Digital Camera News and Reviews

Updates from the camera world



Month: May, 2009

Dell Wasabi PZ310 Mobile Photo Printer review / test by Printer Comparison

20 May, 2009 (12:46) | Dell, Printer, Review | By: Camera News

Dell Wasabi PZ310 Photo Printer
Dell Wasabi PZ310 Photo Printer

Printer Comparison has reviewed the Dell Wasabi PZ310 Photo Printer. This printer let you print everywhere without ink on a special type of paper called ZINK Paper (think Polaroid).

Some key features for the Dell Wasabi PZ310 Photo Printer:
-print speed 55 seconds per print
-holds up to 12 sheets of adhesive-backed ZINK Paper
-PictBridge, Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity
-average battery life 15 prints per charge
-automatic reprint button

Printer Comparison ends up giving the Dell Wasabi PZ310 Photo Printer a pretty good rating as the printer is cheap and give you fast results. You should not expect too much from it though as the print quality is not the best and pretty inconsistent. Over the Dell Wasabi seems like a very fun printer if you are looking for a mobile printer that remind you of Polaroid.
Read the full review of the Dell Wasabi PZ310 Photo Printer here.

Casio EX-FS10 compact digital camera test / review by Photography Blog

20 May, 2009 (05:49) | Casio, Compact Camera, Review | By: Camera News

Casio EXILIM EX-FS10
Casio EXILIM EX-FS10

Photography Blog has reviewed the Casio EX-FS10 compact digital camera. This super slim camera from Casio features a busrt shooting mode at 30 fps and video mode at an incredible 1000fps.

Some key features for the Casio EXILIM EX-FS10:
-Burst shooting at 30fps
-Video mode at 1000fps
-9.1 megapixel sensor
-3x optical zoom (38 – 114mm)
-2.5″ LCD screen
-97.0 x 81.0 x 16.0mm dimensions

Photography Blog ends up giving the Casio EX-FS10 camera a “Recommended 4 out 5 stars” rating. The camera is able to take good pictures at low ISO levels and the burst mode and video mode is very good. The only downsides are a bit limited zoom range and the battery life is short.
Read the full review of the Casio EX-FS10 digital camera here.

Sony Alpha A380, A330 and A230 now official – supports SD/SDHC cards

17 May, 2009 (08:47) | DSLR, Sony | By: Camera News

Sony Alpha A380, A330 and A230
There has been a lot of rumors about three new consumer DSLR models from Sony and now it is official. The cameras are called Sony Alpha A380, A330 and A230, and seem to have a very nice price. The kits will cost $550, $650 and $850 and come with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens. The most surprising thing about the specifications for these Sony cameras are that they support SD/SDHC cards in addition to Memory Sticks.

Sony Alpha A380, A330 and A230 DSLR cameras will be out on the marked in July 2009.

Press release:
SONY INTRODUCES THREE MAINSTREAM ALPHA CAMERAS DESIGNED FOR FIRST-TIME DIGITAL SLR BUYERS

SAN DIEGO, May 17, 2009 – Sony is making it easy for first-time digital SLR buyers to step up from point-and-shoot digital still cameras with the introduction today of three new easy-to-use α (alpha) cameras (models DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230), four new lenses, a flash and accessories.

Uniquely Matched to Customers’ Needs

The new cameras are designed to overcome challenges faced by many customers taking their first steps in DSLR photography. Without compromising performance and versatility, the new models are smaller, lighter, easier to use and offer innovative expansion options not found in other systems.

“Our new alpha cameras, lenses and accessories make it easier for new users to get the great photos they expect without the steep learning curve that DSLRs have traditionally required,” said Kristen Elder, senior manager for the alpha business at Sony Electronics Inc. “By overcoming the obstacles, we’ve made it much easier for newcomers to take great pictures with DSLRs.”

Light and Compact

The 10.2 megapixel α230 camera is the lightest, most compact alpha DSLR camera body ever at 15.9 ounces. The 10.2 megapixel α330 and the 14.2 megapixel α380 cameras are also smaller and lighter than their predecessor models (the DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350, respectively). These cameras are also more compact and feature an intuitive control layout that allows for easy single-handed operation.

SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilization is built into each camera body, so every α-mount lens benefits from the ability to minimize blur due to camera shake.

