Digital Camera News and Reviews

Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z29

Casio has today announced a new entry level camera in their Exilim Zoom series. It is called Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z29 and sports a 10.1 megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom lens.

Some key features for the Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z29:
-10.1 megapixel sensor
-3x optical zoom lens (37.5-112.5mm)
-2.7″ LCD screen
-23 “Best Shot” scene modes
-face detection
-848 x 480 pixel Motion JPEG movie mode

The Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z29 will be available in April 2009 and cost about $150.

Press release:
Casio Introduces Stylish New 10.1 Megapixel Digital Camera

EX-Z29 Offers Increased Portability and 23 Best Shot Modes to EXILIM Zoom Series of Digital Cameras

LAS VEGAS, NV, MARCH 3, 2009 — Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., introduced the latest addition to its stylish series of EXILIM digital cameras today, the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z29. This newest member of the EXILIM line features a stylish, slim and compact design to increase portability, and provides an improved 10.1 megapixels of image resolution with 3X optical zoom. The EX-Z29 will be on display at Casio’s booth at the Photo Marketing Association International Convention and Tradeshow.

This new model stays true to the user-friendly features that have become standard to the EXILIM Zoom series. The 2.7-inch wide LCD display enables users to easily navigate camera operations and enhance the review of images, while the 23 Best Shot Modes and face detection technology help users take high quality photos without having to adjust camera settings.

“Casio is dedicated to creating digital cameras that feature superior technology while maintaining an ease of use for the consumer,” said Bill Heuer, Vice President of Sales for Digital Imaging Division at Casio America, Inc. “We continue to be a leader in the digital camera industry, providing fun and convenient ways to capture quality photographs.”

The EX-Z29 comes loaded with other useful features including Anti-Shake DSP which reduces photo blur from shaky hands or moving subjects, allowing users to shoot images with ease and confidence. Easy Mode simplifies the camera settings to three easy menus (image size, flash and self timer). With Easy Mode, the camera is set to take great photos in every situation without having to check presets or accidentally making a wrong adjustment. Casio’s Face Detection Technology maintains a sharp focus and the correct exposure for the human face.

Available at retail in April, the EX-Z29 will be available in black, pink, blue, silver and purple with an MSRP of $149.99.

EXILIM EX-Z29
A sleek & sturdy digital camera with a compact design

Design achieves a lightweight, yet durable image
Designed to fit the concept of “Sleek & Sturdy,” this camera has a compact form, measuring just 3.64” wide x 2.16” high x .91” thin. The edging that frames the body presents a light, casual feel, but at the same time gives the user the sense that this camera is tough and reliable. In addition, the camera color is not limited to a single hue. Rather, the control panel, frame, and rear casing boast contrasting colors, presenting a whole new idea in camera color schemes.

An effective 10.1-megapixel camera with a 3X optical zoom lens
In addition to offering the ability to reproduce a detailed image of the subject, this camera is very responsive and easy to operate. It has an effective 10.1-megapixel resolution, and delivers excellent performance. Images taken at high resolution can be enjoyed as beautiful photographs whether printed large or cropped before printing.

Easy-to-see 2.7-inch widescreen LCD
This camera features an easy-to-see widescreen 2.7-inch LCD monitor. Shooting information is shown in an “operating panel” on the right hand side of the screen, which makes it easy to quickly change camera settings while shooting.

Fun widescreen movie recording
Just by pressing the movie button, widescreen movies can be recorded with an aspect ratio of 16:9. The camera also offers YouTube Capture Mode, which records and saves movies at the ideal settings for the world’s largest video sharing site, YouTube. Recorded video can be easily uploaded to YouTube using the special included computer software.

Customizable focusing frames and menu screens

Focus frames
As well as the rectangular focusing frame usually displayed on the LCD monitor, users can choose designs such as a heart or a butterfly for the frame design. When the camera is correctly focused, a beautiful heart can be displayed, and when correct focus is not achieved the heart pattern breaks up. This makes it easy to ensure correct focus, and it is fun, too.

Menu screens
Menu screens can be freely selected from a total of six colors — black, chocolate, cinnamon, rose, sky blue and olive green.

Sigma DP2

Sigma has released more information about their upcoming camera, the Sigma DP2. The new camera is pretty similar to Sigma DP1 but contains some updates including with a brighter f/2.8 41mm lens, updated image processor, improved ISO sensitivity to 1600 and revised rear panel.

Some key features for the Sigma DP2:
-14 megapixel Foveon sensor
-2.5″ LCD screen
-41mm f/2.8 lens
-ISO sensitivity from 50 to 1600
-weight 260 grams

Press release:
Sigma announces the launch of a 14 megapixel high definition digital camera, packing the full spec of a DSLR into the body of a compact camera: SIGMA DP2

The Sigma Corporation (COO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the new Sigma DP2 compact digital camera featuring a 14 megapixel FOVEON X3 direct image sensor (2,652 × 1,768 × 3 layers) as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR.

