SlashScope

A review of the sleek Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35 digital camera has been posted over at Digital camera Info. 'The appearance of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35 offers a clean design with an unfettered aesthetic that is sure to appeal to the novice photographer. With its matte silver finish and "chrome" plastic highlights, the camera is sleeker than point-and-shoot models made by manufacturers like Kodak in this price range. The problem with the camera becomes apparent once the camera is picked up and handled by the user however. The construction just doesn’t feel as rugged or durable as more expensive Sony cameras that rely on metal components in their construction. Many early model digital cameras by Sony are still being resold online and in stores because of the strength of the camera construction. However, the durability and longevity of this model is questionable.'

Read: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35 Digital Camera Review

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Digital Trends have published a review of the 8-megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W90 digital camera. ‘The DSC-W90 measures 3.6 x 2.3 x .87 (WHD, in inches) and weighs 5.2 ounces, including battery and Memory Stick Duo card. It’s easy to slip this one in your pocket, and as the old saying goes, your best camera is the one you have with you. The front is brushed silver, and its key feature is an f/2.8 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom with the common point-and-shoot focal length (35 – 105mm in 35mm terms). The lens extends when you power up and safely retreats when you power down behind a built-in lens cover. You’ll also find the flash, AF Assist lamp, and a peep hole for the viewfinder. There are a couple of embossed logos, but nothing too obnoxious. The top has the shutter, mic, and power button (another one that requires trimmed nails to make it work).’

Read: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W90 – Digital Trends

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Camcorder Info have published a review of the JVC GZ-HD7 camcorder. 'The JVC GZ-HD7 features three 1/5” CCDs, each featuring a gross pixel count of 570,000 (an approximate effective pixel count of 530,000). The camcorder, like many three-chip models, uses pixel shifting to increase the effective resolution, off-setting one of the chips by a half a pixel’s X and Y axes. In this case, the recorded image resolution is approximately 2032 x 1116, or an effective resolution of 1952 x 1096. Each pixel on the CCDs measures 3.28 x 2.28 microns, approximately two times the sizes of JVC’s 2MP standard definition GZ-MG77. And now what you’ve all been waiting for… let’s take a look at the GZ-HD7’s performance. Overall, we have come to one conclusion: this JVC MPEG-2 transport stream is not as good as the best HDV performances. But neither did it suffer the worst parts of the AVCHD camcorders, which is the trailing and noise issues. The JVC GZ-HD7 is the middle ground.'

Features:
• Records high-definition video to a built-in 60GB hard disk drive
• 60GB holds approximately 5 to 7 hours of high-definition footage, depending on the video setting
• 3 separate CCD sensors for red, green, and blue effective pixels per sensor for video: 530,000
• 10X Fujinon optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 200X)
• 2-11/16" widescreen LCD
• Compatible with JVC CU-VD40 Share Station DVD burner
• Widescreen (16:9) shooting mode
• HDMI output
• Audio/video output (including composite video, S-video, and component video)
• i.LINK® (IEEE 1394) digital audio/video jack
• 3-5/8"W x 3"H x 7-5/16"D
• Weight: 23.5 oz. without battery

Read: JVC GZ-HD7 Camcorder Review

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A review of the Pentax K10D digital camera has been posted over at the Photography Blog. ‘When you first take the Pentax K10D out of its box, you can instantly tell that this is a serious camera. Weighing over 700g and measuring 101(H) x 141(W) x 70(D), this is a large and heavy DSLR, even without the lens fitted. The K10D has a reassuringly solid feel that belies its mid-range price-tag, with an all-metal body and extremely angular, sculpted hand-grip. It's a world away from the much smaller, entry-level Pentax cameras, signifying the company's attempt to provide a DSLR camera for more experienced photographers. The K10D is definitely designed for "normal" hands, departing from the recent trend of ultra-compact models. As already mentioned, the Pentax K10D is dust and water resistant, thanks to a system of seals used throughout the design. This shows itself externally via the battery and memory card compartments, which are both opened by small rotating latches. They are a little fiddly to use if you're in a hurry though. Less impressive is the standard 18-55mm kit lens, which has an all-plastic construction that just feels out of place mounted on the K10D. It's also a slow lens at both ends of the focal length (f3.5-5.6), so I'd suggest that you buy the K10D with the more expensive 16-45mm f/4 lens. Overall the K10D is an impressively solid camera that should withstand years of use.’

