Archive for September, 2007
Canon PowerShot TX1 digital camera
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia
Canon PowerShot TX1 digital camera
Price: $700
Curious hybrid
The low-down: This is a 7 megapixel still camera with movie and sound recording functions. The lens is a 10x optical zoom (39-390 mm film equivalent). The camera is held vertically with the narrow edge facing forward and the very small control buttons are placed on the back edge. The LCD viewfinder swivels and can be used at waist level, overhead or facing forward for self-portraits. The stereo microphones are located on the front of the LCD. There are dedicated buttons for shutter release and for movie mode, which are reasonably well placed. However, the control buttons and joystick are tiny. Manual controls are limited but the camera uses Canon’s excellent ubiquitous Function button to access manual overrides. It is small and easily fits in a pocket.
Like: The movie function is good. The camera boasts that it is “high definition”, and it does take widescreen movies at 720 vertical lines, so it is higher definition than our standard TV. However, at its highest setting only about four minutes of movie will fit on a 1 GB memory card. The sound quality is good, the zoom is smooth and autofocus tracking is excellent.
Dislike: The quality of still images is not high. The output from this model is best suited to standard postcard-size prints or for sharing on the internet. The high ISO setting is unusable.
Verdict: Given the high price of this camera compared with other compact digitals, it must be said that if you do not intend to shoot video, you get better picture quality and ease of use from Canon’s excellent Ixus range. But this has its charms, not least of all its amazing ability as a video camera. We shot widescreen and displayed on a quality 16:9 TV and the results astonished us. It is a lot of fun and the danger is that in the camera shop the heart might rule the head. You have been warned!
September 14th, 2007
Digital Camera Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33
Bangkok Post, Thailand
By Edvarcl Heng, CNET Asia
Point-and-shoot cameras are just that–fuss-free picture-taking without the complicated snags that come with manual controls. But most of the time, that convenience comes at the expense of indifferent image quality.
Click. Mum has blue teeth.
Click. She’s frantically waving six hands at the camera all at once.
Yes, automatic cameras are generally not terribly brainy. Under tungsten lights, white often turns out to be blue and the shutter setting is usually not fast enough to track mum’s sign language. In fact, there are very few cameras that can take photos with the correct focus, exposure, white balance and shutter speed without having to do more than pressing the shutter button.
The new Panasonics claim to measure up differently. Instead of having just one hero feature (such as Fujifilm’s notably high ISO), the Japanese firm has cobbled up a meta-hero-feature that it calls the Intelligent Auto Mode. This approach works by automating and simultaneously coordinating several features like face detection, scene selection, light sensitivity and optical image stabilization to capture an image. In non-geek speak, the camera is trying to make an educated guess.
Just a year ago, a wide-angle lens was considered a premium for compact cameras. Today, it’s a little less so. But still, the FX-33′s 28m wide-angle lens coupled with a 3.6x optical zoom still places it among the leaders.
For a camera marketed for its independence in taking decent pictures with minimal user input, we were not expecting many features. So while we were not surprised that there wasn’t any shutter or aperture priority modes, we were mildly pleased that we could set the custom white balance and determine the light sensitivity.
However, oftentimes, you would be relying on the 22 scene modes if you decide not run the Intelligent Auto Mode.
For potential buyers, do note that the Intelligent Auto Mode allows you to tweak only the aspect ratio, picture size, image stabilizer, burst and color mode. For stuff like white balance, ISO, image quality and autofocus area, you will have to switch back to the normal camera settings.
There’s also an Intelligent ISO mode that caps the maximum permissible ISO level (400, 800, 1,250) which is good for maintaining minimum noise speckles in your pictures. And while the maximum sensitivity setting on the FX-33 is ISO 6,400, that’s accessible via the high-sensitivity mode and not selectable through the normal ISO menu.
The FX-33 is the lowest end of the three new cameras that Panasonic has launched and it is also the smallest. However, at 132g, some may accuse it of being weighty though it hardly strained our back pocket except for a telltale budge.
Available in four colors (black, brown, blue, silver), the FX-33 has minimal button controls. There’s a small control wheel for quick function switches, but its stiffness takes some getting used to. The shortcut buttons are equally small. However, as they are well-spaced, big-thumbed folks aren’t going to be frustrated… much.
Because the FX-33 is built to be automated most of the time, the user interface is simple and unlikely to throw anyone off. The in-camera menu is made up of just two tabs and the quick access menu (which is displayed as an overlay during shooting) has tweaks for image stabilization, burst mode, white balance, ISO, rate of megapixel capture and image fineness.
