Digital Camera News and Reviews

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220

Sony has announced a new budget digital camera called Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220. The camera sports a 12.1 megapixel sensor and 4x optical zoom.

Some key features for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220:
-12.1 megapixel sensor
-4x optical zoom (30 – 120mm)
-2.7 LCD screen
-Intelligent Scene Recognition
-Dynamic Range Optimizer
-Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation
-Smile Shutter technology
-HD output

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 will be available from March 2009 and cost about $190.

Press release:
New Sony Cyber-shot camera gets even more intelligent yet still very practical

Las Vegas, January 7, 2009 – Sony today announced a new 12-megapixel Cyber-shot® camera (model DSC-W220) that combines powerful imaging features with intelligence to make taking great pictures easy.

The entry-level W model has features that until now were only found in high-end models (DSC-W150 and DSC-W170), including Intelligent Scene Recognition and Dynamic Range Optimizer.

“This camera is perfect for customers who forget to change settings to the right scene mode, do not have the time to change settings or do not know what setting to use” said Karim Noblecilla, senior product marketing manager in the Digital Imaging Division at Sony Electronics. “It chooses the correct scene mode, which makes it easy to use.”

Intelligent Scene Recognition automatically recognizes a total of five scenes—twilight portrait, twilight, twilight using a tripod, backlight and backlight portrait. It optimizes camera settings for shooting situations, taking an additional shot in low and bright light scenarios when there are two different approaches to shooting a scene so users can choose which picture they would like to keep.

The camera’s Dynamic Range Optimizer uses a sophisticated algorithm to determine the best exposure and contrast settings in almost any shooting environment, giving images a natural look with clearer details that match what you see with your naked eye.

The W220 camera has a 2.7-inch LCD screen (measured diagonally) and Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar 4X optical zoom lens with 30 millimeter (equivalent) wide angle view. It includes Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization to minimize blur without affecting picture quality. Sony’s Smile Shutter™ technology automatically captures a smile the moment it happens. You can use the adult or child priority setting when shooting scenes containing both adults and children, and the camera will distinguish one face from another.

Bundled Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software allows you to quickly organize images on a compatible PC and upload images to the Web. You can search and organize images by event, smile or face, including children and infants. Then you can display them in calendar or chronological views organized into folders.

Images can be stored and managed on both the camera’s 15MB internal memory and an optional Memory Stick® media card. The camera’s high definion output and HD slideshow with music let you share images on HDTV sets, including Sony’s BRAVIA® flat-panel LCD models (HDMI cable not included).

Pricing and Availability
The DSC-W220 camera will be available in March in silver, black, pink and blue for about $190.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Canon has released new firmware for their full frame DSLR, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Firmware version 1.0.7 addresses two issues that some users had with firmware version 1.0.6. The update fixes black dot and vertical banding issues. Canon also wants its users to update their DPP and Picture Style Editor software.
Firmware version 1.0.7. can be downloaded from the Canon website.

Canon announcement:
Important information for EOS 5D Mark II users.

We have learned that some users of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera (with firmware version 1.0.6) have identified two types of image quality phenomena that appear under certain shooting conditions.

1. “Black dot” phenomenon (the right side of point light sources becomes black)
2. Vertical banding noise

Details of the phenomena and shooting conditions under which they are likely to occur (if the firmware is version 1.0.6) are as follows:

1. “Black dot” phenomenon (the right side of point light sources becomes black)
When shooting night scenes, the right side of point light sources (such as lights from building windows) may become black. The phenomenon may become visible if the images are enlarged to 100% or above on a monitor or if extremely large prints of the images are made.
2. Vertical banding noise
If the recording format is set to sRAW1, vertical banding noise may become visible depending on the camera settings, subject, and background.
▪ Vertical banding noise is not noticeable if the recording format is set to sRAW2.
▪ Vertical banding noise does not occur if the recording format is set to RAW or JPEG.
▪ Noise can be reduced if C.Fn II-3: Highlight tone priority is set to 0: Disable.

Firmware version 1.0.7. that addresses these phenomena is now available for downloading from the following Web site:

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eos5dmk2/firmware.html

When updating to firmware version 1.0.7, please also update the Digital Photo Professional and Picture Style Editor software. For details, please read the Firmware Q&A section on the firmware download page.

Samsung HZ10W

Samsung has announced the new HZ10W digital camera with a wide angle 10x optical zoom lens starting at 24mm. The camera also got a 10.2 megapixel sensor and is able to record HD video.

Some key features for the Samsung HZ10W:
-10.2 megapixel sensor
-10x optical zoom lens (24-240mm)
-2.7″ LCD screen
-ISO sensitivity from 80 to 1600
-HD 720p MPEG-4 video

The Samsung HZ10W camera will be available from January 2009 for about $299.99.

