Posts in Digital Cameras
Total 2 pages : [1] 2
Here we go again
Damian Koh | Apr 26, 2006
Just when we thought we'd heard the last of the resolution race, seeing that camera manufacturers are now focusing more on image quality and performance, Casio continues to play the numbers game. It has revved up its engine by announcing the 10.1-megapixel Exilim Zoom EX-Z1000.
According to Casio, the EX-Z1000 is the first in the series to incorporate a large 2.8-inch (230,400-pixel) LCD monitor. Other features we like include the Rapid Flash function which allows up to three consecutive shots per second with flash and the ability to zoom from 4.3x to 17.1x between VGA resolution and 5 megapixels.
Like we've seen from previous Exilims, this new shooter doesn't disappoint when it comes to scene modes. The EX-Z1000 has 37 Best Shot settings which users can select based on different shooting conditions. It also helps that the unit won't die on you before 360 shots (LCD display on standard brightness)--at least that's what the company claims.
The Exilim Zoom EX-Z1000 will be available in May at a retail price of S$799 (US$534.70). But is there really a need for a 10.1-megapixel compact digicam? We reckon not. And ISO 3,200 in High Sensitivity mode? We'll wait and see.
Kodak's EasyShare system turns five
Damian Koh | Apr 26, 2006
While some are partying away, others are working hard. Kodak celebrated the fifth anniversary of its EasyShare system by rolling out two cameras: The second dual-lens camera (EasyShare V610) and a successor to the Wi-Fi-enabled EasyShare-One. We just hope this time it wouldn't take too long to be available. Oh wait, the first EasyShare-One isn't even available yet.
According to Kodak, the EasyShare V610 is the world's smallest 10x optical zoom (38mm-to-380mm, 35mm equivalent) camera at less than an inch thick. Beneath the classy chassis, a closer look at the specifications reveals a shocking revelation (ok, it's not that shocking since it was the same with the EasyShare V570). The unit isn't a true-blue 10x zoom camera since the focal length is only effective between 38-to-114mm and 130-to-380mm.
That said, the EasyShare V610 does come with features which we may like, including a Bluetooth wireless connection, anti-blur technology and a high-res (230k-pixel) 2.8-inch LCD screen.
Here's the interesting part. We've all heard about the Wi-Fi-enabled EasyShare-One announced some time back. Even before it's available in our stores, Kodak has unveiled the 6-megapixel successor to the EasyShare-One. New features include a WISPr (Wireless Internet Service Provider recommendation) protocol that is supposedly able to increase the number of hotspot locations for connecting to the Web.
Seriously, we wonder if this is going to be a case of all talk and no camera.
Alpha is the name
Damian Koh | Apr 21, 2006
It all makes sense: First the brand, then the product. If you still have no idea what we're talking about, the upcoming Sony dSLR has been revealed under the Alpha brand. And that's before we see the first unit making its rounds.
According to the press release, consumers can expect to see the first digital SLRs from the Japanese corporation rolling out in the next couple of months. The new lineup will be compatible with the Maxxum/Dynax mount systems, so it's good news for Konica Minolta users out there who wish to change their camera bodies and yet still retain their old lenses.
Nothing much else was revealed, but those interested can log onto the brand's Web site for more information. Until then, we all wait.
Small in size, big on storage
Damian Koh | Apr 20, 2006
We’re not sure about you people, but this writer here has a bottomless pit with regard to portable storage devices. Good thing Maxtor has unveiled its first small offering in the OneTouch product family: The OneTouch III Mini Edition. No, it’s not the Mac Mini, nor is it the iPod mini. We’re referring instead to a storage device designed for mobile professionals.
As the latest member to the company’s OneTouch III family of hard drives, this pocket drive (honestly, it fits better in a bag or briefcase than a pocket) measures 133 x 90 x 20mm--which is about the size of an adult’s palm--weighs 205g and is available in two capacities: 60GB and 100GB. We won’t go into the math here, but you can store quite a fair bit of data, music, video and photos in this 2.5-inch drive.
The OneTouch III Mini Edition also comes with a bag full of features including a OneTouch button that makes backup copies of your files, two levels of security (Maxtor DriveLock and Encryption) to prevent unauthorized access, automatic synchronization of data between two or more computers, and a system rollback setting to restore your computer to a more stable and rosy past while keeping data current. We’re just wondering if the next edition will up the stakes with biometric scanning.
That said, this external drive requires only a single USB port to run (no FireWire capabilities, though). But according to Maxtor, the software is compatible only with PCs for now, with support for Macintosh platforms expected in the third quarter of this year.
The Maxtor OneTouch III Mini Edition is currently available in stores. The 60GB drive will cost S$219 (US$146.56), while the larger 100GB drive will set you back by another S$80 (US$53.54).
Time for some real shooting
Damian Koh | Apr 10, 2006
When it comes to design, it can be very subjective. But this had us taking our hats off--for peace-time shooting (photos). One of Russia's manufacturing plants for hardware and optics has produced the Fotosniper, which consists of a Zenit 122SLR, a 300mm F4.5 TAIR lens and a rifle mount. Yes, you heard it right. It's a rifle mount.
Hand shake is inevitable, especially if you are at the telephoto end of a long zoom lens or megazoom camera; and that's why most manufacturers incorporate some sort of image stabilization feature or high-sensitivity mode (so you can shoot at faster shutter speeds) in their digital cameras.
But Zenith claims the Fotosniper is all you need for crystal-clear shots at 1/60 or 1/30 of a second, sans tripod. The Fotosniper comes complete with a rifle mount and shoulder stock so you can stabilize the camera against your body and minimize hand shake. Sounds wonderful to us. We're only slightly worried if this camera setup would actually create public hysteria on the streets.
So, the trigger doubles as a shutter release, right?
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