles a cell phone's travel charger.'

Features:
•6.1 MP for prints up to 30 × 40 in. (75 x 100 cm)
•SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON 3X Optical Zoom Lens
•Advanced video options, including zoom and digital image stabilization
•2.5 in. (6.4 cm) high resolution indoor/outdoor color display
• KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology
•22 scene modes including panorama stitch
• KODAK Color Science Chi

Read: Kodak EasyShare V603 Reviw - CNET

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The Canon Eluras are the most affordable of Canon's Megapixel camcorders and give you both excellent video footage and brilliant digital photographs. 'More compact than its entry-level ZR models, the Canon Elura 100 is the company's only offering this year in its midrange Elura line. In this case, the step up to Elura means a larger, higher-resolution CCD sensor, which can serve up larger 1-megapixel still images, in addition to better video resolution. It also means a nominally higher pixel count for the LCD screen, Canon's nine-point AiAF autofocus system, and a handful of still-imaging modes not available on the Canon ZR models.'

Read: Canon Elura 100 Review - CNET

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Since the price of the Fujifilm FinePix F30at $399 comes dangerously close to the entry level DSLR devices, prospective buyers would it seems, be more interested in features other than that of photo 'perfection'. 'Fujifilm has spent the last couple of years getting in touch with its sensitive side by ratcheting up the usable sensitivity range of its digital compact cameras. The pinnacle of this work is the company's new FinePix F30, which includes a range of ISOs from ISO 100 all the way up to ISO 3,200. In the film world, you could get ISO 3,200 only with black-and-white film, and it had grain that was affectionately referred to as "golfball size" by many photographers. While noise at ISO 3,200 is extreme, the F30 keeps imaging artifacts under control below that point, making for a breakthrough as digital compacts go.'

Features:
•Fast Operation:The FinePix F30 powers up in a little more than a second and shutter lag, the time it takes the camera to fire after the auto focus and auto exposure locks, is down to 0.01 seconds.
•More Power: FinePix F30 users can take approximately 500 pictures on a single battery charge, eliminating worry that the camera might power off before an important shot.
• "Natural Light" shooting mode: This mode preserves scene mood and enhances background detail by shooting with faster shutter speeds at higher light sensitivities (if necessary) with a suppressed flash. Users also can experience the benefits of Natural Light in a unique shooting mode called "Natural Light & With Flash." In this mode the FinePix F30 quickly shoots two images in succession -- one with and one without the flash -- saving both. This convenient function lets the user perform an on-the-spot picture comparison and decide whether the FinePix F30 produced the most pleasing photo either with flash, or without.
•Manual settings: Includes shutter and aperture priority, for more user control.
•LCD: A 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD with Fujifilm's glare-reducing Clear View Film for better viewing in direct light. Fujifilm is a leading supplier of anti-glare and low-reflection technologies for flat panel displays and some of the same anti-glare and low-reflection elements found on displays costing thousands of dollars are found on the FinePix F30.
•Better Movie Quality: Movie capture for the FinePix F30 enhanced by noise reduction, making it possible to capture clear, sharp moving images even at high ISO sensitivity speeds.
•Internal memory: FinePix F30 users will want to take a lot of pictures and memory cards can fill quickly, so having a reserve of on-board storage will come in handy.

Read: Fujifilm FinePix F30 Review - CNET

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Steves-Digicams previews the features of the soon-to-be released Sony DSLR-A100 camera. 'The a (alpha) DSLR-A100 digital single lens reflex (D-SLR) camera is the first product to come from Sony's aquisition of Konica Minolta's D-SLR and technologies. The DSLR-A100 is based heavily on the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D and incorporates a higher resolution 10.2-megapixel image sensor, improved 40-segment metering, higher resolution 2.5-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus, and a new Anti Dust technology. The DSLR-A100 will have the highest resolution available in its class. It will be introduced along with 19 high-quality Sony lenses and a wide range of accessories.'

Read: Sony DSLR-A100 Digital SLR Review - Steves-Digicams

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Kevin Bullis writing in Technology Review gives an update on the progress of researchers at MIT in their quest to integrate infrared devices in medical and other non-military applications. 'Fast, high-quality infrared devices are expensive. That's why they've been used mainly in applications such as space imaging and night vision for military helicopter pilots. But now MIT researchers are developing a method for making high-quality infrared devices for one-tenth of the cost, which could eventually lead to widespread use in civilian applications, such as cancer detection and night-vision displays in vehicles. Relatively low-cost infrared devices are already available to consumers, but these devices are unreliable and tend to produce noisy, low-resolution images that refresh slowly, says Anu Agarwal, a research associate at MIT who manages the infrared project at the institute's Microphotonics Center. High-end devices produce sharp images and video in real time, but need to be cooled with liquid nitrogen, she says, and they're made with expensive materials and specialized tools. '

