Archive for November, 2007
Stylus 830 Digital Camera (Black)
CameraTown.Com (press release), NH
Description:
A CLEAR SOLUTION TO BLURRY PHOTOS
When it comes to digital photography, there’s one thing everybody wants – clear, blur-free shots. The Dual Image Stabilization in the Stylus 830, along with its smart 5x optical zoom capability, make it a sleek, all-purpose point-and-shoot camera packed with the latest technology.
DUAL IMAGE STABILIZATION
You won’t believe the results of this 2-in-1 anti-blur solution. Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization, which keeps your shot steady by compensating for camera shake, combines with Digital Image Stabilization to capture crisp, clear images in any situation!
5X OPTICAL ZOOM Your photo opportunities will be twice as nice with nearly twice the magnification power of 3x zoom. Get closer to the action, without taking a step, with this ultra-compact, precision-crafted 5x zoom Olympus lens.
ALL-WEATHER
This camera’ durable, splashproof design – exclusive to the Stylus series – protects your camera from water sprays, splashes and the elements for worry-free shooting anytime, anywhere.
FACE DETECTION
Automatically focuses on your subjects’ faces and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.
2.5″ HYPERCRYSTALâ„¢ LCD
The extra-wide viewing angle and anti-glare technology make it easy to compose and shoot. You can even share photos with family and friends in bright, direct sunlight.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization combines with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to capture crisp, clear images in any situation.
The Stylus 830′s ultra-compact lens is made from precision-crafted glass that puts you 60 percent closer than a 3x zoom.
All-Weather protection means your camera is resistant to water sprays, splashes and the elements for worry-free shooting anytime, anywhere.
Face Detection tracks your subjects’ smiling faces within the frame and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.
Get superior image quality with a high-resolution 8-megapixel CCD. Make large prints, or even crop, without losing detail.
2.5″ HyperCrystalâ„¢ LCD provides anti-glare technology and an extra-wide viewing angle that makes it easy to compose and shoot. You can even share photos with family and friends in bright, direct sunlight.
Tough shooting situations are made easy with 26 preset Shooting Modes including Sunset, Fireworks and more.
TruePicâ„¢ III Image Processor was developed for the demanding performance of the professional Digital SLR. This new image processor delivers superior images with true-to-life color, sharper detail, and less noise.
Using a live, multi-frame window on the LCD, Perfect Shot Preview lets you see the effects of various settings in real time. It’s a great way to preview and learn the effects of each setting, while capturing the perfect shot.
Correct shooting mistakes instantly. With the touch of a button, Perfect Fix will lighten up shadows, remove red-eye and eliminate blur, so a less-than-perfect shot can still turn out perfect!
November 19th, 2007
Digital camera report: Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
By Arnold Zafra
TECH.BLORGE.com, Australia
The Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 is a is a the latest model in Sony’s DSLR camera aimed at both photo enthusiasts and serious hobbyists
Priced at US$1399 the A700 DSLR is equipped with Sony’s proprietary new on-chip column A/D conversion and dual noise reduction which produces signal output that is exceptionally clean even at sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200.
According to Sony, the A700 DSLR features advanced imaging technologies and ultra-responsive operation, as well as a lightweight, dust- and moisture-resistant, magnesium alloy construction common to enthusiast-class DSLR cameras. .
