Digital Camera News and Reviews

Casio Exilim EX-ZR10

CNET UK has reviewed a compact camera from Casio called Casio Exilim EX-ZR10. The digital camera is able to record movies in 1080p high-definition video and has a pretty long zoom range starting at 28mm.

Some key features for the Casio Exilim EX-ZR10:
-12.1 megapixel image sensor
-7x optical zoom lens (28-196mm)
-3″ LCD screen
-1080p high-definition video capture
-HDR function
-HDMI connection
-Available in black, silver and pink

CNET UK ends up giving the Exilim EX-ZR10 an overall score of 4 out of 5 possible stars. On the positive side the reviewer finds the zoom range to be useful, the HD movie capture and the camera is easy to use. There are a few negative points including boring design, high price tag and skin tones can look a bit weird. If you need this kind of zoom range and high end video, this might be your camera of choice if you have the money to spare.
Read the full review of the Casio Exilim EX-ZR10 digital camera here.

Lexmark Genesis S815

Lexmark Genesis S815 is an All-in-One printer that features something called Flash Scan technology that lets you scan a document in about 3 seconds, or so Lexmark claims. Let us hear what the tester over at at Trusted Reviews has to say about the S815 printer.

Some key features for the Lexmark Genesis S815:
-Flash Scan technology
-Able to print 4X6″ photos in 26 seconds
-4.3-Inch LCD touch screen
-USB and wireless connectivity
-Automatic duplexing

Trusted Reviews ends up giving the Genesis S815 an overall score of 8 out of 10 possible points. The Lexmark printer scores highest on print speeds, print quality and features while it scores a little lower on value for your money. If you are looking for a vertical scanner the Lexmark Genesis S815 might be your choice, especially if you are looking to scan a large number of printed photos.
Read the full review of the Lexmark Genesis S815 All-in-One printer here.

Olympus XZ-1

Photography Blog has tested an exciting new camera from Olympus called Olympus XZ-1. It has a high sensitivity 1/1.63″ CCD sensor with 10 megapixels and the brightest lens that you will find among compact digital cameras on the market right now.

Some key features for the Olympus XZ-1:
-10 megapixel high sensitivity 1/1.63″ CCD sensor
-4x optical zoom lens, 28-112mm equivalent, f/1.8-2.5
-3″ OLED screen
-Sensor-shift image stabilization
-Twin control dials
-ISO sensitivity 100-6400
-RAW file support
-720p movie mode
-Uses SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards

Photography Blog ends up giving the XZ-1 a very good review with a “Highly Recommended” rating and an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 possible stars. The Olympus camera scores highest on features, design and image quality, a little lower on ease of use while it scores lowest on value for your money. If you are looking for a high end compact camera with compact design and great image quality that also have many manual controls, this camera is one of the top choices. There are not many downsides to the Olympus XZ-1, but the reviewer wants an ISO button and better video mode when Olympus releases the next camera in this line.
Read the full review of the Olympus XZ-1 high end compact camera here.

Canon PIXMA iX6550

Canon has announced a new A3+ printer called Canon PIXMA iX6550 / iX6540. Canon says that this is their most compact A3+ printer in the PIXMA line. It is 30% smaller than its predecessor the iX4000, and is targeted at more advanced users wanting high quality photo prints in large size.

The printer is called Canon PIXMA iX6550 in Europe and iX6540 in Middle East and Africa. The PIXMA will be released in March 2011.

Press release:
Compact, stylish and versatile – Canon launches the new PIXMA iX6550
LONDON, UK, 7 February 2011 – Canon today announced the launch of the most compact A3+ printer in its PIXMA range. With increased speed and advanced software, the affordable PIXMA iX6550 is approximately 30 percent smaller than its predecessor, and features a stylish design requiring minimum desk space.

Replacing the PIXMA iX4000, the PIXMA iX6550 is ideal for advanced home and office users looking for superb quality when producing photos or documents; offering complete functionality for everyday business tasks including printing large spreadsheets, newsletters and schedules.

Advanced print quality
The PIXMA iX6550 includes 5 Single Inks which are individually replaceable to optimise ink usage and features a pigment black ink for crisp, sharp text. The PIXMA iX6550 uses dye inks to produce exceptional quality photos with minimum 1 picolitre ink droplets, and maximum 9,600dpi print resolution. For document printing, the PIXMA iX6550 has impressive ISO ESAT speeds of approximately 11.3ipm in mono, and 8.8ipm in colour. It can produce a photolab-quality 10x15cm borderless photo print in approximately 36 seconds[1].

Practical solutions and software
Featuring a range of superior software, the PIXMA iX6550 is a versatile and creative option for users looking for advanced functionality. Easy-WebPrint EX plug-in offers smart, yet simple web printing, allowing users to clip, combine and print pages from multiple websites. Users of the PIXMA iX6550 also have access to Solution Templates, allowing small businesses to download and customise general notices, menus and point of sale material. The templates are compatible with Microsoft Word and help create quick and professional looking documents. The enhanced Canon Easy-PhotoPrint EX makes printing photos and more creative content easy and has the benefit of direct access to Flickr®.

Canon’s unique Full HD Movie Print enables users to print images by selecting a single frame from a full HD movie captured on select Canon Digital SLR or Canon Digital Still Cameras.

With use of genuine inks the PIXMA iX6550 features ChromaLife 100+ for long lasting beautiful photos and customers can also access CREATIVE PARK PREMIUM to print and use a range of high quality professional content, including exclusive images from recognised artists.

Availability
The PIXMA iX6550 is available across Europe from March 2011.

PIXMA iX6550 – key features:
* Ultra compact and stylish A3+ printer ideal for home or small offices
* Photolab-quality prints with minimum 1picolitre ink droplets and up to 9600dpi
* 5 Single Ink Tanks minimise waste and print costs
* Efficient document print speeds – ISO ESAT 11.3ipm for black and 8.8ipm for colour
* Print high quality 10x15cm borderless photos in approximately 36 seconds
* Create professional marketing materials with Solution Templates
* Print quality photos from movies captured with select Canon cameras using Full HD Movie Print
* Efficient web printing with Easy-WebPrint EX
* Access exclusive professional content with CREATIVE PARK PREMIUM
* ChromaLife100+ for long lasting beautiful photos