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Snap Sights SS-1000 Underwater Digital Camera Review

admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:00:40 +0000

If you are going snorkeling or spend time in a pool it’s always great to have a digital camera that can go right in the water with you. The Snap Sights SS-1000 is designed from …

Source: Cameradojo.com

picturemaker recommends Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 (with 14-42mm OIS Lens) as Best Digital Camera Overall Under $800 with Manual Controls.

admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:39:34 +0000

Overview

For those who want versatility, portability, style and smarts in their personal camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 will more than fill the bill. Built sturdy and lightweight, the G2 has the ability to swap lenses, compose with either the Swivel LCD screen or the digital viewfinder and has a processor fast enough to handle all of these functions and more.

My Best In Class Pick

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 (with 14-42mm OIS Lens)

With a dramatic move into the future of photography, Panasonic has developed the worlds first Micro Four Thirds camera that will satisfy the needs of all photographers at any level of expertise.

Starting with a lightweight body and a wide variety of external controls, Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-G2 can go anywhere you want to go and is ready to capture your important moments with a touch of the finger. Featuring a touch sensitive, rotating 3.0” LCD with live view, framing and previewing your images and videos is easy and fun. If you prefer to use a viewfinder, the G2 has a bright live view digital viewfinder that displays your settings and is activated by an eye-sensor to shut off the LCD screen to prevent glare.

For shooting video, with a simple, one-button command located just behind the exposure button, you can be shooting HD video in a snap, utilizing the IA feature as well as Panasonic’s own Mega OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) to hold things steady. In fact, when in video mode, all of your still settings are applied until you make adjustments according to what you see on the viewfinder or LCD screen. You can even apply some of the seven My Color mode settings and preview them before taking video.

Whether you are a seasoned expert or a point and shoot photographer, the DMC-G2 has a wide variety of choices that ensure you are getting just the right exposure at just the right time. Using the Intelligent Scene Selector in the iA mode, you can choose your settings by simply touching the screen. Touch a distant subject and get landscape mode, touch a face and get portrait mode or touch a close object to get macro mode. Of course, there are the Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Program modes for even more decision making and creativity. And for every level of photographer, let the new Venus Engine HD II do the work of making your images look their best, even at low ISO’s.

For quick shooting and all inclusive focusing, choose from one of these AF modes. There is AF Tracking, 1-area AF, Face Detection AF/AE and 23-area focusing. The 45-200mm lens is recommended also for a wider range of shooting possibilities.

Nice choices when you have them, and you have them with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2, a smart choice for the future of photography.

Comparison with Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 (with 20mm Lens)

Except for it’s more compact size, no Mega OIS and requiring an optional viewfinder, the GF1 has many of the same attributes as the G2. The G2 also has a touch screen on its swivel LCD, items that keep it from being as compact as the GF1.

Comparison with Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7

No comparison. If you want an interchangeable lens camera with a tilt swivel LCD and a viewfinder, the G2 is the one for you. But if you want a camera with a lot of the great amenities you will find in the G2 but wrapped up in a smaller body with less bells and whistles, consider the ZS7.

Pros

+

Micro Four Thirds

+

HD Video

+

Tilt LCD

+

Viewfinder

+

Touch Screen Control

Where to buy

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 (with 14-42mm OIS Lens)

Best Price:
$789

See

New 14MP phone shown off – running Android?

admin — Sat, 29 May 2010 09:05:19 +0000

Altek has unveiled the world’s first 14MP mobile phone, complete with optical zoom and HD video recording: the Altek Leo.

The new phone has both LED and Xenon flashes (for video and photography respectively) and features a full touchscreen too.

While it looks more like a camera that has a larger screen thrown on the back, its said to be running both 3G and Wi-Fi as well as offering an array of buttons similar to those used on Android phones.

Big and beautiful

This would be a ridiculously high-spec Android phone – especially as we’re only just getting used to HD video recording with the likes of HTC Evo and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 (with future firmware upgrade).

Altek, which is known for its OEM digital camera rather than mobiles, will be announcing more information about the new Leo next month – we may even get that rarest of creatures for really high-end tech out of Asia: a UK release date.

New 14MP phone shown off – running Android?

admin — Sat, 29 May 2010 09:05:19 +0000

Altek has unveiled the world’s first 14MP mobile phone, complete with optical zoom and HD video recording: the Altek Leo.

The new phone has both LED and Xenon flashes (for video and photography respectively) and features a full touchscreen too.

While it looks more like a camera that has a larger screen thrown on the back, its said to be running both 3G and Wi-Fi as well as offering an array of buttons similar to those used on Android phones.

Big and beautiful

This would be a ridiculously high-spec Android phone – especially as we’re only just getting used to HD video recording with the likes of HTC Evo and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 (with future firmware upgrade).

Altek, which is known for its OEM digital camera rather than mobiles, will be announcing more information about the new Leo next month – we may even get that rarest of creatures for really high-end tech out of Asia: a UK release date.

