Digital Camera News and Reviews

Olympus SP-590 UltraZoom

Olympus has announced a new digital camera with 26x optical zoom beating the Kodak Z980 that was announced a couple of days ago with “only” 24x zoom. It is called Olympus SP-590 UltraZoom and sports a 12 megapixel sensor, and image stabilization so you can take steady shots with all that zoom range.

Some key features for the Olympus SP-590 UltraZoom:
-26x optical zoom lens (26-676mm)
-Image stabilization
-12 megapixel sensor
-Ability to record RAW files
-2.7″ LCD screen

The Olympus SP-590 UltraZoom camera will be available from March 2009 and cost about $449.99.

Press release:
Introducing The World’s Most Powerful Ultra Zoom: The 26x Optical Wide-Angle Zoom Olympus SP-590UZ

Incredibly Versatile Zoom Lens Combined with 12 Megapixels, Dual Image Stabilization and Ultra High-Speed Sequential Shooting to Capture the Action Far, Wide and Up Close

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 7, 2009 – Olympus rewrote the rule book again for how powerful a point-and-shoot camera’s zoom can be with the launch of the new 26x optical zoom SP-590 Ultra Zoom. Its extremely versatile zoom lens can capture extraordinary images at virtually any distance – from a delicate flower close up to wide-angle photographs of friends posing before the vast Grand Canyon, or even images shot from the back row of the stadium that look like they were taken courtside.

The SP-590UZ is the “total package” and an investment in your imaging future that is well worth making. It offers the advanced manual controls that experienced photographers demand and find on a digital SLR (single lens reflex). At the same time, users can easily set the camera to operate like a simple point-and-shoot with automatic scene modes. It offers the compact body of an ultra zoom with the flexibility of high-performance optics usually found in interchangeable lenses for DSLR cameras, a 12-megapixel image sensor, Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection, Ultra High-Speed Sequential shooting and a bright 2.7-inch LCD.

“The SP-590UZ brings subjects closer with the world’s most powerful optical zoom, and the zoom is just one of many elements that set this camera apart. Macro to wide-angle there are no compromises,” said Nadine Clark, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Because of its compact size and an impressive zoom range, it’s the ideal choice for travelers and everyone who enjoys the great outdoors.”

Capturing It All – Near, Far and Wide
Optical precision is the foundation for creating quality images. The bright, f2.8-5.0 lens provides the equivalent of 26-676mm focal length. Users can get close to the action with the compact 26x super telephoto zoom and at the same time, the wide-angle (26mm) lens captures more in each frame. Its super-macro capabilities capture the subtlest details. The compact lens construction combines aspherical lens elements and extra-low dispersion (ED) lens elements to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity. Whether it is capturing fast-action sports or everyday snapshots, this sturdy compact body with a wide-angle and telephoto lens provides the versatility to get the job done.

12-Megapixel for Superior Image Quality
The SP-590UZ has a 12-megapixel sensor that enables consumers to achieve consistently sharp and vivid images when producing large-format prints or cropping/enlarging a portion of an image.

Unleash Your Creativity with New Artistic Scene Modes
Olympus’ ultra zoom cameras have been known for being the perfect, versatile solution for dual households; providing flexibility and manual controls for experienced shutterbugs, while being as easy and approachable as a point-and-shoot for novice or even first-time users. The SP-590UZ takes this to a new level with pre-capture scene modes: Multiple Exposure, Soft Background Focus and Beauty Mode. The new features enable creative effects to be made inside the camera as the images are captured! The new creative features were adopted from Olympus’ recently announced E-30 DSLR camera.

Multiple Exposure, in the new SP-590UZ, empowers consumers to take two separate photographs and overlay them to craft one unique image. Create a masterpiece for Mother’s Day with a beautiful image of the kids overlaying her favorite landscape. Use the new Soft Background Focus mode on your next trip to a National Park. It enables you to slightly blur the beautiful vista, lake or canyon in the background to accent the majestic wildlife in the foreground.

Beauty Mode lets you soften shadows and smooth wrinkles or blemishes on your subject’s face – all in the camera and as you capture the image! Additionally, subtle edits can be made post-capture using the Beauty Fix mode. Choose “Clear Skin” to smooth a person’s complexion, “Dramatic Eye” to slightly emphasize the eyes, and “Sparkle Eye” to brighten and enhance the contrast of the iris and pupils. You can also apply all three edits at once. Have fun customizing your brilliant images without a PC and costly image editing software.