The 2.5-inch LCD is just average for its class, but there’s a nice enhancement–hold down the LCD mode and you can select from three brightness levels. Choosing the highest level will render the LCD so bright that its viewing angle is increased to the point that you can hold the camera over your head and still see the screen.
Performance
In our Lab tests, the FX-33′s time to first shot (2.9 seconds) compared disfavorably with other 8-megapixel shooters such as the Canon IXUS 950 IS (1.2 seconds) and the Sony Cyber-shot T100 (1.2 seconds). However, its shot-to-shot times (0.54 second without flash, 2.17 seconds with flash) was one of the speediest. Its burst mode was average for a new camera–1.83 frames per second.
The auto white balance performs very well on the whole, whether it is under a florescent or in an outdoor environment. Image quality at lower ISO levels (ISO 100-200) is very good, with slight noise at ISO 400 and very visible speckles at ISO 800. Beyond that, the detail softening and noise at higher ISO make it suitable mainly for low-light compensation.
But the most important question is–how did the Intelligent Auto Mode fare?
Well, for one, there were misses. White balance was not spot on sometimes. But it scored more hits primarily because of the way this camera is designed–with very few onboard manual controls; it makes sense to leave it on autopilot rather than attempt to fly it without a control stick. Pictures usually turned out better in auto
September 13th, 2007
Fun Flip wows camcorder crowd
USA Today
By Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
Pure Digital Technologies CEO Jonathan Kaplan had this simple idea: Video cameras were too hard to use.
His 6-year-old San Francisco-based company last year introduced a $129 point-and-shoot-style camcorder, initially sold just at Target stores. Today, as the company plans to unveil the revamped successor to its first video camera, Pure Digital has quietly snagged major market share from rivals Sony, (SNE) Panasonic (MC) and Canon. (CAJ) “We think we’re onto something big,” Kaplan says. “We see video exploding, just like digital cameras.”
Pure Digital’s Flip Video is currently the No. 1 best-selling video camera at Amazon (AMZN) and Target.com. (TGT) Kaplan predicts he’ll be No. 2 in overall video camera market share to leader Sony by the end of the year. He credits the improved camera and greater distribution, which is doubling next month to 20,000 stores, including the addition of mega-retailer Wal-Mart. (WMT)
Selling for $149 and $179, the new Flip Video Ultra touts improved video resolution, a better microphone and a slot for a tripod. It’s available in five colors: orange, red, green, white and black.
Pure Digital has sold 350,000 camcorders. Kaplan predicts sales will top 1 million by early next year. According to market tracker the NPD Group, some 3 million camcorders are sold yearly. Sony dominates, with a 46% market share for the first half of the year. JVC is No. 2 at 14%. Pure Digital is currently No. 7.
Kaplan says it’s not just added distribution that will enable him to triple sales in a few months, it’s also better exposure in stores. Wal-Mart and Costco have agreed to give Flip much-vaunted merchandising space. “We’re going to have a much bigger presence, and that will make a big difference,” he says.
Sony has clearly paid attention to Pure Digital’s success, says Chris Chute, an analyst for researcher IDC. Sony hopes to crack into the entry-level, ease-of-use crowd via its compact Net Sharing Cam, a $200 camcorder coming this month.
“If the market leader takes you that seriously, clearly Pure Digital has done it right,” Chute says.
Sony’s Net Sharing Cam has built-in software to upload videos to video-sharing site YouTube, as does the Flip. The Flip comes in two flavors: 30-minute or 60-minute, while Sony recommends a 2-gigabyte Memory Stick for its camera, costing around $40.
Pure Digital’s first product was a one-time-use digital still camera that you had drop off at a photo finisher (mostly drugstores) equipped to process the images. Many of those early customers requested a camera they could own — which led to the development of the Flip.
Convenience trumps quality
Not that the Flip will appeal to your inner Spielberg. It shoots video the same way digital cameras do, using the image sensor to transform pictures into video. The quality is generally described as good, but not as good as a Mini-DV or a DVD camcorder.
Laureen Matta of Centreville, Va., stopped using her big Sony mini-DV camcorder when she discovered the Flip. “I can count on one hand the number of times we used the Sony,” she says. “Now I carry this little camera everywhere with me. I shoot all the random things my kids do, and share them easily with family and friends.”
Matta concedes that the video quality doesn’t stack up to the bigger video camera, but she says she doesn’t care. “I’ve never seen the video on the big TV, but on my laptop, it looks great,” she says.
At first glance, the new and old Flip look remarkably similar. Both are made of plastic, but Kaplan says the new version has higher-grade material and a “sleeker, more contemporary feel.” One big addition: a bigger and brighter LCD preview screen. On the earlier version, seeing anything on the screen in bright sunlight was virtually impossible. That’s changed.
