Digital Camera News and Reviews

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj

Nikon has announced an exciting new compact camera called Nikon Coolpix S1000pj. This camera is the first with an integrated projector that lets you project images and videos on a flat surface. This sounds like a very fun feature when you want to show off your photos to friends and family.
The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj also features 12.1 megapixels and 5x optical zoom.

Some key features for the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj:
-12.1 megapixel sensor
-5x optical zoom lens (28-140mm)
-optical image stabilization
-projector with VGA resolution (maximum 2 meters)
-2.7″ LCD screen

The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj will be available in September 2009 and cost about $430.

Press release:
Amsterdam, 4th August 2009 – Nikon Europe today announces the introduction of the world’s first camera with integrated projector as part of its brand new range of COOLPIX cameras. The ground-breaking COOLPIX S1000pj is expected to shake up the compact digital camera market as people begin to see the benefits of sharing and viewing photos and videos using personal projection.

The COOLPIX S1000pj doesn’t just pack a punch with its projector – the compact camera delivers high resolution images with 12.1 effective megapixels and a 2.7” wide viewing-angle TFT LCD monitor. With a high ISO 6400 sensitivity and using Nikon’s exclusive image processing concept, EXPEED, the camera offers the kind of high quality images you expect from Nikon. This is all wrapped up in a sleek aluminium silver or anodized black casing that contains a wide-angle 5x zoom NIKKOR lens.

Mark Pekelharing, Product Line Manager Consumer Products at Nikon Europe B.V: “The launch of our unique COOLPIX projector camera is exciting for gadget and photo lovers everywhere – and another first for Nikon with a compact digital camera that can project images. People can’t help but be blown away by such a beautifully crafted device. It’s packed with everything you need to take amazing photos so easily as well as to show your pictures; a great screen and amazing projector. Sharing photos and videos has never been so easy – or so fun.”

One touch projection
If you’ve ever wanted to share your photos or videos at a party or relive a day’s memories while on your travels, then now you can with one-touch projection on the COOLPIX S1000pj. The built-in projector easily projects an image size from approximately 5 inches up to 40 inches*1. A supplied remote control means that you can wirelessly operate both the projector and usual camera functions, and a simple projection stand is supplied for optimal viewing wherever you are.

Getting the shot you imagine
The COOLPIX S1000pj features Scene Auto mode, whereby the camera automatically selects the appropriate scene mode based on the contents of your shot, allowing picture perfect images at the touch of a button. In addition, five functions to reduce image blur and the Smart Portrait System ensures that you can get those ‘red carpet smiles’ every time. An additional feature enables users to ‘airbrush’ someone’s face using the Skin Softening function to reduce the appearance of blemishes. Together with face tracking and anti-shake functionality, the COOLPIX S1000pj helps you to get the shot you envisaged without any hassle.

The COOLPIX S1000pj will be available at an RRP of £389 / €429*2

my Picturetown
You can now store your images safely and securely using Nikon’s my Picturetown, a free online digital photo storage and sharing service. Easily share photo memories with friends and organise precious memories into online collections. You get 2GB of space free to use for storing thousands of memories and you can upgrade your membership to Gold Account at any time if you need to store more pictures.

Features

Sharper results with five advanced Nikon image stabilising features*3
Nikon’s Optical lens shift and Electronic VR image stabilisation systems combine to help produce blur-free images. High ISO 6400*4 capability allows faster shutter speeds when shooting in low light or capturing fast-moving subjects. Motion Detection automatically controls shutter speed and the ISO setting to compensate for subject movement and camera shake. And, Nikon’s original BSS (Best Shot Selector) function automatically shoots a series of sequential frames and saves the one with the sharpest focus.

Nikon’s Smart Portrait System with Skin Softening
Face-priority AF helps produce more satisfying portraits by adjusting focus and exposure for as many as 12 faces in the framed shot. Skin Softening function detects and analyses a framed subject’s skin, and then adjusts smoothness to produce enhanced results. Smile Timer automatically releases the shutter when the subject smiles, while its Blink Proof function shoots two sequential frames, then saves the one in which the subject’s eyes are widest open. Blink Warning presents an alert when it suspects that someone in the shot has blinked. In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically corrects any perceived red-eye effect before saving the image to memory.

