Digital Camera News and Reviews

Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR

Fujifilm has announced a new digital compact camera, the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR, that is the fist camera to use their new Super CCD EXR image sensor. This new sensor is able to record images in 3 different ways letting you take pictures of high resolution, give you more dynamic range and optimize the sensor for less noise in your pictures.

Some key features for the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR:
-12 megapixel Super CCD EXR image sensor
-5x optical zoom lens (28-140mm)
-Image stabilization
-3″ LCD screen
-Manual controls

The Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR will be out in February 2009 and cost about $400.

Press release:
Fujifilm Debuts Super CCD EXR Technology With FinePix F200EXR

Top-of-the-Line Professional Features in a Compact Digital Camera

Valhalla, N.Y., February 4, 2009 – Following the long line of award-winning F-series models, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc., today announced its latest and greatest, the FinePix F200EXR digital camera, introducing the world to Super CCD EXR technology. Combining the 12-MegaPixel, Super CCD EXR with a powerful Fujinon 5.0x wide angle optical zoom lens and a larger 3.0″ high-resolution LCD, the FinePix F200EXR is Fujifilm’s most advanced compact digital camera yet.

First announced in September 2008 on the tenth anniversary of Fujifilm’s FinePix cameras, Super CCD EXR is a revolutionary new sensor developed in the rigorous pursuit of high image quality.

“There is strong demand in the digital camera market to increase the number of pixels on a sensor, which, all too often, is used as a convenient yardstick for image quality,” said David Troy, marketing manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. “Consumers have realized there’s more to a good picture than just the number of MegaPixels, and with our Super CCD EXR sensor we prove that true image quality is about a combination of many factors like tone, hue, color fidelity, dynamic range, sharpness, and resolution – all brought to life vividly in the FinePix F200EXR.”

As with previous award-winning F-series models such as the FinePix F10, F31fd, F50fd and F100fd, the F200EXR is a powerful, feature-packed compact digital camera aimed at consumers looking for the most sophisticated in feature-rich point and shoots.

The FinePix F200EXR offers 3 selectable modes in one sensor:

Fine Capture Mode (High Resolution), which deploys all twelve million pixels, and is designed to offer the finest detail of intricate subjects when light is full and even;

Pixel Fusion Mode (High Sensitivity and Low Noise), which caps two adjacent pixels together to produce six million large photodiodes, which are big enough to absorb light in the darkest of conditions, to produce low-light shots of extraordinary quality with minimal noise and grain; and

Dual Capture (Wide Dynamic Range), which captures different exposures with two sets of six million pixels, which, when combined, gives an excellent level of detail in highlights and low lights that would otherwise be lost.

In addition to the new Super CCD EXR sensor, the F200EXR offers the most advanced technologies available, including Dynamic Range Bracketing, Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection 3.0, and ISO settings of up to an unprecedented ISO 12800, allowing you to capture any shot, any place and at any time with the lowest noise signature to date.

EXR AUTO
With EXR AUTO, the F200EXR recognizes the subject and scene, and automatically decides the optimum EXR shooting mode. With three options of Fine Capture Technology with High Resolution, Pixel Fusion Technology for High Sensitivity and Low Noise, and Dual Capture Technology for Wide Dynamic Range – that users can also select manually – the camera combines the best of EXR selectable sensor modes with SR Auto Automatic Scene Recognition.

New to the F200EXR are an extra-large 3.0” LCD (the better to see all your great photos), HD Photo to capture still photos at 1920 x 1080, HD output (to view high image quality on your HDTV) and new film simulation modes (based on Fujifilm’s legendary Velvia, Provia and Soft lines), including Sepia and Black and White modes.

Wider Dynamic Range – Up to 800%
Dynamic Range, or the gradations of light that exist between bright and dark in any setting, can be easily detected by the human eye, but not by most cameras. Through a combination of advances in Fujifilm’s new Super CCD EXR and Real Photo Processor, this wide dynamic range dramatically broadens tonal capability and guarantees exceptional rendition of photos with both bright highlights and dark shadows. This expansion of sensitivity captures greater detail, and subtle nuances of brightness and tonality that bring the photo closer to what the human eye actually sees.