Key features include:
12.24 (effective) APS Exmor Sensor
30 ~ 1/8000 sec 55 step Shutter Speed
160-6400 ISO (sensitivity)
3.0″ TFT (9221k pixels) LCD with Clear Photo design
650 shots per battery charge
Takes Memory Stick PRO Media
Rugged Magnesium Alloy Body
690 grams body, not including battery, lens and media
Dimensions of 141.7mm x 104.8mm x 79.7 mm (W x H x D)
Bionz image processing engine to capture colors with a rich sense of texture and depth, just as the human eye perceives them. Super SteadyShot image stabilization system to help prevent blurring caused by camera shake
What the manufacturer says:
Discerning photo enthusiasts will be impressed with the rugged construction and outstanding performance of the A700-This new camera will re-define the post-capture experience with HDMI output for high-quality playback of images on high-definition televisions.â€
What punters are saying:
“As such while the A700 is undoubtedly very good, we believe the inclusion of a few features could have made it better still. If you personally don’t feel the need for Live View, an upper status screen or optional Wi-Fi facilities, then it could be the right DSLR for you, but others will eliminate it because of their absence.â€-Gordon Laing
“The A700 is a superb tool for the enthusiast or semi-professional photographer, providing high quality results in almost any conditions. The combination of rugged durability, fast performance, a class-leading AF system, on-board image stabilization and great handling will prove hard to beat.â€-Cliff Smith
“An A700 would obviously be the best choice for anyone upgrading from Minolta film cameras or dSLRs, and yet it should appeal to first time dSLR users as well.â€-Steve’s Digicams
Our comment:
The Sony Alpha A700-DSLR would be a good entry level camera for photo enthusiasts and hobbyists who are gearing to take their digital photography skills into a higher level. If the Canon or Nikon entry level DSLR do not appeal to them, then perhaps they might find the Sony A700 a good or perhaps a better alternative.
Related:
Digital camera report: Sony DSC-H3
Nikon prepares for the battle of DSLR with D3 model
Sony announces latest Cyber-shot DSC-T2
Digital camera report: Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10K
Sony introduces automatic panoramic camera
November 19th, 2007
Digital camera shipments to U.S. up 22 percent
Reuters Canada, Canada
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Shipments of digital cameras to the United States in the third quarter rose 22 percent, driven by demand from consumers replacing older models at discounted prices, according to industry data.
Research firm IDC, in its quarterly report, said camera makers shipped 8.4 million units, fueled by customers desire for fashionable models with new features such as image stabilization.
Japan’s Canon Inc remained the top selling brand, with a 23 percent market share. Next was Sony Inc at 18 percent, while Eastman Kodak had a 15 percent share, IDC said.
South Korea’s Samsung saw its U.S. market share halved to about 4 percent, IDC said.
IDC analyst Chris Chute said he expects Kodak to have a strong fourth quarter, benefiting from promotional deals during the holiday shopping season.
Digital camera shipments so far this year have been stronger than expected, reversing a trend of declining growth seen over the past four years.
In many cases cameras, which come in multiple colors, have become a kind of fashion item, much like tiny mobile phones or Apple Inc’s iPod digital music player.
(Reporting by Franklin Paul, editing by Leslie Gevirtz)
November 16th, 2007
Olympus FE-300 Digital Camera Review
Washington Post, United States
A number of digital camera manufacturers are offering 12-megapixel models, currently the highest resolution available for point-and-shoots. Olympus entered the 12-megapixel FE-300 into the megapixel race in August 2007. The entry-level Olympus FE-300, among the least expensive of the bunch, retails for $299.99.
Stuffing extra megapixels into entry-level cameras is a tactic manufacturers use to lure consumers. However, more resolution doesn’t necessarily mean sharper photos. Our resolution test shows the Olympus FE-300 takes images that are sharp in the center but blurry in the corners. This will be apparent in large prints and images that have been cropped.
The camera has a laundry list of image quality problems. While noise is low when the camera uses low ISO settings, unattractive noise speckles images at high ISO settings. Additionally, the FE-300 did not perform well in our color and white balance tests, which means colors in photos will be inaccurate. Even more, the camera takes a sluggish 4 seconds to process a full-resolution image, so users might miss a spontaneous shot while the camera is “thinking.â€
Aside from the high resolution count, the FE-300 camera has basic point-and-shoot features, including a 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD monitor. The Olympus camera, however, is missing some crucial features found in competing cameras, some in the same price range.