Your Images on HDTV
Gone are the days of friends and family huddling around a camera’s LCD to see the pictures you just snapped. Now, you’ll be the hit of the party or any family function when you proudly display your brilliant images on high-definition televisions. Simply connect the new SP-590UZ to an HDTV with an HDMI™ cable, which can be purchased separately at any consumer electronics store.

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 new SP-590UZ 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.

Dual Image Stabilization
Dual Image Stabilization enables users to take crisp, clear pictures in virtually any shooting situation – adjusting for camera shake and a moving subject. Olympus’ mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the image sensor to compensate for camera shake, which often occurs when zooming in on your subject and in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that prevent blur caused by a moving subject.

Ultra High-Speed Sequential Shooting and Pre-Capture with TruePicTM III Image Processor
The Olympus TruePic III Image Processor makes it possible for the SP-590UZ to capture images at incredible speeds. The inclusion of Pre-Capture technology, which works in conjunction with High-Speed Sequential Shooting, enables users to capture the action before and after fully pressing the shutter button. Pre-Capture begins working as soon as the focus is locked, automatically archiving frames in the camera’s buffer memory prior to the shutter release – virtually guaranteeing that you’ll get the shot even if the user’s reaction time is slower than the action. Perfect for situations where timing is essential, such as photographing a tennis player serving, children playing or a whale breaching.

Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures sharp images at high ISO settings, minimizing image noise or grainy photos traditionally associated with shooting with high ISO.

Full Manual Control
The Manual, Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes give users versatility and control for optimal performance in any situation. Users can express their creativity – adjusting the f-stop for detailed portraits with softened backgrounds, or slowing the exposure speed to create the blurred effect of motion, or just sit back and let the camera do the thinking through the use of the automatic settings. Manual focus is also available for users who want to have full control.

Face Detection
Face Detection tracks up to 16 faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) quickly for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Now, your subject’s face is in focus whether it is in the center of the target area or not.

Wireless Flash Compatibility
Wireless flashes can help photographers cast the best light on their subjects and capture great images. For this reason, the SP-590UZ is compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes that are designed exclusively for digital photography. When these flashes are used in combination with the SP-590UZ, wireless multi-flash photography is possible. The SP-590UZ can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with multiple flash units in each group.

Large HyperCrystal™ II LCD
The SP-590UZ boasts an advanced HyperCrystal II LCD. It reproduces true colors with a dynamic contrast ratio of more than 180 percent and a color reproduction performance of more than 160 percent compared to HyperCrystal LCD, providing a preview that is more true to the final image.

Shadow Adjustment Technology
Shooting outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlight areas. While the human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and light and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have not been quite as sensitive. The SP-590UZ addresses this challenge head-on with a new Shadow Adjustment Technology, which compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. With the new technology, users can preview and capture images that have the same contrast as seen with the naked eye.

Perfect Shot Preview
The SP-590UZ features a Perfect Shot Preview mode that enables users to preview and select various photographic effects (such as zoom, exposure compensation, white balance and metering) on a live, multi-window screen before snapping the shot. Perfect Shot Preview enables users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring users are capturing the exact image they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques.

Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing
Olympus’ Perfect Fix feature offers quick solutions for unanticipated image quality issues, which may be caused by several adverse conditions. Shadow Adjustment Edit can be used to adjust any underexposed areas and Red-Eye Fix can be used to reduce the effects of red-eye sometimes caused by a direct flash. Additional in-camera editing functions can be quickly accessed right in the camera by the touch of a button; features available include resizing, trimming, black and white, and sepia.

29 Shooting Modes
The SP-590UZ offers new features, including, Multi-Exposure, Soft Background Focus and Beauty Mode. A new Bird Watching mode is also great to capture the unpredictable movements of wildlife. The new camera offers a total of 20 pre-set scene modes. To activate, simply select the desired mode for multi-fireworks, portraits, landscapes, night scenes, fast-action and more.

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 SP-590UZ will be available in March 2009. It will also include: Neck Strap, WIN/Mac USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, four AA Batteries, MASD-1 (microSD Adapter), Manual, Warranty Card and OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM.

