Digital Camera News and Reviews

Panasonic LX5

CNET UK was extremely early this time with reviewing new cameras from Panasonic. They have reviewed the highly anticipated Panasonic LX5 high end digital camera. This super compact camera comes with a large 10 megapixel sensor and an extended zoom range compared to the Panasonic LX3. Let us hope that CNET UK is thorough in their review.

Some key features for the Panasonic LX5:
-10.1 megapixel large image sensor
-3.8x optical zoom lens (24-90mm, F2.0-3.3)
-Optical image stabilization
-3″ LCD screen
-720p HD video

CNET UK ends up actually giving the Panasonic LX5 a lower score than I expected with 3.5 stars out of 5 possible. The reviewer finds the LX5 to be a very good camera, but thinks that Panasonic wants to put the LX5 apart from their Micro Four Thirds range and this makes the LX5 suffer from a lack of features. On the positive side the reviewer likes the bright lens, the body design and new jog wheel, but they do not like the plasticky feel and that you can not adjust the flash. In my opinion I would wait for more reviews if you are sitting on the fence about buying the LX5.
Read the full review of the Panasonic LX5 digital camera here.

Samsung ST5000 / Samsung TL240

Trusted Reviews has tested another camera from Samsung. This time they have reviewed a Samsung called Samsung ST5000 (it is called Samsung TL240 in some markets). Among the camera features we find an image sensor with a massive 14 megapixels and a large 7x zoom range.

Some key features for the Samsung ST5000 / Samsung TL240:
-14.2 megapixel image sensor
-7x optical zoom lens (31-217mm)
-3.5″ LCD screen
-720p HD video
-Dual image stabilization (optical and digital)
-Uses MicroSD and MicroSDHC memory cards

Trusted Reviews ends up giving the Samsung camera a nice review with an overall score of 8 out of 10 points. The ST5000 actually scores 8 out of 10 on all points: image quality, build quality, value for your money and features. The only major flaw that might bother some photographers is that the lens is not wide at all as it starts at 31mm. This might be a letdown if you are going to use it as a landscape camera.
Read the full review of the Samsung ST5000 / Samsung TL240 here.

Nikon CoolPix S3000

Trusted Reviews has tested a new ultra compact digital camera from Nikon. The Nikon camera is called Nikon CoolPix S3000 and features a sleek design combined with 12 megapixels and a 4x optical zoom range.

Some key features for the Nikon CoolPix S3000:
-12 megapixel image sensor
-4x optical zoom lens (27-108mm)
-Optical image stabilization
-2.7″ LCD screen
-Able to capture 640 x 480 movies with sound at 30fps
-Weighs 116g

Trusted Reviews ends up giving the Nikon CoolPix S3000 an overall score of 7 out of 10 points. The S3000 scores highest on value for your hard earned money and build quality, a little lower on image quality and pretty low on features. Overall this Nikon camera is a good performer in its class, but when you look at competing cameras from other brands the S3000 does not stand out at all. In my opinion it is very positive that Nikon has prioritized image quality over a ton of useless features.
Read the full review of the Nikon CoolPix S3000 digital camera here.