The FE-300 uses digital image stabilization instead of optical or mechanical image stabilization. All three methods are meant to help prevent blurry photos caused by shaky hands, but their approaches are different. Digital image stabilization simply increases the ISO and thereby the shutter speed. In general, high ISO settings cause noisy images, and, as we mentioned, this is an area where the FE-300 performs particularly poorly. Mechanical and optical image stabilization are more desirable because they shift either the sensor or part of the lens to counteract the photographer’s movement. Some competing models, including the $299 Fujifilm FinePix F50fd, use the latter methods, a significant advantage
The Olympus FE-300 has face detection with a hyped Smile Shot mode that supposedly detects smiling faces, but the function is ineffective. Other cameras in this price range offer more built-in editing, like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W200, or high definition output, like the Kodak EasyShare V1253.
The Olympus FE-300 has some things going for it, including its flat design, which lends to portability. Geared strictly toward beginners, the FE camera has a helpful built-in Shooting Guide and Perfect Shot Preview, which displays thumbnail previews of multiple camera settings to assist users in their selection.
While the camera’s automated modes make it easy to use, the lack of manual controls might stunt a photographer’s growth. Similar cameras, such as the Fujifilm FinePix F50fd, offer Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority modes, which give the photographer more flexibility.
When considering a digital camera, consumers should be aware that more megapixels don’t necessarily mean the camera is better, and not all cameras perform the same. For instance, the FE-300 and Fujifilm F50fd are both 12-megapixel cameras, yet the Fuji fares much better in our resolution tests. While the FE-300 has a seemingly impressive megapixel count and is relatively inexpensive, it has poor overall image quality. There are much better cameras on the market.
November 15th, 2007
Cheap, Decent Digital Camera for Teens
PC World
My 16-year old niece has a trip planned and needs a digital camera. She’s working on an angle — I have a high-end, Nikon SLR and she wants to know if she can borrow it. Sure, and do you want to take the Mercedes, too? (That’s a metaphorical Mercedes; I have a Subaru. Either way, she’s not getting either.)
Here’s a better idea: For under $100, I’m getting her a decent camera — and won’t worry if she beats it up.
The DXG-711 is a slim, inch-thick, seven megapixel digital camera with a 2.5-inch high rez LCD display and a 3x optical zoom (and 4x digital zoom that I told her not to use). Typical of a digital camera, it can record video — at 30 frames per second at 640 by 480, a handy extra that I wish I had in my SLR. The DXG also substitutes as a sound recorder and has a slot for an SD memory card.
It has the usual point and shoot, no-brainer, good-for-a-teen settings, and others, including night view, sports, monochrome, and blur reduction. The DXG-711 discounts for under $100 and keeps my Nikon safely in my office.
The perfect under $100 camera for a teenager
November 14th, 2007
Sony Touts Digital Camera’s HDTV Viewing Feature
Brandweek Magazine, NY
November 12, 2007
By Steve Miller
Sony breaks a broadcast spot for its Cyber-shot camera during ESPN’s Monday Night Football tonight as another leg of its ease of use campaign.
The creative, via 180 Los Angeles, centers on the ease of use and the technology that allows the consumer to view the pictures in high definition on a television.
The 30-second spot opens with a wedding and a guest shooting pictures from the pew with one hand. Next up is a group photo of friends in a booth at a restaurant shot by a waiter who looks amazed at the ease of the camera. Finally, a children’s school play production is also shot via the small, handheld unit. After each segment, the image is shown on a Sony flat screen that appears in the middle of the activity and is admired by the people in the shot.
“What we show is a reassurance to the customer that has purchased a Sony camera that not only are you getting simplicity but also high definition,†said Stuart Redsun, svp-corporate marketing. “Not a lot of people equate simple with high-def, and now we can deliver that.â€
Sony is second in digital camera unit share through August, per NPD Group, Port Washington, N.Y., with 19%. It trails only Canon, which holds 24.8% of the market.
Sony’s message, as well as that of its competitors, is that “everybody can use these cameras now and here’s how it can enhance your experience,†said Liz Cutting, senior imaging analyst at NPD.