Pure Digital is having an easy time reaching low-end consumers, because most manufacturers don’t care for that market; companies like Panasonic emphasize high-definition and better video quality, says NPD analyst Ross Rubin. “Most of them also sell televisions, and they have an interest in building complementary products,” he says.
Paul Ryder, vice president of consumer electronics for Amazon, says the Flip struck a chord with Amazon’s audience. “Online, the customers tell the story about how easy the camera is to use,” he says. “That really helps sell it.”
In refreshing the camera, Kaplan says he’s most proud that engineers kept it simple. “Most companies have a tendency to throw more and more into the product for new versions,” he says. “And then it gets more complicated. I’m proud of our discipline.”
While the audio and video is improved, “I wouldn’t take it to Africa or a wedding,” he says. “But for everyday use, it’s great.”
September 12th, 2007
Panasonic stepping up digital camera sales
WORANUJ MANEERUNGSEE
Bangkok Post, Thailand
Tokyo _ The competition in the digital still camera market is expected to intensify as Panasonic seeks to increase the market share of its Lumix line to 15% of the 850,000 units expected to be sold in Thailand in the financial year ending next March. Daizo Ito, chief executive of the Panasonic Group in Thailand, said the company expected a sharp rise in sales in the second half of its fiscal year following the introduction of two models with competitive prices and features next month.
Panasonic has set aside an advertising budget of 80 million baht for the Lumix FX33 and FX55 models, which are priced between 13,000 and 14,000 baht. The promotions will focus on ”intelligent auto” (IA) technology, a first in Thailand, which enables users to automatically select the optimal shooting mode for high-quality pictures.
”The new campaign could be something that will surprise even Sony and Canon,” Mr Ito said, referring to the top two players in the market.
Panasonic’s Lumix line is tied for fourth place in the market with Fuji so far, with a market share 7-8%. Sony has more than 20% of the market in terms of units sold, Canon has slightly less than 20% and Samsung 13%.
Mr Ito said the Lumix campaign could include a high-profile presenter, but he declined to identify the person, saying that would be the job of the company’s marketers.
Recently Sony Thai Co Ltd announced plans to spend 220 million baht to promote its Cyber-shot cameras in its biggest brand communications campaign to date, aiming to maintain its leadership in Thailand’s five-billion baht digital camera market.
Sony is using 10 local celebrities to endorse its brand after 10 years in Thailand. Canon uses the famous model and actress Paula Taylor as its main presenter.
According to Mr Ito, the Lumix brand is perceived as being for older customers and Panasonic wanted to give it a more youthful image.
Pinyo Chansirivorakul, product manager for Lumix, said Panasonic’s total advertising and promotional budget for digital still cameras would be around 300 million baht this fiscal year.
Mr Pinyo said the goal was to transform Panasonic’s image and brand to tap young adults with high purchasing power.
He said the features of Panasonic cameras were more advanced than those of rival models, including 28-millimetre lenses. However, the price was still competitive thanks to lower production costs from the plant in Japan.
”Our target is 100,000 units by the end of this fiscal year, or 10% growth year-on-year, against 5-8% previously,” said Mr Pinyo, noting that sales grew by 10% in the first six months.
However, he said Panasonic would not engage in a price war just to build sales. In Japan, its production plant in Fukushima, northeast of Tokyo, is focusing on lowing production costs and increasing production efficiency.
Nakagaki Motoki, overseas marketing head for Panasonic AVC Network, said that in an attempt to reduce costs, the plant had reduced raw material inventory to 2.6 days from five days in 2004.
September 11th, 2007
From flashbulbs to flash memory
St. Petersburg Times, FL
NEW PORT RICHEY – Jim Smetzer runs an independent camera shop, which means every so often he gets this question: How do you stay in business?
The question seems especially relevant when you walk through the door of his Pasco Camera Exchange, a dimly lit operation in a downtown strip mall. Flashcubes and red-eye correcting pens hang from pegboards. Photography paper and a book titled Creativity in a Flash help fill racks. And there, on that wall: Is that a darkroom thermometer?
But the digital cameras behind the register are a clue that the county’s last independent camera shop doesn’t endure merely by being a throwback. Smetzer says he figured out quickly that to survive, he’d have to embrace many of the advantages offered by the digital age – while keeping one foot in the old world of film.
In short, his answer to that “How do you stay in business?” question is: A little bit of this, a little bit of that.
He invested in new services, like transferring old Super 8 home movies or videotapes to DVDs, and worked his neighborhood – agreeing, for instance, to offer discounts to local high school students who need used film cameras for black-and-white photography classes. He keeps overhead low by having only himself and his wife on the payroll and by staying in the small unit on Main Street.