Quick AF Live View System

Both the α380 and α330 cameras offer Sony’s Quick Autofocus (AF) Live View technology, so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD screen as well as in the optical viewfinder. Through the use of a dedicated image sensor, Quick AF Live View maintains the rapid response of a DSLR, while avoiding the focus delay common to other live view systems.

The new cameras feature a 2.7-inch (diagonally) Clear Photo LCD™ screen that is easy to view even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the LCD on the α380 and α330 models can be tilted up or down, making it easy to frame your subject from high or low positions, otherwise difficult to see using an eye-level viewfinder. The range of adjustment has been increased from their predecessors, making it even easier to get shots from difficult angles.

By combining Quick AF Live View and an adjustable LCD, users can frame the scene without holding the camera in front of their face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children for more natural expressions.

An HDMI™ terminal gives you the option of connecting your camera to a compatible HDTV and playing back your images in high definition quality (HDMI cable required, sold separately). Additionally, BRAVIA® Sync™ works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television’s remote (HDMI cable and BRAVIA Sync capable HDTV required, sold separately).

The new cameras include dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).

Built-in Help Guide

The α380, α330 and α230 models are Sony’s first DSLR cameras to feature a graphical user interface (GUI) with built-in on-screen Help Guide.

The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of various modes and settings, while the Graphic Display helps you understand the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.

Systems, Lenses and Flash

Making it easier for first-time DSLR users to get started, the new Sony cameras come in camera-and-lens packages. In addition to the two new standard zoom and telephoto lenses that are offered with the camera bodies, the company introduced new portrait and macro lenses. These purpose-built lenses make it much easier to obtain professional-looking, creative results.

Optimized for use with APS-C sized image sensors, these lenses feature a Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) that enables in-lens auto focus (AF) drive for smooth, quiet operation, and high optical performance in a compact size.

The DT 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens (model SAL-1855) incorporates aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to provide an all purpose lens with outstanding image quality. The DT 55-200mm F/4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens (model SAL-55200/2) features an ED glass element and helps bring distant subjects closer, ideal for capturing sports. Both the SAL-1855 and SAL-55200 lenses are available separately, or packaged as kits with the new cameras.

To make the benefits of portrait and macro photography easier and more accessible, Sony is introducing a DT 50mm F/1.8 portrait lens (model SAL-50F18) and DT 30mm F/2.8 (model SAL-30M28) macro lens. The wide aperture SAL-50F18 lens helps users capture beautiful portraits with gently defocused backgrounds while the SAL-30M28 macro lens captures intricate close-ups. Both techniques are difficult to achieve with standard lenses.

To help users take better shots with flash, Sony offers an affordable, compact external flash unit (model HVL-F20AM) that is simple to operate. Unlike a camera’s built-in flash, this external flash provides higher output (Guide Number 20), and enables users to bounce light off the ceiling to eliminate harsh shadows and achieve more even illumination when shooting indoors.

Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders will begin on May 18, 2009 at www.sonystyle.com/retail and at selected retailers nationwide. The cameras and a range of accessories will be available in July at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

The α380L, α330L and α230L will cost about $850, $650 and $550, respectively. The L series one-lens kit comes with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens.

The α380Y, α330Y and α230Y will cost about $1050, $850 and $750, respectively. The Y series two-lens kit comes with both the SAL-1855 standard zoom and SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lenses.

* The SAL-1855 standard zoom lens will cost about $200.
* The SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lens will cost about $230.
* The SAL-50F18 portrait lens will cost about $150.
* The HVL-F20AM flash will cost about $130.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 preview / sample pictures and videos posted by dpreview

16 May, 2009 (15:47) | Micro Four-Thirds, Panasonic | By: Camera News

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

Dpreview has posted some sample pictures and videos taken with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 camera. It is interesting to see how good the video will be on the Panasonic camera as there has been much hype about the possibilities with the video mode.

Some key features for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1:
-14 megapixel sensor
-high-definition video capability (1080i or 720p)
-built-in Dolby Digital Stereo Creator
-face detection
-four different aspect ratios

I had some trouble with the codec used in the videos, but it is supposed to work in Quicktime. Check out all the videos and pictures taken with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 here.


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