SlashScope

CNET has reviewed the compact "feature-rich" Photosmart R817 digital camera from HP. 'When buying a digital camera, the rule of thumb has been small size, small price, big features--choose any two. With recent technological advances and price reductions, you can almost have all three at the same time. The Photosmart R817 is one of HP's recent efforts to cram its mix of image-enhancing technologies into an inexpensive, pocket-size camera. The 6.7-ounce R817 has a 5.1-megapixel sensor, a mostly metal body, and a bright 2-inch LCD screen. It also has a 5X optical zoom, which is unusual in a camera this small. Less impressive, it lacks an optical viewfinder (which can be a problem in bright sunlight), some of its photos are overly noisy, and the battery can take four to six hours to recharge. Despite its flaws, this camera would be a good choice for a beginner who wants to learn more about photography, because it can analyze your photos and offer context-sensitive advice. More experienced photographers will appreciate the HP Photosmart R817's manual controls.'

Read: HP Photosmart R817 - CNET

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Digital Camera Resource Page reviews the PowerShot A710 IS which is "the top of Canon's A-series lineup". 'Canon includes a 16MB memory card along with the A710, which is quite small for a 7MP camera (it holds just four photos at the highest quality setting). That means that you'll need to buy a memory card, which drives up the initial purchase price of the camera a bit. The A710 uses Secure Digital cards, including the new high capacity SDHC cards that are just now becoming available. I'd recommend picking up a 512MB card along with the camera. Buying a high speed card (50X or higher) is a good idea, as it does impact camera performance.'

Read: DCRP Review: Canon PowerShot A710 IS

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Think Camera has reviewed the "6MP compact" Canon Ixus 65 digital camera. 'The first feature is one you might not even notice unless you are an Ixus groupie (and yes, this range is such a design icon that they really do exist). The Ixus 65 is the first Ixus not to have an optical viewfinder. In fact the Ixus range was slightly unusual in hanging onto the optical viewfinder as long as it did but it would be nice if they had retained it. Turn the camera round and it's very obvious why there is no optical viewfinder - there isn't space. The Canon Ixus 65 has an enormous 3 inch screen - there are hardly room for the controls let alone a viewfinder.'

Read: Review: Canon Ixus 65 - Think Camera

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CNET has reviewed the "Pocket-friendly" Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T30 (black) digital camera. 'At 3.7 by 2.2 by 0.9 inches and 4.7 ounces, the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T30 is a bit larger than recent T-series cameras. As with the Cyber Shot DSC-T9, the T30's image-stabilized lens adds some depth over other T-series cameras. Its 3-inch LCD, compared to the T9's 2.5-inch screen, contributes to the increase as well. Still, the camera is plenty pocketable, and its vertically sliding lens cover integrates more seamlessly into the design than its predecessors, thanks to a raised portion on the camera's front face. The back of the DSC-T30 is black and covered in Plexiglas, giving it a slightly classier look than its older siblings. Sony has kept the straightforward menu system used in recent versions of the T series, and the button layout is very similar. The main exception is that the company switched from a cluster of five buttons to a five-way rocker for menu control.'

Read: Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T30 (black) - CNET

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David Elosser writing over at Astromart shares his impressions of the "Zhumell 8" Dobsonian package". 'When you accept delivery of your new Zhumell Dobsonian, inspect the large box! After I opened it I discovered that the optical tube is not well protected from miss-handling. Carefully inspect the large box before you sign for it. If you see any outside damage carefully open it at that point to inspect for product damage. If you see or suspect anything, return both boxes and call your dealer. This will save you some hassle in the long run. Fortunately, mine arrived without damage. The smaller box is well packed with accessories and is not likely to have any damaged contents unless seriously miss-handled.'