As digital cameras have come down in price, Smetzer has been able to carry many more, though his prices – anywhere from $100 to $1,000 – are usually higher than those of big-box stores. Digital camera sales now make up nearly 30 percent of his business.
“This is what I enjoy so much,” said Smetzer, 49, who runs the store with his wife, Annette. “To think about getting out of it means getting into something I don’t know anything about.”
On the whole, independent camera dealers had a difficult time weathering the shift from film to digital, as well as the ability of big box stores and Internet companies to offer digital cameras at low prices. The United States now has about 4,500 independent camera stores, half as many as it had in 1999, according to the Photo Marketing Association.
Gary Pageau, a spokesman for the association, said the stores that have succeeded are those that have established specialty niches. Some offer classes Smetzer’s does, and others appeal to certain groups. To appeal to women, for instance, Pageau said, some of the shops have pocketbook hooks on the processing kiosks and children’s play areas nearby.
Smetzer, who declined to provide sales figures, says his customers range from those who need a lot of help — such as older people trying out digital cameras for the first time — to professional photographers who need highly specific parts that the larger stores are not as likely to carry.
Digital camera accessories and lenses account for another 40 percent of Pasco Camera’s business. Trade-ins — usually film cameras for digital — account for about 10 percent, as does his video transferring service.
Smetzer, a Clearwater native, fell in love with cameras when he joined the yearbook staff at Ozark Christian College in Missouri. He worked at FotoStop, a camera specialty store, and later worked for Ritz Camera in Clearwater for six years.
He knew he wanted to start his own business, so one day he got in his car and headed up U.S. 19, thinking he’d find a space in a strip mall along the highway. On a lark, he turned down Main Street and into downtown New Port Richey. He found a space for lease and, at more than a dozen years here, has became one of the downtown’s mainstays.
James Ahern, a Holiday photographer who often shops at Pasco Camera Exchange, said that many times the trade-off in price is worth it. Though Pasco Camera may be more expensive on some products, he said, “you’re dealing with someone more knowledgeable.”
Smetzer says that may be one of his best selling points.
“When we’re selling cameras, we can go over more of the features with them,” said Smetzer, who keeps “Not Another Wal-Mart” T-shirts at the front of his shop. “With the big-box stores, it’s usually, ‘Here’s the box, thanks very much.’ ”
Jodie Tillman can be reached at (727) 869-6247 or jtillman@sptimes.com.
The store
Pasco Camera Exchange, at 5405 Main St., opened in 1995
Brands the shop carried in 1995: Olympus, Ricoh, Konica, Minolta, Canon
Brands it carries today: Olympus, Canon, Pentax, Samsung (Ricoh, Konica and Minolta are no longer in the market)
Competition in 1995: Ritz Camera, Kmart, Wal-Mart, Luria’s, Service Merchandise
Competition today: Ritz, Kmart, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City, Target
Source: Pasco Camera Exchange
September 10th, 2007
Caught on camera: 3D images give early warning of genetic disorders in children
Guardian Unlimited, UK
· Digital method could be used on two-year-olds
· Asperger’s syndrome may be target for technique
Ian Sample, science correspondent
The Guardian
Monday September 10 2007
Tens of thousands of children with rare genetic disorders could be diagnosed earlier and more cheaply following pioneering research that uses computers to analyse images of people’s faces.
The technique will help doctors make a swift diagnosis by identifying the most likely genetic disorder a child has purely by examining their features.
Until now, doctors have had to run a series of expensive and time-consuming genetic tests before being sure of their diagnosis.
The British research, published today, is also expected to allow doctors to screen children as young as two years old for autism disorders, such as Asperger’s, boosting their chances of receiving appropriate care and treatment as early as possible.
The breakthrough exploits the fact that of 5,000 documented genetic disorders, around 700 cause slight but specific changes in facial development. One of the most dramatic examples is Down’s syndrome, but many other conditions lead to more subtle differences in facial appearance that can only be spotted by experienced specialists.
One condition, called fragile X syndrome, is the most common inherited cause of mental impairment and is triggered by a mutation in a single gene on the X chromosome. Of the one in 4,000 newborns it affects, many develop mental impairment, autistic behaviour, anxiety problems and seizures, but they also have a subtly different appearance, growing slightly longer, narrow faces and more prominent ears.
Peter Hammond, at the Institute of Child Health in London, used 3D digital photography to build a library of healthy children’s faces and merged them to produce an “average” healthy face. He then travelled to hospitals around the world to take 3D images of children with various genetic disorders and from them created typical faces for each condition. Each image contains 25,000 points that capture the most subtle contours of the face.