Press release:
Samsung Introduces 24mm Ultra-Wide Angle Mega-Zoom

New HZ10W Offers HD Video and Addresses Need for Wider Focal Length and Longer Zoom

LAS VEGAS, N.V., January 7, 2009 – Samsung’s new HZ10W is a compact, 10.2 mega-pixel digital camera that takes wide-angle to a new level. Featuring an ultra-wide angle 24mm Schneider lens, the HZ10W goes beyond the 28mm wide-angle focal length offered by other manufacturers while adding a powerful 10x optical zoom with telephoto capabilities of 240mm (35mm film equivalent).

Opportunities to enhance one’s creativity thrive thanks to the wider focal length offered by the HZ10W’s ultra-wide angle, 24mm lens. With the ability to fit more of a desired scene into the shot, users no longer have to worry about asking a group of people to stand closer together to make sure everyone is in the photo. Users can also capture even more impressive landscape images, communicating the full beauty of a mountain range or even cityscape, as they see it, without having to decide what to exclude when pressing the shutter button.

The HZ10W’s 240mm (35mm film equivalent) telephoto zoom also allows users to be more creative and flexible when they shoot, adding peace of mind knowing that they can rely on the camera to help them capture the image they want, at any distance. Such a long zoom is ideal for sporting events, especially when far away from the action, or travel, when unable to determine what shooting scenario you may find yourself in. For added stability and blur-free images, especially when using the HZ10W at its maximum zoom, Samsung has incorporated both Optical and Digital Image Stabilization. The shooter has the option of simply using Optical Image Stabilization to help reduce blur caused by hand shake, ideal for well-lit environments, or choosing Dual Image Stabilization and combining the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization. Dual Image Stabilization is ideal for low-light environments where the use of a flash is not desired as it activates both forms of stabilization simultaneously.

For shooters who wish to be in more control when it comes to taking digital images, the HZ10W offers a host of manual controls. Users can manually configure shutter speed, from 16 ~ 1/1,500 seconds, as well as adjust focus and aperture settings. Users can also dial in exposure in 1/3EV steps at a maximum of ±2EV and select a desired ISO value with options of 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and even 3200 at a reduced resolution of three mega-pixels.

The HZ10W also incorporates Samsung’s proprietary Smart Album program. Smart Album is useful tool which allows users to search through the various files they have saved on their memory card for a specific image. Smart Album automatically organizes the user’s digital images and gives them the ability to narrow their search based on the date or month the image was taken, the file type, whether it’s a photo, video, or voice memo, and the overall color tone.

“The mega-zoom HZ10W is one of the most feature-rich digital cameras in Samsung’s wide-ranging family of digital imaging products,” said Tony Sorice, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Digital Imaging, at Samsung Electronics America. “The camera addresses demands in the marketplace, not only for longer zooms, but for wider focal lengths as well. Such powerful optics, combined with other advanced features like the ability to record HD video, will undoubtedly make the HZ10W an attractive model for anyone in the market for a new digital camera.”

The HZ10W gives shooters the ability to capture video in 720p high-definition at 30 frames-per-second (fps). Thanks to H.264 compression, users can record video for longer periods of time, allowing them to better utilize the remaining memory capacity on their SD or SDHC memory card. Shooters can utilize Optical Image Stabilization and the camera’s 10x optical zoom while recording video, as well as Samsung’s Successive Recording mode, which allows the user to pause and then resume filming without having to save the clips as individual files.

Designed to help capture better images, specifically portraits and group shots of family and friends, the HZ10W’s Face Detection technology detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Smile Shot automatically triggers the HZ10W to take a photo only when the camera detects smiles on the subjects’ faces, and Blink Detection will automatically fire three consecutive shots if the camera detects that a subject’s eyes are closed – a useful feature as it’s often difficult to distinguish closed eyes when composing a shot on an LCD screen. Another unique, automatic functionality of the HZ10W is Beauty Shot, which will automatically brighten and even out skin tones as well as remove blemishes. The HZ10W’s comprehensive suite of automatic controls also includes 13 scene modes, which give users the ability to effortlessly adjust the camera and capture the best image possible in any situation.

The camera is available in black or silver, with silver trim, measures 4.13”W x 2.4”H x 1.4” D, and features a large 2.7 inch (230K pixels) LCD screen.

The Samsung HZ10W will be available in January 2009 at an MSRP of $299.99.