Intelligent automated shooting modes that promote carefree shooting
Nikon’s Scene Auto Selector makes it faster and easier to capture the moment by eliminating the need to manually select a scene mode to match the intended shot. This intelligent function determines the subject, analyses the surrounding settings, and then automatically selects the appropriate scene mode for optimal results. Subject Tracking enhances the shooting experience by following the subject’s movement to ensure clear focus and quick response when that special shutter opportunity presents itself. Subject Tracking even functions if the subject moves out of the frame for a second or two.

Quick Retouch
Quick Retouch automatically adjusts the contrast and saturation of selected photos to create an enhanced copy with the right finishing touch.

Other Features

2.7-in. high-resolution LCD monitor with anti-reflection coated cover
16 handy scene modes for optimised shooting in various settings
D-Lighting
Active Zoom
Auto Sort and Favorite Pictures functions
Four movie modes with sound
Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
Approx. 36 MB of internal memory
Hi-Speed USB connectivity
*1 Projection area size dependent upon light conditions of the room

*2 Availability dates can vary from region to region. Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. August 2009 ©2009 Nikon Corporation.

*3 The camera selects and uses only the features required to optimise each image.

*4 ISO 3200 and 6400 are available only for image sizes of 3M (2048 x 1536) or smaller.

Olympus mju TOUGH-6010

Olympus has announced a new compact digital camera in their mju TOUGH series. The camera is called Olympus mju TOUGH-6010 and feature a 12 megapixel sensor, “magic filters”, and is shockproof, freeze proof and waterproof.

Some key features for the Olympus mju TOUGH-6010:
-12 megapixel sensor
-3.6 optical zoom lens (28-102mm)
-2.7″ LCD screen with Tap Control
-image stabilization
-magic filters
-waterproof down to 3 meters
-shockproof up to 1.5 meters
-freeze proof to -10 degrees Celsius

The Olympus mju TOUGH-6010 will be available in July 2009 and cost about £300.

Press release:
The µ TOUGH with Magic Filters

The Olympus µ TOUGH-6010: an action hero

London, 17 July 2009 – From adrenaline packed days to activities with the family, the Olympus µ TOUGH-6010 is ready for action. Whether enjoying a day at the beach or out carving on the slopes, this 12 Megapixel powerhouse is the ultimate companion. Shockproof, waterproof, and freezeproof just like the rest of the µ TOUGH series, it ensures extreme fun. Aspiring artists can even find their fill with a new set of Magic Filters. Featuring a 3.6x wide optical zoom, the µ TOUGH-6010 is of course also packed with the latest in Olympus opto-digital technology. Boasting everything from Dual Image Stabilisation to Tap Control, it was created to ensure photographic peace of mind while enjoying life’s many adventures. Available in a striking choice of colours, the latest µ TOUGH will be available from July 2009 for a retail price of £299.99

With the Olympus µ TOUGH-6010, photographers never have to worry about going where a camera can’t take the knocks. In addition to being freezeproof to -10 C, it is waterproof to 3m* and provides shockproof protection against drops of up to 1.5m**. The versatile 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm***) seen on the TIPA award winning µ TOUGH-8000 is also on board for great group photos or close-ups of distant subjects. To make those shots even more memorable, the µ TOUGH-6010 now features inspiring Magic Filters. By applying Pin Hole, for example, images will seem to have been taken with a traditional pin hole camera. Pop Art, Fish-Eye, and Sketch add interesting effects of their own. What’s more, Dual Image Stabilisation keeps images blur-free even in rough and tumble environments. And so you’re always ready for that perfect shot, a practical Tap Control mode gives even gloved-hands easy access to a range of settings which can be viewed on the 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD. The display’s new “triple coating” protects it against reflection, scratches, and moisture to ensure comfortable shooting on the ski slopes and under water.

Since you don’t get a second chance for the perfect shot in the heat of the action, the µ TOUGH-6010 also boasts a range of clever functions. Delivering perfect images of once in a lifetime moments i-Auto Mode, for example, automatically adjusts camera settings to one of five recognised commonly-used scenes. In addition, Advanced Face Detection Technology detects up to 16 faces for consistent quality across group portraits. And for a flawless look under tough conditions, Beauty Mode is on hand to smooth out imperfections and leave subjects looking refreshed.

