Digital Camera News and Reviews

Samsung TL500 / Samsung EX1

CNET UK has tested a new high end compact digital camera from Samsung. The Samsung camera is called Samsung TL500 (or Samsung EX1 in Europe). The most interesting part of this compact is the bright 3x optical zoom lens that is pretty wide and starts at f/1.8.

Some key features for the Samsung TL500 / Samsung EX1:
-10 megapixel image sensor
-3.0″ multi-angle AMOLED display
-3x wide angle optical zoom lens (24-72mm, f/1.8-2.4)
-RAW capture
-VGA video recording in H.264 format

CNET UK ends up giving the Samsung TL500 / Samsung EX1 a good review with an overall score of 3.5 stars out of 5 possible. On the positive side the reviewer finds the build quality and finish to be very good. The big swiveling AMOLED display is also great and so is all the control you get over your photography with this camera. On the negative side we find aspects such as some awkward controls and maybe it is better to buy small Micro Four Thirds cameras like Olympus EPL-1 or Panasonic GF1. The Samsung camera is a good camera, no doubt about that.
Read the full review of the Samsung TL500 / Samsung EX1 digital camera here.

Praktica DPix 5000WP

Prakticka has announced a new digital camera. The compact camera is called Praktica DPix 5000WP and is waterproof with a modest 5 megapixels, but at a low price.

Some key features for the Praktica DPix 5000WP:
-Waterproof
-1/3.2” CMOS sensor
-5 megapixels
-5 scene modes
-5 white balance settings
-Able to record 720p HD video at 30 frames per second
-Uses AAA batteries

The Praktica DPix 5000WP will be available soon according to Amazon.de and will cost about €63.98.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX70 / FX75

CNET UK has tested a new digital camera from Panasonic. The Panasonic camera is called Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX70 (Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX75 in some markets) and has over 14 megapixels combined with a nice Leica branded wide angle zoom lens that starts at F2.2.

Some key features for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX70 / FX75:
-14.1 megapixel image sensor
-5x optical zoom lens (24-120mm, F2.2-5.9)
-Optical image stabilization
-AVCHD Lite 720p video
-3″ LCD touchscreen

CNET UK ends up giving the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX70 a total score of 3.5 stars out of 5 possible. On the positive side we find a useful zoom range, good build quality and the touchscreen works well. On the negative side the reviewer find aspects such as expensive price tag, sensor limitations and the new technologies are confusing. The Panasonic camera is good, but it is not excellent so it does not really justify the high price. The so called “intelligent technologies” also seem a bit redundant.
Read the full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX70 / FX75 digital camera here.

Rollei Kids 100

Rollei has announced a new digital camera that is targeted at children. The camera is called Rollei Kids 100 and is targeted at children 4 year and older. Rollei says that the camera is very sturdy so one does not have to be concerned that the kids will destroy the digital camera.

Some key features for the Rollei Kids 100:
-VGA-resolution
-1.5″ LCD screen
-Xenon flash
-64MB of internal memory

The Rollei Kids 100 digital camera will be available on the market in September 2010 and cost about €59.95.

Press release:
The new Kids 100, which has really earned its title as “entry level camera”, has been designed for the smallest hobby photographers who want to discover the world of digital photography. Rollei’s first ever children’s camera offers a huge amount of photo fun for kids of 4 and older. It is extremely robust, can handle falls from small heights without a problem and is child’s play to use. The Kids 100 is equipped with a Xenon flash and 64 MB of internal memory, which is enough for approx. 500 pictures. The photos are displayed on a 1.5-inch LCD display. A special effects function can also be used to make amusing changes to the photos afterwards. The children’s camera, which includes a memory and skill game, will be available in bright orange at the end of September from specialist dealers for 59.95 Euros (RRP).