Read: Pentax K10D - The Photography Blog

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Megapixel.net have published a review of the Nikon Coolpix S200 digital camera. 'The Coolpix S200 is the most compact camera currently in Nikon's line-up. When it is off and the lens is retracted, the camera is only 19 mm (0.76 inch) thick. This very compact size still allows for a conventional 3X optical zoom — unlike the periscope-like zooms of earlier Coolpix S series cameras — and a 7.1 megapixel resolution along with a 2.5-inch LCD display. The body is entirely made of aluminium, with a brushed finish on the front. And, while this allows the camera to be very light, it also feels a bit fragile. The top right side of the camera supports the On/Off switch and its LED, and a 2-stage shutter release. The LED lights up green when the camera is on, and blinks slowly when it enters sleep mode.'

Features/Specifications:
• Precision 38 to 114mm (35mm equivalent) 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens
• Large, bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor with wide viewing angle
• ISO 1000 capability enables faster shutter speeds and better exposure in lower light
• D-Lighting corrects images compromised by insufficient flash or excessive back light
• Megapixels - 7.1 million
• Image sensor - 1/2.5-inch type (Approx. 7.41 million total pixels)
• Lens - 3x Zoom-Nikkor; 6.3-18.9mm (35mm [135] format picture angle: 38-114mm); f/3.1-5.9; 6 elements in 5 groups; Digital zoom: up to 4x (35mm [135] format picture angle: 456mm)
• Focus range (from lens) - 60cm (2 ft.) to infinity (8), Macro close-up mode: 10cm (3.9 in.) to infinity (8)
• Monitor - 2.5-in., 153,000-dot, TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating
• Storage media - Internal memory (approx. 20 MB), SD memory cards
• Movie - With sound: TV movie (640) at 30fps, Small size (320) at 30fps/15fps, Smaller size (160) at 15fps; Without sound: Time-lapse movie at 30fps, Stop-motion (640), Electronic VR (Vibration Reduction) available except with Time-lapse movie
• Image size (pixels) - 3072 x 2304 (High: 3072*/Normal: 3072), 2592 x 1944 (Normal: 2592), 2048 x 1536 (Normal: 2048), 1024 x 768 (PC: 1024), 640 x 480 (TV: 640), 3072 x 1728 (16:9)
• ISO sensitivity - ISO 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1000, Auto (auto gain ISO 50-800)
• Built-in flash - Range: (W) 0.3 to 4.6m (11.9 in. to 15 ft. 1.1 in.), (T) 0.3 to 2.5m (11.9 in. to 8 ft. 2.4 in.)
• Power sources - Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL10 (supplied), AC Adapter EH-62D (optional)
• Battery life - Approx. 230 shots with EN-EL10 battery (based on CIPA standard)
• Dimensions (W x H x D) - Approx. 91.5 x 56.5 x 18.5 mm (3.6 x 2.2 x 0.7 in.) excluding projections
• Weight - Approx. 125 g (4.4 oz.) without battery and SD memory card

Read: Nikon Coolpix S200 - Megapixel.net

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Trusted Reviews have published a review of the entry level Nikon D40x DSLR camera. ‘The D40x is a 10.0-megapixel camera sporting a 23.6 x 15.8 mm DX-sized Sony CCD sensor, quite likely the same CCD found in the D80 and D200, generating a final image size of 3,872 x 2,592 pixels, compared to the 400D’s 3,888 x 2,592 from its CMOS sensor. Both cameras have a 2.5-in TFT LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels, a mirror-type viewfinder with 95 percent frame coverage, and a simple control interface utilising an on-screen menu system and a single data entry wheel, although the Nikon’s wheel is on the back. Like the 400D the D40x has no top-panel LCD data display, instead displaying shooting data on the monitor screen; however this is off most of the time and has to be activated with a button press. One difference is the choice of memory card. The 400D uses the CompactFlash format favoured by professionals, while the D40x uses SD cards including the new SDHC format.’

Read: Nikon D40x – Trusted Reviews

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CNET have published a review of the Olympus FE-250 digital camera. The attractive, compact FE-250 measures 0.8 inch thick and weighs less than five ounces. Its small metal body fits comfortably in most pockets. Despite its small size, the camera's various controls are easy to manipulate, with buttons large enough for those of us with big thumbs to use. The FE-250's most notable feature is its pixel count. At 8 megapixels, the FE-250 is the highest-resolution FE series camera so far. Besides the increased resolution, the FE-250 sports fairly mundane features, like a 35-to-105mm-equivalent 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5-inch LCD screen.’

