Nikon Coolpix S1200pj Review
Review posted 4/17/2012 Quick Take Pros Awesome projector for sharing with friends and family; all you need is a flat surface to project ontoEasy to use and carryCaptures nice 14-megapixel photosVersatile zoomLens-Shift Image StabilizationHigh-quality 3.0-inch LCD720p HD video captureDedicated video recording button allows recording anytimeAcceptable noise levels from ISO 80-1600 ConsNo full HD video optionISO 3200 and 6400 show a ton of imager noiseNo external battery chargerNo HDMI outoutNo AV cablesProjector drains battery quickExpensive Bottom Line While the S1200pj is heavy on the wallet at $ 429.95 USD, it offers great performance, image quality, and plenty of easy to use exposure options. The projector feature makes the camera worth the extra coin over other compact cameras with similar features, just watch your battery level when using the projector a lot. Read more in our Full Conclusion. File this under something you may never have realized you wanted, but once you’ll see one in action, it may just become your favorite new toy…Nikon’s S1200pj is one of six new Coolpix cameras debuting last September. Steve’s had a rare opportunity to get hands on time with each of them. The S1200pj is the third generation “pj” camera (behind the S1000pj and the S1100pj) and features a 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor, a 5x wide angle optical zoom lens, and a 3.0 inch VGA screen. All of those features are nice, but here’s what really makes the S1200pj a fun toy: it has a built-in 20 lumen DLP projector with a 100:1 contrast ratio. Since it’s third gen
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Samsung WB750 Review
Review posted 04/02/2012 Quick Take Pros Well built, sturdy metal bodyCompact size packs a punch with 18x zoomRecords decent full 1080p videoEasy to use and carryIncredibly versatile 18x optical zoom range covers 24-432mmGood shooting performancePleasing 12-megapixel images both indoors and outBurst modes exceeded Samsung’s FPS claimsTons of creative filtersPlenty of exposure options for just about any userVarious Scene modes, including 3DGreat bang for your buckUses SD vs microSD cards ConsAverage battery lifeNoise throughout ISO range, causes “softness” when enlarging photos to extreme levelsNo AV cable includedRed-eye very common Bottom Line The Samsung WB750 is a powerful compact package which boasts some unmatched features in this size and price range. With a plethora of creative options, good image quality, and blazing fast performance, the WG750 is touch to beat in the compact Super-zoom category. It does however shot a bit more noise than we’d like to see. Read more in our Full Conclusion. In September of last year (2011), Samsung announced the launch of the longest lens to ever be implemented in their compact camera series, the WB750. Highlights include a 12.5-megapixel Back Side Illuminated CMOS sensor (1/2.3 inches), an 18x optical zoom Schneider lens (24x digital zoom with Samsung’s Smart Zoom technology), 10 frames per second continuous still image capture mode, and Intelligent Face tracking. Home movie enthusiasts will enjoy capturing Full 1080p HD movies with the ability to snap 10-megapixel still shots during movie recording.The WB750 also includes three different in-camera Panorama modes as well as in-camera High Dynamic Range
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Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF5 Preview
I’ve heard it a thousand times. You have a growing love for photography and are tired of point-and-shoot restrictions. Maybe you’re looking for a dSLR, but simply not ready to trade the slim size of pocket sized cameras for the bulk of something full-featured. For you, dear shutterbugs, I offer up Micro Four Thirds camera systems. They’ve got the flexibility of the dSLR in terms of interchangeable lenses (of which there are many) in the smaller body of a larger point-and-shoot.Panasonic’s latest G-series Micro Four Thirds camera was announced today, the DMC-GF5. Its compact, lightweight body with a built-in flash and rubberized grip will be available in three colors (red, black, white). It features a 12.1-megapixel Live MOS image sensor, a 3.0-inch high resolution touch screen, a revamped Venus Engine image processor, 1920 x 1080 HD video recording capabilities up to “60i” frames per second, and an incredible 100-12800 ISO sensitivity range. For glass, you have your choice among the many Micro Four Thirds lenses available from Panasonic and other brands.Just because this camera is designed for a more advanced user doesn’t mean it won’t work well for newbies. Panasonic has included an easy to use Graphic User Interface (GUI) on the large touch screen, as well as iA (Intelligent Auto) and iA Plus modes. iA mode “automatically activate a range of technologies to enhance photos without adjusting settings every time conditions change, including AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition and Intelligent ISO Control.” iA Plus mode let you be
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GE Power Series E1410SW Review