“The category has seen double digit growth for a long time, and prices keep coming down,†Cutting said. “And there are now more advancements at competitive prices with easy-to-understand features for the mainstream buyer. And there will be more advances, which is helping keep revenue up.â€
Sony spent $44 million on camera ads in 2006, and $32 million from January through August of 2007, per Nielsen Monitor-Plus.
November 13th, 2007
Mrs. Murfreesboro: Here’s ‘Digital Photo 101’ from frequent user
By JEANNE BRAGG
Murfreesboro Post, TN
Many friends have asked for help in getting those Halloween photos out of the digital camera and onto Christmas cards, so toady’s article is “Digital Photo 101.â€
This article will apply if you have a digital camera in good working order and don’t know how to get the photos out of your camera. Next week’s article when help publish your photos to your computer or a site on the Internet where you can make Christmas cards, mugs, calendars, etc. Please take note: these are not hints from an expert in the field; these are just notes from a person who works with LOTS of pictures.
When you buy a digital camera, it comes equipped with a removable memory device, in my case, a memory stick. Yours may have a secure digital (SD) card, a memory card, picture card, flash card … whatever. These miniscule devices will store the photos you take. These units come with your camera and have minimum storage, so if you plan to take lots of photos (i.e., of “an occasion,)†buy an additional device from almost any electronic or discount store (take your original memory device with you to ensure you buy the correct one). About one gigabyte of memory is enough for most casual users and will cost about $32 … a good long-term investment. If you have filled one up, you can revert to the other so having two is best.
Keep your memory units in a protected container in a designated place in your home (I use an old coin purse–you could use an old pill bottle, zip lock bag–) but protect this special memory device both in the house and in your pocket/purse because they are small and easy to misplace (how do you think I know this)?
When you are ready to take many photos, make sure the battery of your camera is fully charged (this is especially important on FIRST use). Once you have inserted your fully charged battery and your new memory device into your camera, you can shoot away.
After you have taken your photos and are ready to “print†them, you remove your memory device, put it in its protective spot and take it to almost any drugstore (and some discount stores). There you will find a kiosk where you will download the photos you want printed (the self use machines are right by the photo lab in every store).
Let notice be served; these kiosks are very popular (most stores now have two), so if you feel you will need help, try to go during a non-rush period for your sanity AND that of the clerks.
To begin, insert your memory device into the appropriate slot (i.e., memory stick, SD, etc.) in the kiosk and follow the prompts. But take note–the “old†memory sticks were longer than the new ones, and if yours gets swallowed up, ask the clerk to help you.
They have an adapter that will solve that problem.
Follow each prompt on the touch screen. The prompts will guide you through selecting the photos you want. Even if you make a mistake, the prompts are very forgiving. … Just push the “go back†button.
You can choose forgo the time-consuming task of editing photos and make an option of “print all pictures on card†button (in which case you get a print of every photos your have taken–double copies if you choose). Or you can be ambitious and follow guides for cropping photos, ordering different size prints per photo, eliminating red eye glare, lightening up darkened photos, etc. You have many options.
I have found the clerks at these photo labs to be immensely helpful. Ask if you need help.
You can also choose to eliminate prints you don’t like (just don’t put a check in the box), order multiples of those you do like (in varying sizes) (where it shows “1†type in “2â€) and order a CD of any or/all of photos you have chosen (usually for an additional $4 or so).
Be sure to order the CD and the index print. An index print is a thumbnail view of each photo you have selected and the CD stores the images you have chosen ON the CD in digital form. Again, designate a safe place at home for these. Photos on these CDs can then be transferred to your home computer, mailed to someone for use on THEIR computer, etc. Or you can file the CD away and take it to the store if you want reprints at a later date.
Once you finalized your selections, the machine will print out a copy of your order that you give to the clerk at the photo desk. In most cases, your prints will be available for pickup in one hour.
If you are happy with your photos, you will want to erase them from your memory de-vice, freeing up more space (you have them on CD). Follow the instructions in your camera’s manual for erasure.