The shockproof, waterproof, and freezeproof µ TOUGH-6010 is a sturdy and reliable companion that will meet any challenge. It arrives in stores in July 2009 along with a new software version: Olympus Master 2.2 for more image management and editing possibilities.

The Olympus µ TOUGH-6010 – main features:

Shooting when it’s getting tough, wet and cold – shockproof to 1.5m**, waterproof to 3m* and freezeproof to -10°C

Available in Titanium Grey, Turquoise Blue, Lava Red

High-precision 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm***) to capture great scenes through to stunning close-ups even in extreme conditions

Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabilisation)

TAP Control Menu for great convenience

12 Megapixels to make poster-size prints

6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD for best ever preview even in brilliant sunlight and at extreme angles (230,000 dots)

Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces. In combination with Shadow Adjustment Technology other main parts of the picture are also correctly exposed.

The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode (i-Auto) detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically

Spice up your pictures with built-in Magic Filters

Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)

xD-Picture Card and microSD**** Card compatible

* According to IEC standard publication 529 IPX8
** Equivalent to MIL Standard (Olympus test conditions)
*** Equivalent to a 35mm camera
**** microSD is a trademark of SD Card Association

Appendix

Advanced Face Detection Technology
A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed. Advanced Face Detection Technology can detect up to 16 faces.

Beauty Mode
Beauty mode touches up the appearance of subjects even while the shot is being taken. This feature recognises faces and automatically makes skin on the face and adjacent areas appear smoother, brighter and more youthful.

Dual Image Stabilisation
Providing two-fold protection, this special function helps to avoid image blur caused by camera shake or fast-moving subjects. It combines high ISO values with a CCD-based mechanical image stabiliser, where a built-in gyro sensor detects camera movement and adjusts the CCD accordingly.

i-Auto mode
This “intelligent-Auto” mode uses advanced automatic detection technology to allow the camera to recognise the five most commonly used scenes automatically. They enable the capture of perfect photos without any need for manual settings.

Magic Filters
Enables special artistic effects to be created directly in the camera.
Pop Art: Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid to create high-impact pictures that express the happy, light-hearted feeling of the pop art style.
Fish-Eye: Reproduces the dramatic effect of a fish eye lens, lending a new perspective to the whole scene with a “round” effect.
Sketch: Gives the impression that subjects have been sketched by an artist by transforming images into line drawings.
Pin Hole: Reduces the peripheral brightness like an image seen through a pinhole. Added to this is a unique colour tone that results in a style that has an air of secrecy or portrays the feeling of being lost in another dimension or space.

microSD compatibility
A special attachment comes bundled with this camera which provides for microSD card compatibility in addition to being able to use xD-Picture Cards.

Shadow Adjustment Technology
A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g. a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

TAP Control mode
“TAP Control Mode” is a unique interface that lets users access a range of camera functions by simply tapping on the camera body. Quick View mode, Scroll Playback Pictures and a user-defined function (Flash or SAT) can be accessed by tapping at particular points of the camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48

Photography Blog has reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 compact camera (also known as Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48). This digital camera from Panasonic feature 12.1 megapixels and 5x optical zoom in addition to a small and light design.

Some key features for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48:
-12.1 megapixel sensor
-5x optical zoom lens (25 – 125mm)
-2.5″ LCD screen
-40MB built in memory

Photography Blog ends up giving the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 a “Above Average” rating. The camera gets such a low rating because the image quality is not the best and it is pretty expensive when you look at what kind of features you get for your money. The Lumix camera scores a bit higher on design and ease of use.
Read the full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 camera here.

Fuljfilm FinePix Real 3D

Several websites have been reporting rumors about the new Fuljfilm FinePix Real 3D digital camera. The rumors say that it will be released in September 2009 and cost about $600.

The Fuljfilm FinePix Real 3D looks like an interesting concept with twin lenses that are supposed to produce 3D images. It remains to be seen how good the end results will be and in my opinion the $600 price tag sounds a bit high, but I’m looking forward to see the first pictures from the Fuljfilm FinePix Real 3D camera.