Review posted 04/10/2012 Quick Take Pros iAuto shooting mode is accurate and easy in all situationsDedicated Video Capture Button is always ready to recordPanorama mode captures images for youGood overall image quality for a sub $ 200 camera O.I.S. is very helpful when shooting on the move3.0-inch LCD is great for framing and viewing your imagesGood shooting performanceHDMI for viewing your HD videos on any HDTVIncredible Price ConsSome image noise in all imagesImages look very cool (blue) on camera’s LCDNo ISO controlMulti-Exposure seemed to lock up the cameraBuilt-in mic is terrible for outdoor audioUnacceptable battery lifeNo AV cables included Bottom Line The GE E1410SW is a very powerful ultra-compact digicam. Featuring a 10x optical zoom lens, 14-Megapixel CMOS imaging sensor, powerful burst modes and full 1080p video capture, you will not find another camera with these features in this price range. Read more in our Full Conclusion. The stylish and powerful E1410SW is a compact camera that is loaded with great features. This compact digicam features a 14-Megapixel CMOS imaging sensor, 10x optical zoom lens, full 1080p HD video capture and the ability to capture images at 10fps so that you’ll never miss a thing. This burst image shooting allows for other unique features like Pancapture and Multi-Exposure which captures several images and combines them into one, perfect for motion sequences. The 28mm-280mm (35mm equivalent) allows you to be in the perfect position, no matter who far away your subjects are. This stylish camera is not only incredibly powerful but also
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 Preview
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FH8 is one of two new FH-series cameras announced at CES today. Though the FH6 is slightly more compact and more than likely cheaper, the FH8 boasts a variety of upgrades over its sibling digicam, most notably a larger 16-megapixel CCD Sensor (vs. 14.1), a 3.0″ LCD screen (vs. 2.7″), 720p HD video recording in MPEG-4 (vs. Motion JPEG), three more color options, and two additional iA and Effect modes: 1) AF Tracking for keeping up with fast moving subjects, and 2) Miniature Effect, for an in-camera tilt-shift effect. Other than that, the two cameras are similarly equipped. Highlights include a 24mm wide angle lens with a 5x optical zoom and 10x iA Zoom (digital zoom). Panasonic’s proprietary Venus Engine image processor is the brains behind the operation, allowing for the camera to be slimmer and faster.The two new FH series’ iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode includes Optical Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO control, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, and Intelligent Exposure to help any novice look like a pro. But don’t worry if you do make a mistake, the Image Effects mode has Auto Retouch and Beauty Retouch in addition to Panorama Shot, which allows for both horizontal and vertical panoramas to be built in-camera from multiple exposures.The FH series is designed with the modern shutterbug, which the capability to charge via a your computer’s USB port or the included AC charger. Speaking of your computer, LUMIX Image Uploader software is bundled in here, and allows easy access to social media sites like
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Fujifilm X-Pro1 Preview
FujiFilm has finally joined the EVIL market with their first mirrorless Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens camera; the X-Pro1. This new X-series camera builds off of their already popular line of prosumer offerings like the X100, X10, and X-S1, but takes the game to a new level with powerful features along with the versatility of an interchangeable lens system. Some of these powerful features include a 16-megapixel APS-C “X-Trans” CMOS image sensor mated to their well known EXR Processing technology, and the 2nd generation of their Hybrid Multi Viewfinder system first introduced on the X100. They’ve also included a new filter array on the X-Pro1, which utilizes a more “random” array with 6×6 pixel units, along with removing the optical low pass filter. This is claimed to give greater resolution, while also eliminating moire and false colors. This model boasts a sophisticatedly, yet rugged exterior, thanks to its magnesium alloy chassis. They claim that the X-Pro1 features an improved user interface that is “a testament to FujiFilm’s unyielding attention to quality and the photographic needs of professionals.”. The X-Pro1 uses their new X-mount lens system, and as of now (1/2012) they are offering three XF series prime lenses: an FUJINON LENS XF18mmF2 R (27mm equivalent) f/2.0, FUJINON LENS XF35mmF1.4 R (53mm equivalent) f/1.4, and the FUJINON LENS XF60mmF2.4 R Macro (90mm equivalent) f/2.4. Each offer superb low-light abilities thanks to their wide open apertures, along with pleasuring bokeh for those who like to blur the background to focus all attention on
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Olympus SP-620UZ Preview
Olympus has announced a sub-$ 200 ultra zoom dSLR-styled point-and-shoot camera, the SP-620UZ. If bold, crisp imagery is something you enjoy, this 620UZ’s 16.0 megapixel 1/2.3″ CC and 21x optical zoom will help you be apart of all the action, near or far, macro or landscape. And if the 25mm wide angle lens isn’t wide enough for your, use the camera’s Panorama Mode to create even wider shots, all of which are visible on the camera’s large 3.0″ LCD viewing screen.The 620UZ from Olympus is built equally for still image capture as it is for 720p HD video. Multi-Motion Movie and Dual Image Stabilization help you get clearer stills and video that doesn’t look like all the shaky cam Jason Bourne movies. There’s also a 3D mode.Olympus includes a series of Magic Art Filters and what they call Beauty Make-up Mode, which apparently allows users to add make-up to photo subjects’ faces like eyeliner, eye shadow and rough, as well as physically alter faces (lift cheek bones, etc.). The Olympus SP-620UZ runs on 4 AA batteries and is Eye-Fi compatible.Olympus SP-620UZ Features:16.0 megapixel 1/2.3″ CCD3.0″ LCD screen21x optical zoom lens (25-525mm equivalent)720p HD videoMulti-Motion Movie Image StabilizationDual Image StabilizationMacro ModePanorama ModeIntermediate Zoom SettingsMagic Art FiltersBeauty Make-up Mode3D captureRuns on 4 AA batteries (included)Eye-Fi card compatibilityAvailable in silver or black, the Olympus SP-620UZ will hit stores later this year with an MSRP of $ 199.99.Additional Product Views:
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Olympus SZ-12 Preview
The Olympus SZ-12 is a budget friendly Super Zoom camera that will retail for less than $ 200 — in your choice of silver, black, or red. Designed to fit snugly into your hand thanks to its “Smart Grip” aluminum body design, this stylish camera boasts a whopping 24x optical zoom, which is the 35mm equivalent of 25-600mm. There’s also a Telephoto Macro setting so that you can use the lens not only for long distances, but for tiny objects. The Dual Image Stabilization is a must have safeguard when at full zoom.The SZ-12 also features a 14 megapixel CCD image sensor capable of recording 720p HD video and 7 frames per second sequential shooting at full resolution. Ten Magic Filters are built-in to spruce up even the blandest still image and thanks to the camera’s built in Eye-Fi capabilities, loading your images and videos to your computer and/or social networking media sites is a snap. The HDMI out (mist likely a micro-HDMI port) means you can connect the SZ-12 directly to your big screen to watch your HD movies and/or a photo montage of your high resolution still images.Olympus SZ-12 Features:24x Optical Zoom (25-600mm)14 megapixel resolution3.0″ LCD display (460k dots)Smart Grip body720p HD Video 7fps sequential shootingDual Image StabilizationTelephoto MacroTen Magic Art FiltersEye-Fi CompatibleHDMI out (cable sold separately)Li-ion rechargeable batteryAdditional Product Views:
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Olympus TG-320 Preview
If you’re the adventurous type, or a little tough on your digital cameras, but still a price-conscious bargain hunter, then Olympus’ new TOUGH series camera, the TG-320 may be worth considering for your next digicam. Shockproof up to 5 foot tumbles, Freezeproof down to 14 degrees F, Waterpoof down to 10 feet, and Dustproof, the TG-320 has a 14 megapixel CCD image sensor capable of shooting crystal clear 720p HD video in a variety of dusty and water-logged environments. The 3.6x optical zoom (28-102mm in 35mm equivalence) works underwater as does the built-in 3D mode. 3D photos can be captured in a variety of settings, from macro to landscape, and even viewed on a 3DTV thanks to the built in HDMI port that include HDMI Control (aka, the ability to control the camera via your TV). If you don’t care for 3D or have a 3D set, no worries, your 2D stills and video will look great on your 2D tv as well. For those who like to get creative, Olympus includes a series of Magic Art filters to spice up just about any picture.Olympus TOUGH TG-320 Features:14 megapixels3.6x optical zoom (28-102mm)Shockproof up to 5 feetFreezeproof down to 14 degrees FWaterproof down to 10 feetDustproof720p HD video recording3D photos in any mode (macro to landscape, even underwater)Magic Art FiltersHDMI output (with HDMI Control). Cable not included.The Olympus TG-320 will be available this February (2012) in red or blue for around $ 179.99. It ships with a Camera Strap, USB Cable,
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Olympus VG-160 Preview
Wow, the newly announced sub-$ 100 Olympus VG-160 is thin. 19.3mm thin to be exact. And yet, despite being able to fit in palm and pocket alike, the 160 has a host of advanced auto features to help photographers young and old find his or her way. A 14 megapixel CCD sensor captures light through a 5x optical zoom lens (35mm equivalent of 26-130mm). Review all your photos on the 3.0-inch LCD screen and then adjust everything using Olympus’ Magic Art Filters; new filters like the two-toned Punk and the twinkly Sparkle and the painting-esc Watercolor join classics like Pop Art, Pin Hole, Drawing, Fish Eye, and Soft Focus.Or, if you’d rather let your still images look as natural as possible, iAuto (Intelligent Auto) has you covered, choosing between 29 built-in scene modes to optimize your exposure settings. AF Tracking, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and Face Detection help track you subjects whether they be standing still or sprinting a full speed. Fully zoomed in shots will seem perfectly crisp thanks to the Digital Image Stabilization. And, like many modern cameras today, the VG0-160 also records HD movies (here, in 720p).Olympus VG-160 Features:14 megapixels5x optical zoom lens (26-130mm)3.0″ LCD viewing screenAF TrackingShadow AdjustmentsFace DetectioniAuto (Intelligent Auto) with 29 built-in scene modesMagic Art Filters:Pop ArtPin HoleDrawingFish EyeSoft FocusPunk*Watercolor*Sparkle*720p HD VideoDigital Image Stabilization*All new this year!The Olympus VG-160 will be available in February for less than $ 100. Color choices include silver, black, red, and orange.Additional Product Views:
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