U.S. Pricing
SP-590UZ Estimated Street Price: $449.99 (U.S.)

Pentax Optio P70

Pentax has launched a new ultra-thin digital camera called Pentax Optio P70 that looks very nice. The camera will be sold for about £149.

Some key features for the Pentax Optio P70:
-12 megapixel sensor
-4x optical zoom starting at 28mm
-Image stabilization
-2.7 LCD screen
-ISO sensitivity up to 6400
-HD video recording

Press Release:
PENTAX announces the new high-performance Optio P70 digital compact camera

January 2009: Pentax U.K. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio P70. With a stylish and ultra-thin body, this new high-performance model features a host of advanced functions that make impressive digital photography both effortless and enjoyable.

The Optio P70 packages outstanding core features, such as a 4X optical zoom, approximately 12 effective megapixels for incredible high-resolution images, and a large, easy-to-view 2.7-inch colour LCD monitor, all in a high-quality metallic shell. Even with this robust feature set, the Optio P70 has been designed to be extremely compact, with a body as thin as 16.5 millimetres in some sections.

This new digital compact camera also offers a variety of user-friendly features, including Vertical Snap to facilitate vertical-position shooting; a Smile Capture function to automatically release the shutter when it detects a subject’s smile; and an Auto Picture mode to automatically select one of eight shooting modes for a given subject. The Optio P70 is further enhanced by triple anti-shake protection using Pentax exclusive in-camera software, High-Sensitivity Shake Reduction, and Movie Shake Reduction modes.

Taken together, these features produce high-quality digital photography with simple, effortless operation under any circumstance every time. The Optio P70 also offers a choice of five fun colours to suit the user’s preference.

Main Features of the PENTAX Optio P70

1. High image quality
The Optio P70 is designed for the highest level of performance and image quality in its class, thanks to the combination of approximately 12 effective megapixels producing incredible high-resolution images, a high-performance imaging engine for true-to-life colour reproduction, and a renowned smc PENTAX lens. It even records movie clips at 1280 x 720 pixels, producing beautiful movies equivalent in quality to those of high-definition broadcast.

2. Advanced 4X Optical zoom lens with wide-angle coverage
The Optio P70 uses an impressive 4X optical zoom lens covering a focal length from 4.9mm to 19.6mm (equivalent to approx. 27.5mm to 110mm in 35mm format). This covers a wide range of subjects and scenes, from wide-angle images of scenery, architecture, or group shots taken in close quarters, to telephoto images depicting detailed subjects at great distance. For higher-magnification photography, it is equipped with an Intelligent Zoom function. When combined with the optical zoom lens, this function extends the zoom range to approximately 25X without compromising the optical performance of the lens.

3. Triple anti-shake protection to prevent different types of camera shake

* Pixel Track SR mode
When recording still images, the Optio E70’s new Pixel Track SR (Shake Reduction) mode effectively compensates for camera shake by processing affected images with exclusive software.
* High-Sensitivity SR mode**
When it detects low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, the Optio E70 automatically raises its sensitivity as high as ISO 6400 to set a higher shutter speed. This effectively minimizes the adverse effects of camera shake and subject shake.
* Movie SR mode***
During movie shooting, the Optio E70 prevents blurry images by effectively minimizing annoying camera shake using exclusive software.

4. Vertical Snap mode for easy vertical-position shooting
The Optio P70’s unique Vertical Snap mode simplifies vertical-position shooting, as it allows the photographer to turn the power on and off and zoom the lens in and out with simple pushbutton operation on the back panel. In addition, all icons on the LCD monitor are automatically rotated for vertical-position viewing. This new mode provides the user with the same ease of operation as a mobile phone.

5. Compact, ultra-slim body
The compact design of the Optio P70 was achieved using new PENTAX advanced technology, including the newly developed “Sliding Lens System.”* Size and weight were further saved by downsizing all parts, and using space-efficient high-density mounting technology.