Dr Hammond’s team has now used the images to diagnose disorders in children. Doctors simply need to take 3D images of the child’s face and use the computer to see which condition their facial features most closely resemble.
The researchers are working on 30 different genetic conditions which alter the shape of the face. Among them is Williams syndrome, a mental impairment that affects one in 15,000, and is characterised by a short, upturned nose and small jaw. Children with the condition often find their behaviour is altered too, making them unusually friendly towards strangers.
Another condition, Smith Magenis syndrome, gives one in 25,000 children flat-looking noses and raised top lips. They are prone to self-harming and release the sleep hormone melatonin during the day, making them sleep in the daytime and rise at night. Many of these children develop curved spines and heart and kidney problems which can be picked up more quickly if the child is diagnosed at a young age.
In tests, Dr Hammond’s computer system accurately diagnosed 92% of fragile X syndrome cases, 98% of Williams syndrome cases and 91% of patients with Smith Magenis. Details of the research are to be presented today at the British Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in York.
“Some specialists will be able to make a diagnosis as soon as a patient comes through the door, but some of these conditions are very rare, and it can take a lot of experience to recognise them. Some doctors will only have read about cases in journal papers,” Dr Hammond said.
“Doctors can use this to focus in on the likely disorder before beginning genetic tests, which can cost £500 to £1,000 each, so the children and the parents should get a cheaper, quicker diagnosis.”
Dr Hammond’s team has created software that can morph from a healthy face to a face with any one of the 10 different genetic disorders they have so far studied. In January, the system will be used for the first time to teach doctors in Cambridge how to identify the disorders.
The technique is unlikely to be available across the country soon, because the 3D digital cameras needed typically cost £20,000. Of the 15 or so British hospitals that have the equipment already, most are in maxillofacial centres, where they are used to assess facial surgery operations.
September 10th, 2007
Review: Olympus Stylus 790SW compact digital camera
infoSync World, Norway
Olympus promises a 3x zoom camera that can be dropped from 5 feet, frozen in a block of ice and dropped to the bottom of a pool, then take great pictures. Do they deliver?
Design – Very Good
The 2.5-inch screen on the 790SW is no better or worse than any we’ve seen. There is no optical viewfinder, so all shots must be lined up on the LCD, which does an average job of representing what the picture will look like on your computer. A touch screen would be nice, but they’re not ubiquitous just yet, and this camera is built to take punishment, so we won’t fault Olympus for it.
The buttons were decently sized and responded well. We didn’t like the selecting wheel for the different modes, but we aren’t sure how else they could make a waterproof selector switch. Considering how beefy and tough this camera is, we were surprised at how elegant it was. It didn’t look like a rubberized version of a camera, or like a Panasonic ToughBook, ready to be taken to a battlefield; it simply looked like a very nice digital camera. It is sleek and streamlined, and Olympus did a great job with the finger rest on the front of the camera, which perfectly aligns with your middle finger to give you a better grip when shooting. It was designed with activity in mind, but externally, it just looks pretty.
The lens cover is phenomenal; when we first opened the camera, our inner five-year-old immediately jabbed a finger at it, trying to slide it away from covering the lens, but we found it extremely difficult, as the sliding metal lens cover did an excellent job of keeping it protected.
Shooting Features – Good
The 790SW’s sensitivity settings–reaching up to ISO 1600–were nice, as was the 7.1-megapixel sensor. But we wonder if the internal zoom lens sacrificed some quality, because the external zoom cameras we’ve tested seem to take better pictures than the internal zooms, no matter how many megapixels of resolution they cram in there. That being said, with the 3x internal zoom, there are no external mechanical moving parts to get wet or damaged. We think Olympus can do a little better than 3x, though, so we’ll look for that to improve on the next model. Also, Olympus claims a high-speed shutter mode, but we were unable to activate it. Some features require an Olympus-branded xD card, but we were unable to find in the included documentation whether or not that was true for this particular mode.
There were 22 different scene modes, none of which seemed to be able to capture the portrait-against-the-skyline shot we so desperately wanted when strolling the Brooklyn Heights promenade after sundown. Maybe with a timer and a tripod the shot could be made, but the slight tremble of our hands caused the lights to streak and the shot to blur, even giving one of the subjects a friendly ghost following him. Fast action shots came out OK, but only when the camera was focused on a non-moving subject. We had difficulty capturing moving objects well, especially in low-light situations.