Read: Coming Full Circle: The Zhumell 8" Dobsonian - Astromart

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Molly K. McLaughlin wring over at PC Magazine has reviewed the "ultracompact" Casio Exilim EX-Z850 digital camera. 'The compact 8.1MP Exilim EX-Z850 measures 0.9 by 2.3 by 3.5 inches. It features a 3X optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 38-to-114mm), with corresponding maximum f-stops of f/2.8 to f/5.1. It has 8MB of onboard storage space and accepts SD memory cards. You can shoot video in 640-by-480 (VGA) at 30 frames per second (MPEG-4) to the capacity of the card, and the Exilim includes nine Best Shot modes for movies, including scenery, nighttime, and short movie. The camera relies on a 2.5-inch LCD screen that's viewable even in the bright summer sun. Also bundled is a USB dock for recharging the lithium ion battery and transferring photos to your PC.'

Read: Casio Exilim EX-Z850 - PC Mag

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Mary Branscombe writing over at Think Camera reviewed the Canon EOS 5D which is noted as the "first digital SLR to combine a full-frame sensor with an affordable price tag". 'Most of the controls work with the two wheels that fall under your forefinger and thumb. Press the Drive-ISO button and you can change the ISO with your thumb or the drive mode with the finger wheel. You can use whichever control wheel is more comfortable to navigate the menus but the Set button is on the thumbwheel. There's a separate joystick for selecting autofocus points and fine-tuning the white balance. Not all of the controls are logical. You can lock the exposure and the main control wheel but not the exposure mode dial next to the flash shoe and one button is devoted to printing, which is an odd choice on this level of camera.'

Read: Review: Canon EOS 5D - ThinkCamera

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The new Night Strike night vision monocular is a high performance night vision monocular, developed and manufactured by N-Vision Optics. 'The monocular is equipped with a short range built-in infrared illuminator practically invisible to a human eye to assist with tasks that have to be performed in complete darkness. The Night Strike is offered with a choice of highest quality image intensifier tubes and is compatible with weapon mounted IR laser aiming and illuminating devices. Key features include: shock and water proof design, 2.5x magnification, and the Night Strike is so compact that fits in a pocket!

Read: Press Release

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Digital Camera Info has reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX50 digital camera. 'The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX50 has 7.2 megapixels and an optically stabilized Leica 3.6x zoom lens. It’s features consist of a slew of automatic modes, including 18 scenes and a Simple mode that turns the FX50 into a point-and-shoot digital camera. There is a High Sensitivity scene mode on this model that goes up to ISO 3200 to capture subjects cast in low light without having to use the built-in flash. The body is plainly styled and comes in silver and black colors, and has a huge 3-inch LCD screen on its back. The Panasonic FX50 can record widescreen pictures and videos and retails for $399.'

Read: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX50 Digital Camera Review - Digital Camera Info

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Ben Stafford writing over at Digital Camera Review has posted a review of the Kodak Easyshare C875. 'The Kodak Easyshare C875 is currently the top of line in Kodak's C-series. Typically, the C series cameras have been entry level, easy to use, and affordable. The C875, loaded with features, including manual modes, is sophisticated enough for the second time buyer or first time buyer who is looking for a camera with which they can learn the techniques of digital photography. The C875 can capture images with 8 megapixels of resolution. A 5x optical zoom provides a little "extra" zoom power and a 2.5 inch LCD provides easy framing and image reviewing.'

Read: Kodak Easyshare C875 Digital Camera Review - Digital Camera Review

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James Morris writing over at Trusted Reviews has reviewed the JVC Everio GZ-MG50EK HDD camcorder. 'Like the MC500EK, the MG50EK is based on a trio of 1/4.5in CCDs, each with 1.3-megapixels of resolution. You don’t need that many pixels to shoot video, but JVC gangs them together and adds a bit of interpolation using its Megabrid Engine to make 5-megapixel stills. With a maximum still image size of 2,560 x 1,920, there’s not much to separate the JVC from a low-end standalone digital camera in terms of raw pixels. Unlike other members of the MG range, the MG505EK offers a wider range of manual features in its menu for photography as well, including aperture and shutter priority modes, plus ISO settings of 100, 200, 400 and auto. So this is a much more viable stand-in for a standalone camera if you want to vary settings as well.'