6. Stylish design with a high-grade finish
Both sides of the Optio P70 are gently rounded to provide the user with the most comfortable holding position possible, which also gives the camera an elegant shape that attracts the eye. Exterior blemishes have further been reduced by integrating the strap lug into the body. For a high-grade finish, meticulous attention is paid to every detail of the camera body, from the elegant, aluminium housing to chrome-coated parts that are gently contoured to radiate shine from every viewing angle. Additionally, to create a distinctive finishing touch, the silver model has a fine-textured sand finish, while colour models have a double-coating finish with a clear overcoat applied to primary colour paint.

7. Auto Picture mode for automatic selection from eight different shooting modes
The Optio P70 features the advanced Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by detecting the subject’s lighting and other conditions. This user-friendly mode not only makes the right mode choice for the photographer (from Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Flower, Sport, Standard and Candlelight modes), but also features an auto macro mode, which automatically switches the camera’s focus range to macro for close-up applications.

8. Super-fast Face Recognition AF & AE function to capture the subject’s face in focus in approximately 0.03 seconds
The Optio P70 features the Face Recognition AF & AE function, which is extremely handy for taking casual snapshots of friends and family. It optimises the focusing and exposure of the subject, up to 32 faces in a single image, in as little as 0.03 seconds. The Optio P70 offers other user-friendly functions as well: a Smile Capture function automatically releases the shutter the instant it detects the subject’s smile; and a Blinking Detection function warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes close at the time of shutter release.

9. Large, easy-to-view 2.7-inch colour LCD monitor
Despite its compact dimensions, the Optio P70 features a huge 2.7-inch high-brightness colour LCD monitor. Its bright screen not only makes image viewing easy while shooting and during playback, but also facilitates easier menu reading and mode setting.

10. Other features

* Digital Wide function to create an extra-wide-angle image (equivalent to an image taken with an approx. 21mm lens in 35mm format) from two images
* Digital Panorama mode to compose a single panoramic picture from as many as three images
* 26-mode shooting mode palette for easy selection of the most appropriate mode, including the Party mode, for any given subject or scene
* Favourites function to save reduced-size files of favourites images in the camera and recall them at will
* Image recovery function to retrieve accidentally erased images
* Frame Composite function (with 90 frames stored in the camera) to shoot or compose images with decorative photo frames
* Approximately 33.7MB built-in memory
* Red-eye reduction function to correct red eyes in recorded images during playback
* ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewing, editing and filing software included, support for Windows VistaTM
* Compatibility with PictBridge、DPOF functions、Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

16GB Lexar Professional UDMA 300x CompactFlash

Lexar has a announced a new series of memory cards that are designed for standard and high definition (HD) video capture. Lexar are producing both SDHC cards and memory stick pro due cards that can be used in camcorders and digital camera that have a video mode.

Press release:
New Video Memory Cards from Lexar Media Provide Extended Recording Capabilities for Growing Number of Consumers Capturing High-Definition Video

Lexar Full-HD Video Memory Cards Offer Reliable Solutions for Consumers Recording with Digital Camcorders and Digital Point-and-Shoot Cameras

Fremont, CA, January 5, 2009 – Lexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, announced today a new line of memory cards specifically designed for extended, standard- and high-definition (HD) video capture. The Lexar® Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC™) Full-HD and the Lexar Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Full-HD Video memory cards give consumers a wide selection of easy-to-use memory solutions for capturing and storing more of the videos that matter, in stunning 1080 resolution full-HD video. In addition to providing consumers with a reliable alternative to traditional tape-based storage devices, the Lexar Full-HD video memory cards also offer high-speed video transfer from the card to a computer for backup and sharing on popular user-generated content websites. The Lexar SDHC Full-HD Video memory card is available in 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB capacities, with the ability to record up to 90, 180, and 360 minutes of content, respectively. The Lexar Memory Stick PRO Duo Full-HD Video memory card comes in capacities of 4GB and 8GB, and can record up to 90 and 180 minutes of content, respectively. For additional information about Lexar Full-HD video memory cards, please visit www.lexar.com.

“As more consumers embrace digital video recording as part of their lifestyles, it is critical they have easy and reliable ways to record and store their memories and important events,” said Manisha Sharma, director of product marketing, Lexar Media. “Whether they are capturing sporting events, dance recitals, school plays, or their babies’ first steps, consumers require memory cards designed to meet the requirements of 1080 HD video. The Lexar Full-HD video memory cards provide the extended recording times they need and the reliability they have come to expect from Lexar Media.”