Start-up was quick, and we were able to get a focused shot of our Senior Editor hard at work at his desk in about 2 seconds after turning it on. The second shot was slightly faster, but not by much. Manual controls were pretty much non-existent. You could adjust ISO settings, but not in every mode (and only when the dial was turned to the SCN mode), and adjustments must be made within the particular shooting mode. We would much rather have a centralized menu system, but the 790SW’s seemed to be extremely compartmentalized; it was almost as if with each click on the wheel, you moved onto a different camera with different settings.
Image Quality – Mediocre
There is really no other way to say it: we were wholly unsatisfied with image quality on this camera. We tried many different scene assist modes, tried full auto, and tried to manually adjust our ISO settings, but ultimately were only satisfied with about 30 percent of our photos. We tend to take a lot of pictures (especially when testing a camera), so for those a bit more selective in their picture taking, this success rate will most likely improve. Some problems we experienced with images included fuzziness around the edges of subjects, typical motion blur and an overall lack of the crispness that we have come to expect with a 7.1-megapixel camera.
The preset modes were unexciting. They did provide better images than the full-auto settings, but the difference was not significant. Rather, the presets simply gave us a new set of imperfections in the image to complain about. In-camera edting options were also disppointing. We were given two automatic features (“shadow adjustment” and “red-eye fix”) as well as the ability to choose from three pre-formatted color balance adjustments. Needless to say, we did not rely on the camera for editing images.
We were quite bothered by the 10 second limit on videos at VGA, the highest resolution (640×480). We don’t understand why the camera can’t simply record videos as long as the remaining memory capacity allows. The quality of 320×240 videos was not much worse, but we were hoping for full VGA. Normally, we would lament the lack of a widescreen format for video, but when you can’t even take a 12-second video at VGA quality, the point is probably moot.
Durability – Excellent
While the rest of the Olympus 790 SW’s features were admittedly average, this category is where it stands out from the pack. This camera is a workhorse, a warthog or whatever other nickname you can dream up for “really freaking tough.” We decided to make Olympus prove to us that the camera could resist shock from a 5 foot fall. Then we decided to do it again. And again. And so on. Other than a few minor and almost unnoticeable scratches, the camera held up extremely well. And trust us, we beat the hell out of it, and it still kept on ticking.
Being in New York City and not having easy access to a pool, to test the waterproofing on the 790SW we did the next best thing. We took the phone swimming in a pint glass. We dunked our review unit in all kinds of expensive imported malt beverages at a local watering hole, even taking pictures through the bubbles. We left it in the glass for a few minutes, took it out, took a picture. No problem. We took it into the bathroom, rinsed it off (all while receiving incredulous stares from other patrons), took more pictures, and had no problems. Any time we had any kind of dust or dirt on our camera, a simple trip to the sink did the trick. We have a tendency to forget that the little plastic and metal things hanging off our wrists are hundred-dollar pieces of equipment, so its nice to not worry about babying our camera on a night out. Olympus definitely delivered on their promises of durability; this was easily the best feature of the camera.
Image Transfer – Very Good
The included Olympus Master software can be set to start immediately upon connection of a camera or card (which can either be convenient or annoying, depending on how you roll). When you load the software, you can import your pictures from the “My Pictures” folder on your computer, or if you have previous versions of the Olympus software, you can import from those as well. Upon startup, a quick-start guide pops up, which remains on top of the screen as you follow the directions it gives you. Considering it obstructs the view of the program, it’s a bit cumbersome. It would have been nice for the guide and the functions to be integrated, or at least dedicate a part of the screen to the guide so we could follow along as we performed the tasks.
The software has lots of editing options, allowing you to adjust brightness, contrast, color, tone and gamma, with auto and fully manual settings. We liked that the software worked with Macintosh computers, providing considerably more editing options than iPhoto, if an admittedly less aesthetically pleasing experience. For those not looking to spend a few bills on Photoshop, this seems like a pretty solid and easy-to-use photo editing option, one of the better that we’ve seen. It would have been nice to have an e-mail option within the program, however.
Transfers with the USB 2.0 cable were fast, with 80 or so 7.1 MP pictures taking under a minute to transfer. We were troubled by the required xD card–which was more expensive ($39.99) than the 1GB SD cards we saw at our local big-box retailer ($21.99)–and even more troubled by the fact that in order to access features like Panorama, you needed an Olympus brand xD card. This is nothing short of shameful. If they want to include special features on their brand of cards, the least they could do is include one with the camera.
Accessories – Good
Accessories bundled with the 790SW included a wrist strap, a Li-Ion battery, a USB 2.0 cable, a proprietary A/V cable, a battery charger and software CD-ROM. We like to be able to charge our devices through our computer and, barring that, at least have a dock with an AC adapter that we can set at our computer desk. We find removing the battery and placing it in the charger inconvenient. We also think it bears repeating that when features like Panorama require an Olympus brand xD card, one should be included.