New 14MP phone shown off – running Android?

admin — Sat, 29 May 2010 09:05:19 +0000

Altek has unveiled the world’s first 14MP mobile phone, complete with optical zoom and HD video recording: the Altek Leo.

The new phone has both LED and Xenon flashes (for video and photography respectively) and features a full touchscreen too.

While it looks more like a camera that has a larger screen thrown on the back, its said to be running both 3G and Wi-Fi as well as offering an array of buttons similar to those used on Android phones.

Big and beautiful

This would be a ridiculously high-spec Android phone – especially as we’re only just getting used to HD video recording with the likes of HTC Evo and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 (with future firmware upgrade).

Altek, which is known for its OEM digital camera rather than mobiles, will be announcing more information about the new Leo next month – we may even get that rarest of creatures for really high-end tech out of Asia: a UK release date.

New 14MP phone shown off – running Android?

admin — Sat, 29 May 2010 09:05:05 +0000

Altek has unveiled the world’s first 14MP mobile phone, complete with optical zoom and HD video recording: the Altek Leo.

The new phone has both LED and Xenon flashes (for video and photography respectively) and features a full touchscreen too.

While it looks more like a camera that has a larger screen thrown on the back, its said to be running both 3G and Wi-Fi as well as offering an array of buttons similar to those used on Android phones.

Big and beautiful

This would be a ridiculously high-spec Android phone – especially as we’re only just getting used to HD video recording with the likes of HTC Evo and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 (with future firmware upgrade).

Altek, which is known for its OEM digital camera rather than mobiles, will be announcing more information about the new Leo next month – we may even get that rarest of creatures for really high-end tech out of Asia: a UK release date.

picturemaker recommends Canon EOS Rebel T2i (with 18-55mm IS Lens) as Best Digital SLR Camera Overall Under $1000.

admin — Fri, 28 May 2010 14:35:14 +0000

Overview

With Live View, Full HD video, a 15.1mp imaging sensor and a generous 3.0” LCD screen, the Canon Rebel T2i is a sure winner for both professionals and amateurs alike. This camera has everything a picture taker could ask for built into a lightweight body that is ready for action.

My Best In Class Pick

Canon EOS Rebel T2i (with 18-55mm IS Lens)

For those interested in getting into digital photography, looking at the Canon EOS T2i first would save a lot of time and energy.

Built as an entry-level digital SLR, the T2i takes a lot of features from it’s older (and more expensive) cousin, the 7D, and adds a few new ones that grew out of feedback the Canon R&D team culled from past customers.

Take the 63-point iFCL metering system for example. An exposure analysis tool first introduced in the 7D model, this metering system will ensure you are getting the best exposure possible, and at 3.6fps! Your 18mp images are then run through Canon’s advanced Digic IV processor for fast camera operations and improved quality and stored on SD, SDHC or SDXC media cards.

For the aspiring filmmaker, the T2i records video at a full 1920x1080p HD resolution and has an integrated HDMI port for immediate viewing on HD compatible T.V.’s. You can even zoom in an additional 7x, at 640×480 resolution, when getting close to the action is prohibitive. Manual controls are also available for both still and video images.

Built tough but lightweight, the 550D has a 3.0” LCD and a variety of preset controls, manual, aperture priority, shutter priority and program controls and two dedicated buttons located within easy reach to make decisions fast and easy. There’s the dedicated Quick Control Screen button for adjusting ISO, white balance, etc. and the live view/video button for toggling between those two choices.

Taking low light images has gone to a new level for both still images and video with enhanced in-camera noise reduction technology. Expect to be able to shoot up to 6400 ISO with the ability to take that up to 12800 ISO when needed.

That’s the kind of quality mixed with creative control new digital photographers have been asking for, and Canon has obviously been paying attention.

Comparison with Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 (with 18-55mm Lens)

Besides not having video, the A500 has a smaller imaging sensor. The T2i also has a brighter LCD screen.

Pros

+

Full HD Video

+

Live View

+

High ISO

+

Bright LCD screen

Where to buy

Canon EOS Rebel T2i (with 18-55mm IS Lens)

Best Price:
$899

See

picturemaker recommends Canon PowerShot SX210 IS as Best Compact Point and Shoot Digital Camera Overall Under $350.

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 01:36:43 +0000

Overview

For a stylish, slim and sturdy super-zoom camera that you will want to have with you on vacation or at the game, you won’t find a better choice than the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS. With Smart Auto and Scene Detection technology, Manual controls and HD video, the SX210 IS is leading the way in today’s point and shoot market.

My Best In Class Pick

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

If you were to take everything you want in a point and shoot camera and cram it into a stylish metal body that fits nicely in your pocket, you would probably end up with Canon’s PowerShot SX210 IS.