Well, enough for today’s lesson. Next week we will work on sharing these photos via the Internet, printing them out at home, etc. TMI (too much information)? Hope not. Hope it helps.
ʻTil next week.
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November 12th, 2007
Taking the mystery out of digital photography
City Press, South Africa –
Jon Minster
THE beauty of the digital camera is that if a picture isn’t right, you simply delete and take another one. So don’t just put your camera on “autoâ€. Even relatively basic digital compact cameras can do amazing things these days. Whip out the user’s manual, experiment with your camera’s settings and go and take amazing holiday pictures!
1. Find your focus
Photography isn’t like hunting. Although both involve shooting, if you line up your subject through your lens as you would through the sight of a rifle, you’ll end up with dull pictures. Why? Subjects in the dead centre of the frame make for boring compositions.
The solution: Experiment! If you’re taking a picture of your niece in a field of Namaqualand daisies, fill the bottom two-thirds of the frame with flowers and position her in the top third.
The same goes for landscape shots. If the clouds are interesting, don’t be scared to fill the frame with sky, keeping only a sliver of land at the bottom.
Do the opposite if the sky is dull.
2. Stitch a panorama
In the old days people used to take a series of overlapping pictures of a beautiful view and glued the hard-copy pictures together later.
You can do the same with your digital images on your computer, except that modern software allows you to blur the joints so the whole thing looks like a single photograph.
Some cameras even have a built-in stitching function, which helps you to align and blend two or more photographs.
How? First take the pictures. A series of two or three pictures works best for a landscape.
Keep the horizon in the same place for each shot and swivel from your waist, making sure that the edges of the photos overlap.
Don’t shoot on auto – use the same exposure settings for each shot – that way your pictures will flow seamlessly into one another later.
3. Come a little closer
A tiny spider dangling from its web or dewdrops make as beautiful pictures as sweeping panoramas, and in the world of macro photography there’s no excuse about not having the best camera or lens – almost all compact digital cameras have macro capabilities to rival or even trump a professional kit that costs thousands of rands.
How? Find the macro button. It’s usually the one with a little flower symbol. By pressing it, you’re telling the camera’s auto focus system that your subject is going to be very close to the lens.
Next it’s up to you to get closer. Try not to stand back and zoom-in either, as this increases the chances of a blurry picture.
4. Create your own hazy waterfall
Look around next time you go for a walk, and you’ll see that everything moves: rivers flow; leaves scamper in the wind; cars drive past; clouds scud across the sky.
Point your camera anywhere and leave the shutter open for a little bit longer. Moving things will be blurred and stationary things will be perfectly in focus – you’ll be amazed at the result.
What is a long exposure? Most pictures are taken between 1/60 and 1/250 of a second. If you want a car weaving down a mountain pass to blur slightly, 1/40 of a second should do the trick.
If you want to blur a waterfall in a dark forest, you might require a shutter speed of about one second or longer.
Most cameras (except a very basic point-and-shoot) allow you to change the shutter speed.
Always remember that the longer the shutter is left open, the more prone you are to camera-shake, so anchor your camera on something stable (a picnic table, the bonnet of your car or a tripod) to stop the rest of the picture from blurring.
Moon and stars. Most cameras have a “night scene†function (usually a moon and stars symbol), which leaves the shutter open for longer so you can get light trails from moving cars at night or sparks flying off a campfire.
5. Get flash-wise
Learning to take control of your flash will greatly improve your photography. Your camera automatically switches on the flash when it’s dark, but there’s much more to flash photography.
When? Often a flash is most useful in very bright situations when you are photographing people, like a group photo taken at midday, when the harsh light from directly above or behind your subjects causes dark shadows.
By using a flash you can fill in these shadows with light, leaving everyone looking more natural.
Show off – Spice up your next sunset by turning on the flash. This will light up your subject in the foreground instead of silhouetting it. (This will only work for subjects within about 4m from the camera.)
This is an extract from a digital photography feature in the November 2007 issue of go! magazine, on sale now.