Read: JVC Everio GZ-MG50EK HDD Camcorder - Trusted Reviews

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The new Stereovision Imaging 3D VuCAM binocular which is available online for $2,000 features automatic image focus and exposure techniques to ensure quality 3D images. ‘The 3D VuCAM(TM) with its handheld packaging offers 3D professionals, enthusiasts, and nature lovers the ability to easily capture high-resolution 3D digital images for sharing with friends or for integration into existing 3D visualization applications," said Beverly Sutherland, Director of Marketing for Stereovision Imaging. "The portable nature of this product allows users to record magnified stereo images from anywhere including hiking trails, stadiums, rooftops, your home, and many more locations.’

Read: Digital Binocular captures magnified photos in 3D. – Thomas Net

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Digital Photography Review has previewed the new Leica M8 digital rangefinder camera. 'In 1954, at Photokina (or 'Foto Kina'), Leica introduced the first M series camera, the M3, the first Leica rangefinder body with a bayonet interchangeable lens mount, it was the beginning of a legendary series of cameras and lenses, the latest of which, the M7 is one of the only 35 mm rangefinder cameras still in production. For over half a century Leica has resisted the temptation to change the essential simple design established with the original M3 (it wasn't until 2002 that an electronically-controlled shutter was introduced allowing aperture priority automatic exposure). With an average 10 years between major upgrades and many of the original M3s still in regular use, the M platform is felt by its legion of fans to be the purest photographic tool available, and a welcome antidote to the mass of plastic feature-laden models that make up the rest of the market. Owning a Leica M camera has always been something people do with their hearts as much as their heads - and some of the 20th century's greatest photographers and most famous images were taken using them. It is no surprise then, that - despite talking about it for at least five years - Leica felt no need to rush into things when they decided it was time to bring the M into the digital age.'

Read: Leica M8 Digital Rangefinder Camera Preview - DP Review

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Digital Camera Review reports on the launch of the new Olympus E-400 which is "the world's smallest and lightest 10 megapixel Digital SLR camera". 'Olympus have announced the world's smallest and lightest 10 megapixel Digital SLR, the E-400, it's based on the 4/3rds Standard, and introduces two new smaller lenses: a Zuiko Digital 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 ED (pictured above) and a Zuiko Digital 40-150mm 1:4-5.6 ED (pictured below). The camera features a 2.5" screen with 215,000 pixels, up to 3fps with a five image RAW buffer in burst mode shooting, anti-dust sensor, XD and CF memory card slots, 95% frame coverage, 0.92x magnification, ISO100 - 1600, measures 129.5mm (W) x 91mm (H) x 53mm (D) and weighs 380g (body only). The camera is currently only available in Europe.'

Read Olympus E-400 Digital SLR Announced - Digicam Review Via: Engadget

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A review of the Casio Exilim EX-Z70 digital camera has been posted over at KenRockwell.com. 'It's a great little camera for $249 that makes it easy to make loads of great photos, but today you can get much better if you're willing spend $299 on something like a Casio EX-S600 or Canon SD550. Then again, the other cameras don't look anywhere near as swift as the EX-Z70 does, because those cameras don't come in black. I love black cameras. The EX-Z70 is a great camera, but others are better still for not much more more money. Image quality of the EX-X70 is the same as other 7MP cameras. The lens isn't quite as good, but still makes sharp 12 x 18" prints.'

Read: Casio Exilim EX-Z70 - KenRockwell

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The new Mantis Elite Microscope from Vision Engineering can be used with up to 20x objective lens and can view "defects as fine as hairline cracks". 'Following the success of the original Mantis, Vision Engineering has launched the new generation of Mantis to bring advanced benefits to the user. Benefits include greater comfort to the user, with the 'eyepieceless' technology, providing freedom of head movement and the ability to wear glasses or contact lenses. Optimal color rendition and a greater working distance for deburring and micro welding is also a prominent feature of the new Mantis range.'