Built sturdy enough to handle most shooting environments, the SX210 IS boasts a 14.1mp imaging sensor with a 14x zoom lens that starts at a wide 28mm and goes out to a 329mm equivalent to make sure you’re able to manage a variety of scene situations. And to help with the settings for all of those scene situations, the SX210 IS has Smart Auto with Scene Detection Technology that enables you to get the perfect exposure without a lot of fussing around with settings.

Of course, some people like to fuss around with settings, but rarely does a point and shoot offer you that option. With the SX210 IS, there is a Manual, AV, TV and P setting within easy reach for quick adjustments according to your artistic designs. Located just below the exposure button, the control dial has a wide range of choices to suit your style.

And to ensure you get the right shot at the right exposure, without compromising in low light situations, Canon’s optical image stabilizer (IS) and motion detector technology monitors camera shake, brightness and subject movement before adjusting the shutter speed and ISO.

Making high quality HD Videos has been made simpler too! With a dedicated video capture button easily accessed on the back of the camera, you can activate the HD Video in a flash without all the fumbling through menus. Expect perfect video exposure too with Smart Auto Technology. And move in on the action by activating the 14x zoom while recording.

And don’t forget to have fun. Show off your images with the 3.0” PureColor II G LCD with enhanced strength and visibility and wide viewing angle. There is also a Fish-eye and Miniature Effect feature to give your shots a little different look. Add an SDXC media card and never miss a shot or an extra second of video.

Comparison with Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS

With 10x extra zoom capability and a pop-up flash, the SX210 IS is worth the extra money that separates these two cameras. Otherwise, the SD1400 IS has the same 14.1mp sensor and also comes in a slim, colorful, metal body that fits comfortably in your pants pocket.

Comparison with Canon PowerShot A3100 IS

At a lower price, the A3100 IS gives you a 12.1mp imaging sensor but with the Digic III processor rather than the Digic IV you get with the SX210 IS. You also have VGA video and no HDMI connection. Still, the A3100 IS has a lot of the great features of the more expensive models, just not as much zoom or video. The A3100 IS even moved into the rechargeable battery category, a first for a PowerShot A series model.

Pros

+

HD Video with zoom

+

Uses SDXC memory cards

+

Manual or Pop-up flash

+

Digic 4 processor

Cons

-

SDXC media cards are expensive

Where to buy

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

Best Price:
$329

See

picturemaker recommends Pentax X90 as Best Compact Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Travel Photos Under $500.

admin — Wed, 19 May 2010 18:07:59 +0000

Overview

Taking some of the best attributes of a professional DSLR and wrapping them in a lightweight body with easily accessible controls, the Pentax X90 is a super zoom point and shoot camera designed to make sure you capture the important images of your life, an expectation that photographers have come to demand in today’s digital world.

My Best In Class Pick

Pentax X90

When seeking a digital camera for travel, there are two features that must be considered. The first one is size. Is it lightweight and compact enough to take everywhere without bogging you down? The other feature is zoom. When you are in a new place and something catches your eye, you want to be able to zero in on the subject for that great shot. And sometimes getting right up next to your subject can be difficult.

With the Pentax X90, these two issues are resolved in a way that compliments the rest of the cameras features, making it a must have on vacation. Whether you are seeking your first Super-zoom camera or looking to upgrade, the Pentax X90 has everything you would expect and more in a take-anywhere companion. With its 26x super-zoom lens, 2.7” LCD screen, HD video capabilities and an electronic viewfinder, this camera will deliver the images you will be happy to share with friends and family. And at 15.1 oz’s, you won’t feel like you’re dragging it around.

When it comes to battery life, an important factor when spending the day away from a power source, Pentax has doubled the battery capacity from previous models to handle up to approx. 255 shots before recharging (as a rule, extra batteries are recommended under any situation).

Two other features of the X90 are worth considering as well. When extending the super-zoom lens to it’s full 26x, you may be concerned about camera shake. Simply set the camera to it’s high-sensitivity anti-shake mode for blur free shots. When activating this feature, the camera automatically sets itself, depending on available light, to as high as 6400 ISO for fast shutter action. And with Face Detection AE and AF modes, the X90 will recognize up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds. There are also smile capture and blink detection modes for added portrait control.

Comparison with Fujifilm FinePix HS10

Having it’s own rechargeable battery may give the X90 a let up over the HS10, but that issue has proven to be a personal choice based on availability to a power source and the bulk of carrying (and disposal of) AA’s. With slightly less zoom and a slightly smaller LCD screen, I still think Pentax has enough experience and knowledge to give the X90 an edge over the HS10 when making a long-term purchase decision.

Pros

+

Lightweight

+

Good Anti-Shake

+

Long battery life

+

Long Flash Range

Where to buy

Pentax X90

Best Price:
$329

See

DigiCamReview – Site Redesign…

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:00:00 +0000

If you are seeing this then you’re currently on the “old” site – please refresh and shortly you should be able to see the new design! (Keep checking back as you can win a digital camera!)

Source: Digicamreview.co.uk