Read: Olympus FE-250 - CNET

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Pocket Lint have published a review of the Pentax Optio T30 digital camera. ‘No sooner as Pentax released the Optio T20, the company has upgraded the camera to the Optio T30. The new model still sports the large 3-inch touchscreen as before with a slight working to the design with the addition of more curves and a slimmer approach (down by 0.5mm to 19mm thick).That touchscreen for those not familiar with the T20 dominates the back of the camera's design and gives enough room for big fingers to touch the on-screen menu.’

Read: Pentax Optio T30 – Pocket Lint

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A review of the Leica M8 rangefinder camera has been posted over at the Shutterbug.com 'The moment you take the eagerly anticipated Leica M8 in your hands you know that the design engineers at Leica have gone to great lengths to preserve the look and feel of perhaps the greatest 35mm rangefinder camera of all time, the legendary M-series Leica that debuted in 1954 as the original M3 and continues as the classic retro MP and autoexposure M7. The M8 retains the classic rounded-end body, beautifully finished in satin chrome or black, and incorporates the superb Leica range/viewfinder. Built on a die-cast magnesium-alloy chassis, the camera is solid, well balanced, ergonomically contoured, and easy to grasp securely thanks to its grippy black synthetic leather covering. The body weighs precisely the same as a Leica M7—590 gm (20.8 oz) with battery—but it’s 3mm (1/8”) thicker front to back, mainly to accommodate a large 21/2” (diagonal) LCD panel and an array of adjacent controls.'

Read: Leica M8 - Shutterbug

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A review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9600 megazoom camera has been posted over at LetsGoDigital. 'Since some time, Fujifilm has two Megazoom cameras in its program. One, the FinePix S6500fd, has been produced to target the average consumer. The other, the Fujifilm FinePix S9600, has been intended for the more serious photographer and offers, for that reason, other possibilities than the FinePix S6500fd. The Fujifilm S9600 succeeds the FinePix S9500. There aren't many changes in regards to the previous model. The image quality has been improved, the Fujifilm FinePix S9600 Megazoom camera is equipped with a larger LCD monitor and an auto focus for faster focus under low light circumstances and there are improvements in the flash. The number of Megapixels remains the same.'

Read: FujiFilm FinePix S9600 - LetsGoDigital

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Digital Trends have published a review of the Samsung SC-DC564 DVD camcorder. ‘The Samsung SC-DC564 miniDVD camcorder is a very handsome device. The DC564 is sleek and somewhat modernistic. The gunmetal-grey color theme is beautiful to look at; everything feels sturdy, but equally ergonomic and light. Whoever at Samsung designed the exterior of the SC-DC564 deserves a raise and a firm handshake. The SC-DC564's controls are easy to learn, even for folks who are new to camcorders. On the exterior of the SC-DC564, there are only seven buttons to control the major functions of the camcorder. While seven buttons may sound like a lot, it's really quite minimalist.’

Read: Samsung SC-DC564 – Digital Trends

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A review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3K (black) digital camera has been posted over at CNET. 'The DMC-TZ3 looks almost identical to the DMC-TZ1, sharing its predecessor's chunky 9-ounce frame, its prominent lens, the tasteful gold-and-silver Leica accent, and a straightforward, minimalist control scheme. I readily accessed the camera's buttons with just my right hand for one-handed shooting, though they were a little smaller than I would have liked. If you're not careful, you may end up hitting the wrong button, especially when using the four-way multicontroller. Much like the DMC-TZ1, the DMC-TZ3's lens remains the camera's most notable feature. The camera's 28mm-to-280mm-equivalent, f/3.3-to-f/4.6, 10x optical, Leica zoom lens can handle both wide and close-up shots, a distinct improvement over its predecessor. Most high-zoom cameras, including the TZ1, use 35mm or narrower lenses, so the TZ3's 28mm wide-angle lens gives it a definite edge when pulling back to take a shot. Panasonic included its Mega OIS optical image stabilization on the TZ3, a vital inclusion for any high-zoom camera.'

