BenQ Digital Camera Has Seriously High ISO Sensitivity
Gizmodo Australia, Australia
The X835 digital camera from BenQ has an 8MP sensor, packs in a 3x optical zoom and can handle sensitivities of up to ISO 2000 during still image capture. The ISO sensitivity during video capture is set at a maximum of 6400. The addition of such functionality comes at a price;
the noise in the captured images will probably be enough to cause an avalanche in the Alps from an 800 kilometre distance.
Most standard cameras have sensitivities of less than ISO 1600; an increase in the value allows better utilisation of ambient light, foregoing the necessity for a flash in lower light conditions. The camera will also have a 2.5-inch LCD, 16MB internal memory and an SD/SDHC slot, with support for up to 4GB cards. Price and shipping dates are not available, but the camera will ship in red and black colours when it eventually does. [Macnn]
December 17th, 2007
SHOPPING FOR . . .A digital camera
Newsday, NY
As told to Laurie Squire
The expert: Scott Gries, Getty Images photographer. Some of his recent projects include a shoot for TLC’s new show “Fashionably Late,” several MTV productions, as well as a trip to Gibraltar for The History Channel. An archive of photos is at gettyimages.com.
What I want: Small enough to fit in my pocket. After lugging 50 pounds of photo gear with me every day, the last thing I want on my day off is to have to carry heavy equipment!
I must have: Strong rechargeable batteries. And a wide lens (as a rule, I don’t leave the house without a lens that is at least 28-mm wide, forcing me to get close to my subject, which makes the picture that much more intimate).
What I hate: Testing out a digital camera in a store is far from a real life situation . . . unless, of course, every picture you plan on taking is in fluorescent light!
Savvy shopper: Buy a spare battery and always keep it on hand – the displays on the back of digital cameras use a lot of power, and you don’t want to miss a shot because you were at the drugstore buying AAs. Disposable batteries aren’t so great for the environment either – think green. Research cameras before you make a purchase; an excellent site for learning about cameras and comparing models is dpreview.com. Plus, this research will let you know what prices you can haggle the salespeople down to.
My pick: Canon Powershot G9 has a nice wide lens, superb construction and produces amazing quality photos for a point-and-shoot ($450 at B&H).
Next best thing: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55, a great, easy-to-use, ultra-compact camera. Small enough to fit in your pants’ front pocket and still has a giant 3-inch monitor that makes composing a breeze ($350 at B&H).
December 17th, 2007