Read: Technology Review

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CNET reviews the Nikon Coolpix L3 digital camera which should satisfy the basic requirements of most vacation photograbhers. 'The Nikon Coolpix L3 is the midrange member of Nikon's simple, inexpensive L-series digital cameras. The 5-megapixel camera sports a 3X optical zoom lens, a handful of useful scene modes, and a small price tag. It's not the fastest, sharpest, or sleekest digital camera on the market, but this little shooter produces good-looking images for the price'

Highlights:
• 3X optical Zoom and 4X digital zoom ensures crisp, clear images
• Features 5.1 Effective Megapixels for stunning prints up to 16x20 inches
• Offers 16 Scene Modes for great Portraits, Panoramas, Landscapes and more
• Provides In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™ to remove red-eye in the camera

Read: Nikon Coolpix L3 Review - CNET

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With the appearance of 'digital binoculars' on the scene, the learning curve has inclined slightly upwards for the newbie seeking to understand the various aspects of the scopes. Phil Bloom, Outdoors editor for Fort Wayne.com, seeks to explain binocular terminology in an informative interview with Dr. Bill Cross (senior engineering project manager for Bushnell). 'If you’re in the market for a pair of binoculars but don’t understand all the numbers – including the ones on the price tags – then Dr. Bill Cross has the answers that can bring everything into focus.Cross is the senior engineering project manager for Bushnell, an optics company in Overland Park, Kan., and a Purdue graduate.Before sorting through the array of binoculars on the store shelf, Cross starts with some simple questions.“What do you want them for?” he said. “Do you want to look at sports? Maybe waterproofing isn’t as important as if you were using them for hunting.'

Read:

Source: Fort Wayne.com

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cliff Smith reviews the Canon EOS 30D for Trusted Reviews.com and concludes, 'the EOS 30D is nonetheless a great camera, arguably the best mid-range DSLR on the market. The body is heavy enough to provide stability while shooting without being tiring to use for long periods, and the large handgrip is both comfortable and secure. The control system, with one adjustment wheel on the top of the handgrip and a large rotating thumbwheel for menu selections, is quick, efficient and comfortable to use. The wide range of external controls means that you hardly ever have to go into the menu system.'

Features:
•8.2 MP CMOS sensor
•5fps, 30 JPEG image burst
•2.5" LCD
•Picture Style image processing
•Spot metering & 9-point AF
• DIGIC II
• Digital Photo Professional software
• Magnesium alloy body
•Compatible with all EF/EF-S lenses and EX Speedlite flashes
•Connectivity

Read: Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR Review - Trusted Reviews

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David Kender posts an informed analysis of the key features of the Panasonic PV-GS500 in the review of the device on Camcorderinfo.com. 'Easily one of the most anticipated camcorders in the last few years, Panasonic’s PV-GS500 arrived this year to replace the hugely successful PV-GS400. The GS400 offered great video quality with a bundle of pro-level features that made it a hit with the serious hobbyists and prosumers. This year, Panasonic has adopted a new approach, leaving fans none too pleased. In order to court a larger market, Panasonic has slashed prices on their top MiniDV models, and dropped most of the pro-level features in the process. So here it is – the GS500. It may be replacing the GS400, but it’s sure not much of a successor.'

Read: Panasonic PV-GS500 Review - Camcorderinfo

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The Olympus Stylus 710 camera with its $299 price tag enters a very competitive market for the attention of amateur photo buffs. 'Though the Olympus Stylus 710's gasketed body fills the bill and its combination of ISO 1,600 support and digital image stabilization can handle any fog banks that roll in, you'll likely be disappointed by the photos. According to Olympus, the Stylus 710's metal, vaguely wedge-shaped body is gold-plated and coated with a platinum alloy to produce an attractive, clean, scratch-resistant surface. The camera's fairly standard control layout is easy to navigate. The shutter release and the power button rest alone on top of the camera. The back panel holds the zoom rocker; the four-way-plus-OK control pad; the mode dial; and the menu, print, display, and trash buttons. '

Features:
•An All-Weather design means you don't have to let a little rain, snow or sand spoil your picture-taking plans.
• The revolutionary Bright Capture Technology lets you clearly and brightly preview and take pictures in low-light situations.
•Take crisp, clear pictures with Digital Image Stabilization Mode.
•Pictures are easier to frame, take and review on the 2.5" premium-sized LCD.
•Your pictures will look great and your prints will look just as impressive thanks to the 7.1 megapixel CCD.
•24K gold plated body coated with a platinum alloy finish provides protection from scratches.

Read: Olympus Stylus 710 Review - ZDNet

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