Read: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3K (black)

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DigiCamReview have published a review of the Canon Digital IXUS 70 digital camera. 'Announced on the 22nd of February 2007, the Canon Powershot SD1000 / Canon Digital IXUS 70 is one of the slimmest Canon Digital IXUS cameras measuring just 19.4mm wide, and is available in two different colours: Silver and Black or Silver. The IXUS 70 is a 7.1 megapixel digital camera with a 2.5" screen, and a 3x optical zoom lens. The 3x optical zoom lens is equivalent to 35– 105 mm on a 35mm camera. The Canon Digital IXUS 70 is available from around £175 this makes it average to good value for money for an ultra compact 7 megapixel digital camera. The camera has a 640x480 30fps video mode with sound. The camera is very compact and has a metal body with a more traditional design, inspired by the original IXUS. The IXUS 70 measures: 85.9 x 53.5 x 19.4mm (excluding protrusions), and weighs approx. 125g excluding batteries and media.'

Read: Canon Digital IXUS 70 Zoom - Digital Camera Review

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Laptop Magazine have published their review of the feature-packed Samsung NV7 OPS digital camera. ‘The NV7 OPS offers 11 modes, including Fireworks, Sunset, Text, and Beach & Snow. In addition to these presets, the camera has a self-timer, a double self-timer, two continuous modes, super macro, six color effects (including sepia, black & white, and negative composite), and manual exposure. You'll find five ISO speeds, ranging from 100 to 1000, and six white-balance settings (to make sure that white objects appear more lifelike). Even the flash has five settings. The NV7 OPS includes a few features to help prevent your photos from looking blurry. Select one of the two antishake choices: Optical Image Stabilization for movement or shaky hands--especially at slower shutter speeds; or Advanced Shake Reduction to combat blurriness caused by low light. While you won't notice any difference in its operation, we found that the image-stabilization features made our shots sharper.’

Read: Samsung NV7 OPS – Laptop Mag

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Trusted Reviews have published their review of the Ricoh Caplio R6 digital camera. 'From the moment I got the R6 out of the box I was impressed. Previous Ricoh cameras have been very good, but the styling has always struck me as being a bit industrial. Not so with the R6; the all-metal body is beautifully designed, with some nice touches such as the strap lug and port hatch integrated into the trim on the right end, and the subtly sculpted shape of the thumb-rest area on the back, with its comfortable rubber grip. The control layout is excellent, with everything within easy reach for one-handed operation, but managing at the same time to avoid being cluttered. The zoom control is a rotary collar around the large shutter button (a massive improvement on the R5’s fiddly little rocker switch), and the only controls on the back are the D-pad and four small buttons, so despite the camera’s relatively small size there’s plenty of room for even those with large fingers to hold the camera securely.'

Read: Ricoh Caplio R6 - Trusted Reviews

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Digital Camera Review have published a review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S700 digital camera. 'The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S700 was announced in mid January of this year. The S series from Sony is their affordable, entry level line. A previous model, the S600, ended up doing very well in the market. The S700 is a 7.2 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom and a 2.4 inch LCD. A stylish metal body makes the camera look and feel like a more expensive one. The S700 is meant to be an easy to use camera. There isn’t a ton of shooting options, but it’s easy to use the ones that are there. This class of camera is typically powered by AA batteries so entry level users aren’t intimidated by extra chargers and batteries.'

Read: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S700 Digital Camera Full Review

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A review of the Canon DC220 DVD camcorder has been posted on CNET. ‘Weighing 15.9 ounces with battery and a DVD installed, and measuring 3.5x2.1x5 inches, the DC220 is fairly light and somewhat small for a DVD-based model. Compared to similar models from last year, it shows some improvements in design. Canon now includes a tiny joystick, well located for your thumb, to navigate the menus. That's a big step up from the array of buttons on the left side of the DC100's body. However, the DC220 does have a triad of annoying buttons on its flank. You use them to access the menu, change the information displayed on the LCD, or enter and exit quick start mode (aka standby mode). In our field tests, we found these buttons less responsive than we would've liked. In many cases, it took more than one press, not to mention more force than we prefer to exert on the side of a camera body that we're trying to hold still. It might make sense for Canon to put the menu and display controls along the bottom of the LCD, though the dual-function playback, zoom, and record controls that are already there might not leave enough room. Fortunately, Canon placed the rest of the controls in all the right places.