November 12th, 2007
Digital camera report: Olympus SP-560 UZ
By Arnold Zafra
TECH.BLORGE.com, Australia
The Olympus SP-560 UZ is an elegant, compact digital camera that is ideal for intermediate and advanced digital photography enthusiasts who are looking for a versatile and powerful point-and-shoot camera.
Priced at US$499 the SP-560 UZ boosts of superior optics, 18x optical zoom and lightweight and portability makes it a perfect camera for sports, outdoor and travel photography.
According to Olympus, the SP-560 UZ’s Dual Image Stabilization technology provides an effortless 2-in-1 anti-blur solution for crisp, clear images in any situation.
Key features include:
8.0 Megapixels, 1/2.35†CCD
Macro allows photography from 9.90cm-infinity (W)
18x optical zoom
Focal length 4.68 – 84.24 mm f2.8/4.5 (27 – 486 mm equivalent 35mm)
50/6400 ISO (sensitivity)
2.5†(6.4cm) LCD screen (230,000 pixels)
Takes xD-Picture Card
mottled black magnesium alloy body
365 grams without batteries and media card
Dimensions of 116mm x 78.5mm x 78mm (W x H x D)
18x Wide-Angle Zoom lets users capture more of the scene, Dual Image Stabilization eliminates blur and produces crisp and clear images
What the manufacturer says:
The world’s most complete compact camera, the SP-560 UZ is an elegant, compact digital camera that is ideal for intermediate and advanced digital photography fans who crave power and versatility. Its superior optics, 18x optical zoom and lightweight, portable design make it the perfect point-and-shoot camera for sports, outdoor and travel photography.
What punters are saying:
“All these things said, it’s the zoom range that will sell the camera. The lens performs well, it’s very handy to have a 27mm wide angle view with it, and all the other features, plus the nice build quality and attractive design, make this a cracking little camera with a very big zoom.â€- ePhotozine
“The SP-560 UZ is a mixed bag, containing features that are designed to help novice users take better pictures and controls to please photo enthusiasts. If you stay clear of the high sensitivity settings and fast frame rates and use a tripod and mid-range aperture at the longest zoom setting, it’s a pretty good performerâ€-Photo Review Australia
“For those of you who seek SLR-type manual controls with great optics and a superb auto mode then this camera are nearly impossible to beat.â€- Tim Can
Our comment:
The Olympus SP-560 digital camera is certainly geared for both photography enthusiasts and photography professionals who want quick shooting camera without too much manual effort. The SP-560 has 24 pre-set shooting modes that for a variety of shooting conditions. At the same time, its wide-angle and telephoto zoom capabilities makes it worth of the price that you have to pay for the SP-560.
Related:
Digital camera report: Olympus FE-300
Olympus announces E-3 Digital SLR camera
New 18x Zoom in the Olympus SP 550UZ
Digital camera report Nikon CoolPix 5100
Digital camera report: Canon Powershot SX100IS
Entry was posted on Monday, November 12th, 2007 at 1:10 am under Digital Camera, Point and Shoot. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
November 12th, 2007
Cameras to snap domestic violence cases
The Age, Australia
More NSW police officers will be equipped with digital and video cameras to help investigate cases of domestic violence.
Police Minister David Campbell said the police kits, designed to gather evidence against domestic violence offenders, had been trialled in south-west Sydney and Wagga Wagga.
In those areas, guilty pleas by domestic violence offenders had doubled from 20 per cent to 40 per cent, he said.
“Domestic violence is a cowardly and despicable act, and this is why we are giving police the tools they need to prosecute offenders,” Mr Campbell said.
“The evidence kits contain a digital stills camera, digital video camera and victim’s support pack, and are fitted into general duties police vehicles.”
Areas to receive the kits are: Penrith, Blacktown, Quakers Hill, Mt Druitt, St Marys, Hurstville, Miranda and Sutherland in Sydney, Tuggerah Lakes on the central coast, Far South Coast and Shoalhaven, and Manning on the state’s north coast.
November 9th, 2007
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