Read: Microscope is available with 20x objective lens. - Thomas Net

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Trusted Reviews posits in the assessment of the Kodak EasyShare Z650 camera thai you be challenged to find another 10x zoom for a similar price. 'The Z650 is a 6.1 MP SLR-style camera with a powerful 10x Schneider Kreuznach Variogon lens. It has a list price of just £199.99, and is available online and in several High Street stores for around £157, which is remarkably good value for a camera with this specification. It’s a nice looking camera too. It is quite large, with a big comfortable handgrip, a 2in LCD monitor and an electronic viewfinder. Apart from the metal lens barrel, the majority of the body is plastic, but it feels solid and well made. The curved shape gives it an inherent strength and there are no creaks when it’s squeezed, however the card hatch does feel a bit on the flimsy side. The camera is finished in a nice semi-matt silver, with black rubberized areas on the handgrip, around the lens barrel and around the viewfinder eyepiece. It handles well, and feels very comfortable to hold.'

Read: Kodak EasyShare Z650 - Trusted Reviews

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Jeffrey Phillips writing over at Astromart presents his candid observations in a review of the Eclipse Makview 4 Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope. 'The Eclipse Makview 4 is a 105 mm, f/13 (1365 mm focal length) Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope featuring BK7 glass optics. The manufacturer claims a wavefront of 1/5 wave (corresponding to a surface accuracy of 1/10 wave) or better. Superficially, the scope resembles the well-known Meade ETX-series OTA with a plastic rear housing containing a built-in flip mirror and eyepiece holder. The Eclipse Makview 4 is a 105 mm, f/13 (1365 mm focal length) Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope featuring BK7 glass optics. The manufacturer claims a wavefront of 1/5 wave (corresponding to a surface accuracy of 1/10 wave) or better. Superficially, the scope resembles the well-known Meade ETX-series OTA with a plastic rear housing containing a built-in flip mirror and eyepiece holder.'

Read: Eclipse Makview 4 - Astromart

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A review of the 10 megapixel "big zoom" Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 camera has been posted over at DP Review. 'Like the FZ30 before it the FZ50 is designed to look - and operate as far as possible - like a traditional SLR (single lens reflex) camera, and it's not that much smaller either. Whereas the FZ30 was a whole scale redesign of the FZ20 (and represented a huge leap forward), the FZ50's changes are mainly on the inside. Very little has changed since the FZ30 (see below), but that's no bad thing; as long as you're not worried about the size you simply won't find another camera that comes even close to the FZ50 when it comes to true SLR-like handling. The fluid-damped mechanical zoom mechanism is faster and more accurate than using buttons and motors, and has a quality feel that puts most DLSR kit lenses to shame. A few small, but significant, changes to the control system (including a new FUNCTION button for quick access to things like ISO) are the icing on the cake.'

Read: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Review - Digital Photography Review

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Camcorder Info reports on the announcement of the new HDR-FX7 HDV camcorder from Sony . 'In a worldwide announcement, this morning Sony introduced the HDR-FX7, the latest addition to their consumer HDV line. While similar to their first HDV camcorder, the HDR-FX1, the HDR-FX7 is not a replacement. The HDR-FX7 is a modified version of the FX1, transitioning to CMOS imaging sensors rather than CCD, adding a larger 20x optical zoom, and significantly shrinking size and weight by 25% and 40%, respectively. With this new introduction, Sony is making no apologies that this camcorder is a prosumer camcorder without indie film aspirations.'

Read: Sony Announces Smaller Less Expensive HDR-FX7 with 3 CMOS Chips - Camcorder Info

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Think Camera has reviewed the 7 megapixel Ricoh Caplio R5 "entry level" digital camera. 'Squint and you'll easily mistake the R5 for an R4 or an R3. While other manufacturers are making cosmetic nips and tucks and adding scene modes that we doubt most people will use, Ricoh seem happy to stick with what they know and slowly turn up the pixel count with every revision. The latest of their “R” range has 7 million pixels. Six months ago that would have been considered extraordinary - right now it's on the high side of entry level. If you're used to the feature overload of some of the latest designer cameras then you're going to be in for a shock. It has “only” 8 scene modes and two of these are pretty specialised (skew correction and text enhancement). In a time when many cameras have 30 odd modes this may seem a bit spartan but at ThinkCamera we doubt that real world users actually use more than 3 or 4 modes. Ricoh has all the main bases covered with landscape, portrait, night, sport etc so I don't think there is really anything missing here. There's also a handy anti shake mode to keep your pictures sharp. I left this permanently on and all pictures were very good even to relatively slow shutter speeds.'