Olympus Stylus-550WP

Olympus has announced an affordable digital camera than be used under water down to 3 meters. The camera is called Olympus Stylus-550WP and several in-camera effects.
Some key features for the Olympus Stylus-550WP:
-Water resistant down to 3 meters
-10 megapixel sensor
-3x optical zoom lens (38-114 mm)
-2.5″ LCD screen
-Perfect Shot Preview
-Perfect fix for in-camera retouching
-Intelligent Auto mode.

The Olympus Stylus-550WP will be available from February 2009 for about $200.

Press release:
Olympus Stylus-550WP Offers Waterproof Point-Dunk-And-Shoot Fun

The Perfect Digital Compact Camera for Fun in the Sun with 10 Megapixels, Intelligent Auto Mode, Face Detection and More

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 7, 2009 – Olympus, the company that introduced shockproof/waterproof cameras to mass consumers in 2006, announces the new STYLUS-550WP. Thanks to waterproofing technology adopted from Olympus’ Stylus® Tough series cameras, the new Stylus waterproof camera is optimized for consumers who want to take stunning images of their aquatic adventures, making it the perfect pool companion.

“In a recent study of consumers considering the purchase of a new digital camera, they overwhelmingly selected weatherproofing as a desired feature,” said Tomoko Matsunaga, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The new STYLUS-550WP camera borrows technology that was originally developed for our Stylus Tough cameras, and meets the needs of those consumers who want to take pictures under water or in the rain without paying for other rugged features they may not need.”

Point-Dunk-and-Shoot Camera
Olympus continues to develop new products that encourage consumers to capture brilliant images in some of the world’s most challenging environments and situations. The STYLUS-550WP can go where other cameras fear to tread and can perform as well under water as it does on land because of its slim lightweight, aluminum exterior that is sealed from the elements by interior rubber gaskets and O-rings. The STYLUS-550WP can be submerged up to 10 feet under water, and the inclusion of an underwater scene mode makes it ideal for taking photos while snorkeling, in the pool, or riding the waterslide.

Intelligent Auto Thinks for You
In or out of the water, you won’t miss the shot thanks to Intelligent Auto Mode. It automatically identifies what you are shooting (i.e. Portrait, Night + Portrait, Landscape, Macro and Sports) and adjusts the camera’s settings to capture the best quality results. First-time users can dive into this quick and hassle-free feature that does the thinking for them and produces incredible images.

Can’t Hide with Face Detection!
Portrait and group shots make family reunions live beyond the short event, and with Face Detection you’ll capture even the shyest relatives. The new camera detects up to three faces within the frame and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure to capture sharp, brilliant portraits and group shots. With the waterproof STYLUS-550WP, you’ll capture amazing photos even if your next family reunion is at a water park!

Versatile Memory
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture CardTM media. Starting with products available in August 2008, they also accept microSD memory cards to capture images. The STYLUS-550WP offers the flexibility to use either xD-Picture Card or microSD memory cards, which is just one more advantage of Olympus point-and-shoot cameras.

Freeze that Splash with Digital Image Stabilization
The fast motion of moving sea life or paddling swimmers could easily cause blurry images. Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to help prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject, resulting in crystal-clear snaps.

Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing
While it can’t remove the red from your eyes caused by too much chlorine in the water, the STYLUS-550WP offers Red-Eye Fix as well as other in-camera editing features such as Shadow Adjustment Edit, resizing and cropping, so you can edit photos right in the camera. With the Perfect Fix function, multiple editing features can be applied at once, so what you see on the 2.5-inch LCD will look amazing when you show it to your friends in the hot tub.

Mix and Match with Practical and Fashionable Accessories
The STYLUS-550WP comes in an attractive black body reminiscent of a scuba diving wetsuit; it is also available in aqua blue. Olympus also offers a number of optional accessories for the STYLUS-550WP so shooting in the water can be more fun and exciting. Highly visible floating wrist straps free users’ hands when swimming or chasing the next big wave. A stylish silicone skin protects the camera from scratches. Durable, sporty neoprene cases are perfect for active or outdoor expeditions. Additionally, new carabineer straps available in blue and black attach directly to the camera and can be hooked to a bag, swimming suit or hiking shorts.

OLYMPUS Master 2 Software
OLYMPUS Master 2 Software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums and searchable by date in Calendar view. A direct link makes uploading your images and videos to YouTube™ easier than ever. Additionally, with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee™ Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates. Additionally, create scrapbooks, greeting cards and other fun prints using the optional ArcSoft® Print Creations plug-in.

Availability
The STYLUS-550WP will be available in February 2009. It includes a wrist strap, camera WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-42B) & Charger (LI-41C), MASD-1 (microSD Adapter), manual, warranty card and OLYMPUS Master 2 software (CD-ROM).

U.S. Pricing
STYLUS-550WP Estimated Street Price: $199.99 (U.S.)