In addition to these advances, the FinePix F200EXRhas a number of other impressive features:

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Super Intelligent Flash: The new “Super Intelligent Flash” is the flash control technology that lets you take flash-assisted macro shots without flash washout. Integrated in the AUTO mode, this next-generation flash system makes it easy to capture subjects and background in bright, clear and natural detail over the full flash range including ultra close-ups.
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Face Detection 3.0: Featuring automatic red eye removal, it can detect up to 10 human faces in a scene with super fast speed, automatically correcting focus, exposure, and white balance, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame.
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Dual Image Stabilization: Combines mechanical sensor shift image stabilization with the effects produced with higher ISO.
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Continuous Shooting: Top 3 /Final 3 at 1.4 frames per second at full resolution and Top 12/ Final 5 frames per second at 3-MegaPixels.
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High Speed Playback: No waiting for high resolution images to load during playback. The FinePix F200EXR can display images at full resolution at 10 frames per second.
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Portrait Enhancer Mode: Mimicking a professional photo studio setting, by using Face Detection and preset camera settings, Portrait Enhancer minimizes fine lines and small skin blemishes for smooth, natural looking portraits.
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Dual Shot Mode: In this selectable mode, the FinePix F200EXR quickly shoots two images in rapid succession – one with the flash and one without – and saves both. This convenient function lets users perform a comparison at their convenience and select the most pleasing image.
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Special Scene: The FinePix F200EXR has 17 pre-programmed scenes, including a special underwater scene mode for use with a special underwater casing.
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White Balance (Underwater): Adjusts color temperature for more beautiful blues; you are ready to dive into another world of photography.
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Micro Thumbnail: A playback feature that allows for viewing an index-style print on the LCD. The FinePix F200EXRwill show up to 100 images in micro form, and the control buttons are used to select specific images. An innovative wheel navigation dial makes it easy to quickly find a single image by being able to jump to particular segments of images in the time sequence.
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xD / SD / SD-HC Compatible slot: The FinePix F200 EXRfeatures a “xD/SD Compatible slot” which accepts not only Fujifilm’s traditional xD-Picture Cards but also Secure Digital (SD) and SD-High Capacity/SD-HC cards too.

The FinePix F200EXR will debut in February 2009 at a retail price of $399.95.

For additional information or hi-res images, go to www.fujifilmusa.com/pma.

DXO Imaging Science

DXO Labs has updated their website dxomark.com with their latest test results of Raw data for several medium format cameras. The tested cameras are Hasselblad H3DII, Leaf Aptus 75s, Mamiya ZD and Phase One P45+. It is interesting to see how these medium format cameras compare to more standard DSLR cameras.
DxO tests how well the Raw-data files perform and this can be very helpful for deciding on which camera you want to buy.

Check out the dxomark.com website for more information.

Press release:
Latest dxomark.com updates include RAW sensor rankings for the first set of medium-format cameras

DxO Labs adds measurements on Hasselblad H3DII, Leaf Aptus 75s, Mamiya ZD, and Phase One P45+ to its RAW-based Image Quality Database; photographers can now use DxOMark Sensor metrics to easily compare medium-format and DSLR sensor performance

Paris, France – February 3, 2008 – DxO Labs announces today the addition of RAW-based image quality data and DxOMark Sensor rankings on its popular www.dxomark.com website for an initial set of high-end professional medium-format cameras: the Hasselblad H3DII-39, the Leaf Aptus 75s, the Mamiya ZD, and the Phase One P45+.

Photo enthusiasts, professional photographers, and the media now have a valuable tool with which to compare the RAW sensor performance of these medium-format cameras with high-end, high-resolution DSLRs. How is it possible to make valid comparisons between cameras with widely disparate sensor sizes? It’s possible by reviewing the cameras’ rankings for each of the three separate metrics that make up the DxOMark Sensor scale (Color Depth, Dynamic Range, and Low-Light ISO).

For example, if medium-format cameras do not receive top marks on the overall DxOMark Sensor scale because of their inherent Low-Light ISO limitations, DxO Labs has found these models’ Color Depth and Dynamic Range performance to be very striking when compared to high-end DSLRs. Also, despite the clear challenge from DSLRs across all DxOMark sensor metrics, medium-format cameras still lead the way for large-print photography because of their very high resolution performance capability.

Although dxomark.com data is only one of many criteria to consider when choosing a camera, a digital camera’s RAW sensor performance lies at the heart and soul of its capacity to produce professional-quality images and prints.

“Adding our measurements on this first set of medium-format cameras to our database demonstrates our commitment to our goal of building the most comprehensive database of RAW image information available,” said Nicolas Touchard, Vice President of Marketing, DxO Labs Image Quality Evaluation. “We want to give professionals and expert amateur photographers the highest level of RAW image data possible through our dxomark.com website.”