The growing popularity and affordability of HD digital camcorders makes the Lexar Full-HD Video memory cards an increasingly popular option for consumers looking to record their memories. With the line of Lexar Full-HD video memory cards, consumers receive the capacity to record and store more of life’s milestones and important events, as well as the speeds to quickly move that content from the card to the host computer. They also receive Lexar Media’s reliability, helping to ensure that captured video remains safe when stored on the Lexar Full-HD memory card.

“Fewer camcorders use tape media to record video, and more compact digital cameras have High Definition video capture capabilities,” said Chris Chute, research manager, Worldwide Digital Imaging Solutions Group, IDC. “This combination has lead to increased demand for features within video-specific memory cards, especially the capability to record and store 1080 HD video. As consumers invest in HD camcorders, they want to make sure their memory cards can take full advantage of those HD capabilities.”

The Lexar SDHC Full-HD and Memory Stick PRO Duo Full-HD Video memory cards include a five-year limited lifetime warranty. The cards also include jewel cases and writeable labels to help users organize and identify videos. Both video memory cards are expected to be available in early March.

Kodak Zx1 HD camcorder

Kodak has announced a new HD camcorder, the Zx1, that is very rugged and got a weather resistant design.

Some key features for the Kodak Zx1 HD camcorder:
-720p HD video capture at 60fps or 30fps
-2.0-inch LCD screen
-Weather resistant design
-Easy to upload to Youtube
-Available in five colors: black, red, pink, blue and yellow

The Kodak Zx1 HD camcorder will be out in April 2009 and sell for about US$149.95.

Press release:
Rugged new KODAK Digital Video Camera enables on-the-go HD video capture

Never miss a moment with pocketable and weather-resistant video companion

Rochester, NY, January 8, 2009 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today introduced the new KODAK’s Digital Video Camera, a compact and rugged digital device that enables “go-anywhere” High Definition recording.

The Zx1 allows users to shoot and share high-quality video quickly and simply, with 720p HD video capture – at 60 or 30 fps – a vibrant 2.0-inch LCD screen, and built-in software for easy editing and sharing of content to YouTube™ and other social media and networking websites.

“More than ever, people want to capture moments on the go and quickly and easily share them,” says John Blake, General Manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “The Zx1 is a fun and interactive way to engage in this kind of storytelling – it’s both small and smart, and enables people to record virtually anything, virtually anywhere, and then quickly upload content to video-sharing and social networking websites.”

The KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera is designed to meet these needs at the touch of a button — no lens cap, dials to turn or settings to adjust. The new camera’s advanced feature set includes:
• Pocketable 720p HD video capture at 60 fps
• Weather-resistant design that stands up to splashes, dirt and more – IP43 certified;
• High-quality video capture in bright light or low light – from the beach, to the nightclub;
• Easy editing, personalization, and uploading to YouTube or other Internet sites with built-in video software, ArcSoft Media Impressions for Kodak;
• Expandable SD/SDHC Card slot for memory cards up to 32 GB, that can record up to 10 hours of HD video*;
• Easy HDTV playback with included HDMI cable;
• Sensitive, low distortion microphone that provides crisp, clear audio;
• Pre-charged AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and battery charger included, saving money and avoiding waste from used batteries;
• Vibrant 2.0″ LCD;
• Available in five colors: black, red, pink, blue and yellow**;
• Remote control compatible (remote control sold separately).

Uploading to YouTube
YouTube is the world’s most popular online video community, and the Kodak and YouTube relationship enables consumers to quickly and easily upload videos to YouTube from the simple and powerful video editing software that comes with the camera.

Accessories
A range of accessories are available for the KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera, including:
• KODAK SDHC Memory Cards, available in 4, 8 and 16GB capacities customized for optimal video capture;
• KODAK Adventure Mount for helmet, handlebars and more;
• KODAK Flexi-tripods;
• KODAK cases, camera bags and neck straps;
• Remote control;
• Battery options include AA, CRV3, and KODAK Li-Ion Rechargeable Digital Camera Battery KLIC-8000.

Pricing and Availability
The KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera will be available from April 2009, and retail for US$149.95 MSRP.

*Record approximately 20 minutes per 1GB at HD 30fps.
** Color availability may vary.