Read: Ricoh Caplio R5 - Think Camera

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Lets Go Digital reports on the introduction of five new binoculars from Nikon. 'Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of five new binoculars, including the 8.5x56DCF, 10x56DCF and 12x56DCF models and 8x36DCF and 10x36DCF models, adding to the highly regarded Monarch series. Boasting large 56mm diameters, the 8.5x56DCF, 10x56DCF and 12x56DCF models deliver high performance. The generous diameter means they are ideal for use in low lighting conditions, making these new models a perfect option for birders early in the morning or late at night. The 8x36DCF and 10x36DCF feature 36mm diameters to combine excellent performance with portability. All the models are waterproof up to 1m/3.3 ft for 5 minutes. The binoculars are durable for use in all conditions.'

Read: Nikon Monarch Binoculars - Lets Go Digital

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Camcorderinfo has reviewed the "middle of the line DCR-DVD305 camcorder" from Sony. 'This camcorder shares a body design with its step-down cousin, the DCR-DVD205, and its specs are virtually identical. In fact, it may be best to look at the DCR-DVD305 as a modestly pimped-out version of the 205. Instead of a run-of-the-mill 5.5” CCD, you get an Advanced HAD CCD. Rather than just an onboard stereo mic, you get a 5.1 channel surround sound mic that pops above the “hood” like a hot rod engine. It also adds a MemoryStick PRO Duo slot, remote control, and USB terminal for extra horsepower – all for just a hundred extra bucks. So is all that flash worth the upgrade?'

Read: Sony DCR-DVD305 Camcorder Review - Camcorderinfo

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There can be no mistaking Mel Schick's joy of owning a FRC-300 telescope from his review of the telescope over at Astromart. 'The new FRC-300 arrived on a clear day in June, 2006. The telescope carried a serial number of 06001. I guess that I am the first new owner of this magnificent flat field Ritchey-Chrtien this year. I had been using a Mead 14LX200GPS, and while it was acceptable, it was not up to the same optical quality that I was getting from a Takahashi TOA-130. So I took a big risk and ordered the FRC-300. The most painful part of the entire process was the waiting time. The time between the initial order and deposit and the order delivery was seven months. The wait time might have been a couple of months shorter except that the original mirrors apparently failed a Takashi quality inspection/test. I am actually really happy that they found the problems as part of their high quality standards within their manufacturing processes. This is much better than letting me find the problems after delivery. As Art from TNR said, Quality takes time. I very much prefer Takahashi over other telescope manufactures because of their truly outstanding quality; it is just that I am short on patience.'

Read: Takahashi FRC-300 - Astromart

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A review of the "nice looking" Samsung NV10 digital camera has been posted over at Pocket-Lint. 'Samsung recently launched three new digital cameras as a part of a new range entitled NV for New Vision, but does the flagship model, the NV10, live up to that vision? We check it out. The NV10 sports a whopping 10 megapixels in a compact digital camera no bigger than a packet of 20 cigarettes, which in our minds is a tad excessive for the average consumer digital camera user. Following the same lines as the NV3, the NV10 features a protruding 3x optical zoom lens, ISO settings up to a rather low 1000, 11 scene modes and something Samsung calls "Smart Touch".'

Read: Samsung NV10 Digital Camera Review - Pocket-Lint

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Rick Callahan, writing for the Associated Press, posts a "hands-on" review of the the Celestron SkyScout, a personal planetarium which uses GPS technology to help identify any visible object in the sky ' The new SkyScout from Celestron LLC of Torrance aims to give stargazers their celestial bearings: Simply point the camcorder-sized gadget at a star, and it identifies what's in sight. The star's statistics appear on a small screen, and users can plug in earphones to hear a soothing voice describe what they're looking at. Weighing about a pound, the $399 SkyScout isn't a telescope. It's a no-magnification spotting device that harnesses global-positioning-system technology and two sensors -- one to detect the Earth's m