Sigma introduced the DP1 with a direct image sensor as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR to the market in March 2008 as a “unique, groundbreaking, compact digital camera with all the power of a digital SLR”. The multi award winning DP1 has established strong support from a wide range of photographers both amateur and professional.

Building on this success, the DP2 is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, for increasing creative possibilities and superior image quality, improving handling and performance.

After the launch of DP2 camera, it enable users to continue to enjoy the image quality of the DP1 camera for wide focal length photography and also take advantage of the DP2’s standard focal length.

DP2 Special Site : www.SIGMA-DP.com/DP2
DP2 Related Web Site : www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/camera/dp2/index.htm

[Main features]

SLR-sized image sensor
The size of the image sensor used in the DP2 camera is 20.7mm x 13.8mm. It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than the 1/1.8inch to 1/2.5inch image sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras. The pixel size of the image sensor is 7.8μm. The large photodiodes deployed at a large pixel pitch capture pure, rich light efficiently and give the DP1 its high resolution and richly-graduated tones.

Full-color image sensor
The DP2 uses the same 14 megapixel （2652×1768×3 layers）direct image sensor as the SD14 and DP1. Utilizing the special features of silicon, which is penetrated to different depths by different wavelengths of light, this direct image sensor succeeds in full-color capture with the full RGB in a single-pixel location. Since the moire is not generated, use of a low-pass filter is not needed because full information of light and color can be captured with three-dimensional feeling.

“TRUE II” image processing engine
The DP2 incorporates “TRUE II” which is an improved version of “TRUE” (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine), the world’s first image processing engine suited for the three silicon embedded layer direct image sensor. The unique image-processing algorithm, which has been developed throughout the development of the SD series digital SLR cameras and DP1, is incorporated into “TRUE II”.

24.2mm F2.8 lens designed exclusively for the DP2
The DP2 is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 large aperture lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, which has been designed exclusively for DP2. Two high refractive index glasses and two molded glass aspherical lenses provide superior image quality and allow compact construction. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. SLR-sized image sensor and the large aperture of F2.8 combination provide natural shallow depth-of-field and attractive bokeh effect.

RAW format recording
The DP2 includes a RAW recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality plus a JPEG recording format for convenience. The RAW data format uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised, data files. The RAW data format of the DP2 keeps brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. Each pixel location captures the full color of RGB data which, when processed in Sigma Photo Pro, will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality.

Exclusive Sigma Photo Pro Software (Supplied with the DP2)
The DP2 comes complete with SIGMA Photo Pro software, a RAW image developer that converts all RAW data quickly and easily. Adjustments can be made in three separate modes. The X3F Mode stores the original settings of the image at the point of capture. In the Auto Adjustment Mode, the software analyzes and automatically makes adjustments to the RAW data. The Custom Mode allows the photographer to make individual adjustments. The photographer can make changes easily and quickly by simply adjusting the slider controls within the software.

Compact and lightweight body
The DP2 has compact dimensions of 113.3mm/4.5in (W) x 59.5mm/2.3in (H) x 56.1mm/2.2in (D). Its compact body and lightweight design makes it easy to carry everywhere.

Three metering modes and four exposure modes
The DP2 has three metering modes, Evaluative Metering, Center Weighted Average Metering and Spot Metering. It is also possible to select the exposure mode from Program AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE or Manual. Exposure compensation can be set in 1/3 stop increments from +3.0 to -3.0 stops and an auto bracketing function is also available.

Pop up (manual) built-in flash
The DP2 is equipped with a pop up (manual) built-in flash. It is possible to use Normal Flash, Red-Eye Reduction Flash and Slow Synchro Mode. It also features flash exposure compensation in 1/3 stops increments.

9 point focusing area
The AF area of DP2 is equipped with 9 focusing points. It is possible to select the desired focusing point depending on the shooting situation.

Manual Focus
Manual Focus is available for use when autofocus or focus lock is not desired. It is also possible to magnify the display to ensure precise focusing.

Movie Mode
It is possible to record movies with QVGA (320×240) size. The number of shooting frames per second is 30 frames. The recording capacity is approximately 30 minutes by 1GB memory card.

Color Mode
The DP2 camera is equipped with 7 types of the Color Modes which is adjusted saturation, contrast, etc for each shooting situation. It is possible to select from Portrait, Landscape, Vivid, Standard, Neutral, B&W or Sepia.

Large 2.5” TFT Color LCD Monitor
The DP2 camera features large 2.5 inch TFT color LCD monitor. The LCD monitor displays 100% of the images, allowing the photographer to easily and accurately confirm the image compensation.

Hot Shoe
The DP2 camera is equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of the dedicated external flashgun EF-140 DG (optional) as well as Sigma electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-500 DG and EF-530 DG. This hot shoe is also used to attach high performance view finder VF-21 (optional).
*EF-500 DG and EF-530 DG flashgun series can be used in manual mode only.

Dedicated lens hood (HA-21)
It is possible to attach the dedicated lens hood to block out extraneous light. It also functions as an adapter, designed to accept the 46mm Close-up Lens and 46mm filters.
*A hood adapter HA-21 is sold separately