About dxomark.com
Sponsored by DxO Labs, a company focusing on image processing technologies, www.dxomark.com is a free online resource that delivers key objective sensor performance metrics measured directly on the RAW image for a variety of cameras. As a result, dxomark.com makes it possible for the first time to assess the intrinsic quality of a camera before the impact of any RAW conversion and independent of its optics. The site also features a simple scale, DxOMark Sensor, for analyzing and comparing RAW image quality. The DxOMark Sensor scale is mapped to real-world photographic scenarios such as portrait, landscape, and action photography, ensuring that the scale is relevant to photographers.

dxomark.com’s goal is to serve the imaging community, particularly the photo press. Photography journalists and experts can now complement their analyses and reviews with an objective evaluation of intrinsic camera performance, regardless of optics or processing considerations.

For more information, visit www.dxomark.com.

Nikon Coolpix L100

Nikon has unveiled a new budget superzoom digital camera. The camera is called Nikon Coolpix L100 and features a 15x optical zoom lens and 10 megapixels.

Some key features for the Nikon Coolpix L100:
-15x optical zoom lens (28 – 420mm)
-10 megapixel sensor
-3″ LCD screen
-Image stabilization
-44MB of built-in memory

The Nikon Coolpix L100 will be available in February 2009 and cost about $280.

Press release:
Powerful New L100 Packs Performance, High-Powered Zoom And Advance Functions Into An Easy To Use Camera

The L100 Boasts 15x Zoom and High-Speed Shooting

MELVILLE, NY (Feb. 2, 2009) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new L100, a powerful photographic tool that blends ease-of-use with advanced shooting functions. Optimized for action shots, high-powered zoom and simple operation, the L100 is equipped and ready to help capture every precious moment with quality and clarity that will make lasting memories an even greater joy. The L100 is one of three new L-Series cameras announced today. For consumers seeking a fully-featured camera at a competitive price, Nikon also introduced the L20 and L19, presenting consumers with a strong value proposition.

“The L100 represents a fantastic choice for the family photographer who needs to capture everything from soccer games to portraits,” said Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “It also extends our tradition of previous L-Series cameras, combining ease-of-use, high performance and a tremendous value for consumers.”

The L100 achieves its versatility through its 15x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR lens. Covering 28mm wide-angle to 420mm super-telephoto shooting, the lens’ broad focal range can readily handle everything from landscapes and group shots, to tight close-ups and shots taken from a distance.

Additional features of the 10.0-megapixel L100 include:

*

Large, bright 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD with anti-reflection coating for easy composition and reviewing of images.

*

New Sport Continuous Scene Mode for shooting at up to 13fps1 (up to 30 frames when consumers set the resolution to 3MP or lower). This high-speed capture setting helps photographers stay ahead of the action, whether on the football, baseball or soccer fields.
*

4-Way Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization
o

Optical VR image stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shake by moving the image sensor, producing clearer, sharper results in lower lighting or unsteady conditions.
o

Motion Detection automatically detects moving subjects and adjusts shutter speed and the ISO setting to compensate for camera shake and subject movement.
o

High ISO 32002 capability creates new opportunities to take sharper, more natural-looking photos in lower light conditions.
o

Nikon’s original Best Shot Selector (BSS) automatically takes up to 10 shots while the user presses the shutter, and saves the sharpest image.
*

Smart Portrait System, which integrates the following to make it a snap to capture stunning portrait photos of friends and family:
o

In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™, which automatically fixes most instances of red-eye.
o

Enhanced Face-Priority AF, which can detect up to 12 faces from a variety of angles, including straight on, from the side, or even in a multitude of three-quarter positions.
o

Smile Mode, which automatically detects when your subject smiles and releases the shutter.
o

Blink Warning, which displays a warning message, should the camera detect that the subject has blinked.

The new L100 camera will be available nationwide beginning April 2009 and will retail for $279.95.

COOLPIX L20 and L19
Nikon complements the L100 with two new cameras that successfully blend features and price to create a strong value proposition. The L19 (8.0 megapixels) and L20 (10 megapixels) cameras leverage proven Nikon innovations, including NIKKOR Glass Lenses, EXPEED™ Digital Image Processing concept, Smart Portrait System, Motion Detection and Easy Auto Mode with Scene Auto Selector. These features combine to create digital compact cameras that combine high performance with outstanding operating ease.

The design of the L19 and L20 cameras complement Nikon’s technology innovation to offer ease-of-use, versatility and portability. For example, the large high-resolution 3.0-inch (L20) and 2.7-inch (L19) LCD monitors offer a bright image that consumers can easily view, even outdoors. The cameras also include dedicated buttons on the top of the body, which make it easy for consumers to switch between shooting and playback modes, as well as contours on the large thumb rest and the body itself to ensure a solid grip. Finally, the cameras are powered by (2) AA-batteries, available anywhere.