Pros:
Sleek, slim design. Very tough and durable. Included software had nice editing features.
Cons:
xD memory format is less common, more expensive. Mediocre picture quality. 10 second limit on high quality videos.
Conclusion:
The Stylus 790SW is an average digital camera wrapped in one of the most outstanding packages we’ve tested. The combination of style and durability in the casing is phenomenal, and we loved that no matter how much we beat it up, it took shots just as well as it did right out of the box. Unfortunately, right out of the box, it took pretty mediocre photographs. We were also extremely disappointed by the built-in limitations in the video mode. Ultimately, Olympus delivered on their promise of a tough-as-nails, yet pretty-as-flowers camera, but was off the mark delivering what we want a camera to do: take great pictures.
76%
Very good
September 7th, 2007
Gadgets: A versatile digital camera
Minneapolis Star Tribune (subscription), MN
$350,
www.samsungcamerausa.com
Digital cameras are starting to compete with cell phones as the most versatile gadget. Samsung’s new i85 model packs an 8-megapixel camera inside its brushed aluminum body — plus a personal media player for enjoying digital music and video between shots.
The i85 also comes with Samsung’s World Tour Guide software that provides travel information for 30 countries, and it can shoot MPEG-4 video clips during the journey. The camera, about 3.7 inches wide by 2.4 inches tall and less than an inch thick, has a 3-inch LCD touch screen on the back to help show off its multimedia bells and whistles. A headphone port and built-in stereo speakers provide the sound.
Due in stores soon, the i85 comes with 256 MB of internal memory, and takes SD cards to add up to 4 GB for storing photos and other files.
A PRIVATE DRIVE
$30 and $40, www.corsair.com
Most USB drives are tiny enough for toting data anywhere — but are also small enough to lose easily. Armed with a set of buttons on its case, the Flash Padlock USB drive from Corsair puts a hardware lock on the pocket data vault by requiring the user to punch in a code to see the stored files when the drive is connected to a computer. The drive automatically locks itself when it is no longer plugged into the computer’s USB port. As with an ATM password, owners can set their own PIN to gain entry. The drive works with Windows, Macintosh and Linux systems. It is available in 1 GB and 2 GB models.
NEW YORK TIMES
September 5th, 2007
Most Popular Digital Cameras of August 2007
Digital Camera Reviews, OH
Summer is wrapping up and the camera manufacturers have pretty much finished making their latest round of new camera announcements. In August alone, there were almost 40 new models announced. Most of them haven’t hit the market yet, but when they do, we’ll see some more shifting in our most popular list. This list of cameras shows you what visitors of DigitalCameraReview.com looked at over the past month. The rankings are determined by the number of times a particular product page is viewed by our users. The rankings below are from the entire month of August 2007.
Our list didn’t change much since July’s list. The top two cameras even stayed the same. There was only one camera that got knocked off the list, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100. It was replace by the Canon Powershot SD750.
For additional help while choosing a camera, you can register for our forums and ask as many questions as you want. If you’re looking to buy, the best place to start is our Digital Camera Buying Suggestions forum. If you need help with your current camera, then we have forums for each brand of camera.