Read: Canon DC220 - CNET

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Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Fujifilm FinePix Z5fd digital camera. ‘In design as well as décor the Z5fd is born for the clubbing lifestyle. Measuring a trim 92.8 X 55 X 19.4mm and weighing only 148g it’s small and light enough to qualify as ultra-compact, and will slip unobtrusively into a handbag or shirt pocket. When not in use the lens is protected by a sliding cover that doubles as the on/off switch, so it’s not going to be easily damaged if it has a close encounter with your pink Motorola RAZR or the lighter for your menthol cigarettes. Despite the number in its name, the Z5fd is a 6.3-megapixel model featuring Fuji’s SuperCCD HR sensor, with an internal 3x zoom lens and a high-resolution 230k pixel 2.5-in LCD monitor. It is available in a slightly more butch silver or a positively macho “mocha brown” as well as the eye-catching colour of my test sample.’

Read: Fujifilm FinePix Z5fd – Trusted Reviews

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A review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W55 (Caribbean blue) digital snapshooter has been posted over at ZDNet. 'In the field of budget cameras, a little extra cash can go a long way. For instance, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35 is a fine snapshot camera for less than $200. It delivers decent photos, performance, and design, but it's not much to look at, and its LCD screen is woefully small. For only about $20 more, Sony offers a pleasant upgrade in the Cyber-shot DSC-W55. It's the same 7-megapixel, 38mm-to-114mm-equivalent 3x zoom camera with an attractive, brushed-metal face and a larger, 2.5-inch LCD screen. Against slimmer, more stylish cameras such as the significantly more expensive Cyber-shot DSC-T50, the W55 won't win any beauty contests. Behind the pretty face hides a blocky, half-plastic compact camera that's built more for ease of use than for fashion. Its 5.1-ounce body, at less than an inch thick, fits easily into almost any pocket. With the exception of its irritatingly recessed power and review buttons, the W55's controls feel large, responsive, and easy to manipulate. A small optical viewfinder sits just above the camera's 2.5-inch screen, a useful feature that adds to the camera's function-over-form design.'

Features/Specifications:
• 7.2 Megapixels
• 56MB Internal Memory
• 3x Optical, 2x Digital Zoom from Carl Zeiss Lens
• Large 2.5-inch 115K Pixel TFT LCD Screen
• High Sensitivity ISO 1000
• Clear RAW Noise Reduction
• Burst and MPEG Movie VX Fine Mode
• White Balance: Automatic, Cloudy, Daylight, Fluorescent, Incandescent and Flash
• Self Timer: 10 Seconds, 2 Seconds and Off
• Red-Eye Reduction
• Up to 64 Shot VGA at 1.3 FPS Burst Mode
• Scene Modes: Beach, High Sensitivity, Landscape, Snow, Soft Snap, Twilight and Twilight Portrait
• Movie Mode: MPEG VX Fine with Audio at 30 fps 640x480
• Optical Viewfinder
• 6 Elements in 5 Groups, 3 Aspheric Elements Lens Construction
• 35mm Equivalent: 38-114mm
• Shutter Speed: 1/8-1/2000 seconds
• 1/3 EV Step Increments Exposure Compensation
• Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1000 ISO
• Battery Capacity: 3.6V, 960 mAh
• Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.25 x 0.875 inch, 89mm x57mm x 23mm
• Weight: 4.2 ounces, 116 grams (Body: 5.1 ounces, 147 grams)

Read: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W55 (Caribbean blue) - ZDNet

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CamcorderInfo.com have published a review of the Canon HV20 camcorder. 'We had high hopes for the Canon HV20, just as we did for the Sony HDR-HC7, and at first glance they look like they are cut from the same cloth. These camcorders are nearly identical in size and shape, they both produce a beautiful image, and bring a strong core feature set to into the ring. As it turns out, the HV20s is an imperfect beast, and the physical handling of the HC7 puts it to shame. It’s also slightly weaker in terms of overall image adjustability without independent shutter speed and iris control, and fewer tweaks to attributes like sharpness and saturation.'

Read: Canon HV20 Camcorder Review

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LetsGoDigital have published their review of the Kodak EasyShare P712 'Megazoom' digital camera. 'The Kodak P712 is part of the so-called 'Megazoom' digital camera class. In fact, this implies nothing more than a compact design and a large zoom range. In the case of the Kodak EasyShare P712, this means 12x optical zoom obtaining a range of 36- 432mm in comparison to a 35 mm camera. The EasyShare P712 isn't the first model with such a concept. Its predecessors, the P850 and P880, are comparable and have the same distinctively designed body. The camera can't really be called compact; it actually looks a little plump, but still feels good to the touch. If looking purely at the design, one could actually compare the camera to a mini digital SLR camera. For the remainder, the Kodak EasyShare is just a compact camera with a large zoom range.'

Read: Kodak EasyShare P712 - LetsGoDigital

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