The L20 will be available in Deep Red beginning February 2009 and will retail for $129.95. The L19 will be available in Bright Silver beginning February 2009 and will retail for $109.95.

For more information about the new L-Series COOLPIX cameras, as well as the full line of COOLPIX products, please visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

Nikon Coolpix L20

Among the budget cameras in the Nikon L-series we find the Nikon Coolpix L20. This camera features a 10 megapixel sensor, 3.6x optical zoom and 2.7″ LCD. It is closely releated to the Coolpix L19, but has 2 more megapixels and cost a bit more.

Some key features for the Nikon Coolpix L20:
-10 megapixel sensor
-3.6x optical zoom lens (38 – 136mm)
-2.7″ LCD screen
-20MB of built-in memory

The Nikon Coolpix L20 will be released in February 2009 and cost about $130.

Press release:
Powerful New L100 Packs Performance, High-Powered Zoom And Advance Functions Into An Easy To Use Camera

The L100 Boasts 15x Zoom and High-Speed Shooting

MELVILLE, NY (Feb. 2, 2009) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new L100, a powerful photographic tool that blends ease-of-use with advanced shooting functions. Optimized for action shots, high-powered zoom and simple operation, the L100 is equipped and ready to help capture every precious moment with quality and clarity that will make lasting memories an even greater joy. The L100 is one of three new L-Series cameras announced today. For consumers seeking a fully-featured camera at a competitive price, Nikon also introduced the L20 and L19, presenting consumers with a strong value proposition.

“The L100 represents a fantastic choice for the family photographer who needs to capture everything from soccer games to portraits,” said Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “It also extends our tradition of previous L-Series cameras, combining ease-of-use, high performance and a tremendous value for consumers.”

The L100 achieves its versatility through its 15x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR lens. Covering 28mm wide-angle to 420mm super-telephoto shooting, the lens’ broad focal range can readily handle everything from landscapes and group shots, to tight close-ups and shots taken from a distance.

Additional features of the 10.0-megapixel L100 include:

*

Large, bright 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD with anti-reflection coating for easy composition and reviewing of images.

*

New Sport Continuous Scene Mode for shooting at up to 13fps1 (up to 30 frames when consumers set the resolution to 3MP or lower). This high-speed capture setting helps photographers stay ahead of the action, whether on the football, baseball or soccer fields.
*

4-Way Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization
o

Optical VR image stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shake by moving the image sensor, producing clearer, sharper results in lower lighting or unsteady conditions.
o

Motion Detection automatically detects moving subjects and adjusts shutter speed and the ISO setting to compensate for camera shake and subject movement.
o

High ISO 32002 capability creates new opportunities to take sharper, more natural-looking photos in lower light conditions.
o

Nikon’s original Best Shot Selector (BSS) automatically takes up to 10 shots while the user presses the shutter, and saves the sharpest image.
*

Smart Portrait System, which integrates the following to make it a snap to capture stunning portrait photos of friends and family:
o

In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™, which automatically fixes most instances of red-eye.
o

Enhanced Face-Priority AF, which can detect up to 12 faces from a variety of angles, including straight on, from the side, or even in a multitude of three-quarter positions.
o

Smile Mode, which automatically detects when your subject smiles and releases the shutter.
o

Blink Warning, which displays a warning message, should the camera detect that the subject has blinked.

The new L100 camera will be available nationwide beginning April 2009 and will retail for $279.95.

COOLPIX L20 and L19
Nikon complements the L100 with two new cameras that successfully blend features and price to create a strong value proposition. The L19 (8.0 megapixels) and L20 (10 megapixels) cameras leverage proven Nikon innovations, including NIKKOR Glass Lenses, EXPEED™ Digital Image Processing concept, Smart Portrait System, Motion Detection and Easy Auto Mode with Scene Auto Selector. These features combine to create digital compact cameras that combine high performance with outstanding operating ease.

The design of the L19 and L20 cameras complement Nikon’s technology innovation to offer ease-of-use, versatility and portability. For example, the large high-resolution 3.0-inch (L20) and 2.7-inch (L19) LCD monitors offer a bright image that consumers can easily view, even outdoors. The cameras also include dedicated buttons on the top of the body, which make it easy for consumers to switch between shooting and playback modes, as well as contours on the large thumb rest and the body itself to ensure a solid grip. Finally, the cameras are powered by (2) AA-batteries, available anywhere.

The L20 will be available in Deep Red beginning February 2009 and will retail for $129.95. The L19 will be available in Bright Silver beginning February 2009 and will retail for $109.95.

For more information about the new L-Series COOLPIX cameras, as well as the full line of COOLPIX products, please visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.