1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 (previously #1) – This 7 megapixel successor to the TZ1 sports a 10x optical zoom with image stabilization in a relatively compact form factor. Panasonic has added new features, like Intelligent ISO control and a new imaging processor for better performance. It also sports a 3 inch screen and has quick operation. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Reviews | Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 User Opinions
2. Canon Powershot SD850 IS (previously #2) – The most recent addition to Canon’s Digital ELPH/SD line is the replacement for the SD700 IS, bringing the DIGIC III processor to the 4x optical zoom SD camera with image stabilization. You’ll also find a 2.5 inch LCD. Canon Powershot SD850 IS Reviews | Canon Powershot SD850 IS User Opinions
3. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W80 (previously #6) – This compact W model slides into the top 10 because of it’s price performance. It has quick operation, optical image stabilization, a nice Sony LCD, and it looks good too. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W80 Reviews | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W80 User Opinions
4. Canon Powershot SD1000 (previously #7) – One of the latest additions to Canon’s SD line, the SD1000, features 7.1 megapixels of resolution, a 3x optical zoom, 2.5 inch LCD and some retro styling with squared of edges and minimalistic look. The camera also features the DIGIC III processor. Canon Powershot SD1000 Reviews | Canon Powershot SD1000 User Opinions
5. Canon Powershot S5 IS (previously #3) – The Powershot S5 IS has finally overtaken its predecessor. The S5 IS features a stabilized 12x optical zoom, 8 megapixel resolution, a 2.5 inch Vari-Angle LCD, and the DIGIC III processor. Canon’s ultra-zoom S series is always one of the most popular ultra-zoom cameras out there. Canon Powershot S5 IS Reviews | Canon Powershot S5 IS User Opinions
6. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7 (previously #9) – The LZ7 is one of the few cameras with a mid-range 6x optical zoom and at its price point, it’s a very attractive deal. It also features 7.2 megapixel resolution, 2.5 inch LCD, and optical image stabilization. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7 Reviews | Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7 User Opinions
7. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T100 (previously #5) – The T100 is the latest top of the line in Sony’s slim and stylish T series of digital cameras. It features a 5x optical zoom, 8 megapixel resolution, and a 3 inch screen. You also get multiple camera color options, HD output, a new 9 point AF system, and Super SteadyShot. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T100 Reviews | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T100 User Opinions
8. Canon Powershot SD800 IS (previously #4) – This 7.1 megapixel update to the Canon SD700 IS features the same image stabilization system and compact form factor. It features a new wider angle lens and new DIGIC III processor. Canon Powershot SD800 IS Reviews | Canon Powershot SD800 IS User Opinions
9. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 (previously #10) – Like the TZ3, the FZ8 is winning fans with it’s new features and imaging processor. The FZ8 is an ultrazoom, with a 12x optical zoom with image stabilization. You can preview your 7.2 megapixel images on the 2.5 inch LCD or electronic viewfinder. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 Reviews | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 User Opinions
10. Canon Powershot SD750 (first time in top 10) – The SD750 is the 3 inch sibling of the SD1000. It has similar features (7.4 MP, 4x optical zoom, similar size), but a 3 inch LCD and no optical viewfinder. Canon Powershot SD750 Reviews | Canon Powershot SD750 User Opinions
Falling out of the top 10 most popular cameras from the previous month is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100.
September 3rd, 2007
Sound Advice: Some lenses can be used on digital and film cameras
Minneapolis Star Tribune (subscription), MN
Q I have a Nikon FE 35-millimeter SLR and am thinking of going to a Nikon digital SLR. Are there any zoom lenses I can use with the FE that will be compatible with Nikon digital SLRs? I’d like a 28-100mm and a 70-210mm zoom lens to cover most photo opportunities. What do you suggest?
JOSEPH MUNOZ
A The key is to buy a lens that is designed to work with 35mm film. Most digital SLRs have a sensor that is smaller than a frame of 35mm film. In the interest of cost and optical performance, manufacturers have designed lenses that only cover this smaller sensor. These lenses are not compatible with your FE, although they might mount on it. Whichever lens line you consider, just be sure it says “for film or digital SLRs” if you plan on using it with your FE.
I’d suggest looking at Nikon’s D series AF lenses. Do not buy the Nikon DX lenses, because they are compatible only with Nikon-mount digital SLRs. Older zoom lenses for Nikon film SLRs are likely to work with digital SLRs, but functionality might be limited because the lenses might not contain the electronics necessary to use all the features on the camera.
Too much information
Q My wife’s digital camera always has information on the screen that we do not use, such as shutter speed, frame number and shooting mode. It is distracting and obscures the pictures when we are reviewing them. Is there any way to get rid of the information so we see only the picture?
BILL ZIELINSKI, ALLISON PARK, PA.
A With most cameras you can choose which information is shown on the display. Push the “Info” or “Display” button on the back, and the camera will cycle through the available display modes. Usually one of the display options is bare-bones with little, if any, information, allowing you to see the entire image clearly.
MP3s for the road
Q My new car’s GPS system has slots for flash cards that allow you to play MP3 music. I bought a 2-gigabyte card and have been able to download music that I burned from my CDs onto my laptop hard drive. I can then play songs from the flash card in the car. However, when I go to an online music store to buy songs, I cannot get the MP3 format to put on my flash card. I’ve been told that it has something to do with licensing. Yet, if I buy and download a song, I could burn it onto a CD. Is there any way of converting the WMA format to MP3 for my personal use in the new car?
PAUL GAVIN, LITTLE EGG HARBOR, N.J.
A There might be a way to convert it from protected WMA to MP3, but I do not know of it and it would probably be illegal to defeat the copy protection encoded on the songs. You will need to continue to burn the music to CD to use it in your car. If your car has an auxiliary jack, you might want to get a portable music player that supports WMA to carry your music.
Submit questions and read past columns at www.soundadviceblog.com.
September 3rd, 2007
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