Canon expands its family of digital cameras

Canon today showcased some of its newest models to roll out from its factory. Among the new cameras is the entry-level dSLR, the EOS 450D. Canon claims that with the new DIGIC III image processor, we can expect faster processing time and "true-to-life" colors from its 12.2-megapixel sensor. Bundled with the camera body is the 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS lens. Lenses with image stabilizer are usually more expensive, and typically used by professionals. Canon also said it is looking into the possibility of including IS lenses with their future dSLRs. The 450D is priced at S$1,394 (body only) or S$1,499 with the kit lens. This shooter will be on shelves from early April in Singapore and April/May in other Asia-Pacific markets.

We featured the three new Digital IXUS last week, and at the event Canon announced the pricing and availability for these. The IXUS 970 IS, IXUS 90 IS and IXUS 85 IS will retail at S$669, S$599 and S$529, respectively. These three point-and-shoot units will also house the DIGIC III image processor. The trio will be available in Singapore from April and April/May for the rest of Asia-Pacific region.
Read more »

Panasonic unveils FX-series Lumix with touchscreen

The Japanese electronics giant has just announced that it will be introducing the DMC-FX520, its second compact Lumix camera with 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens. Its first 25mm lens offering, the FX36, was unveiled at the PMA Show in Las Vegas earlier this year. For those new to lenses, a wide-angle lens typically offers a larger capture view compared to cameras with conventional lenses. Panasonic claims its FX520's 25mm lens can capture almost twice the viewing space compared with standard 35mm cameras.

What's new on the FX520, however, is that in addition to the conventional joystick navigation controls, it also comes with a 3-inch touchscreen display, which is a first on a camera for Panasonic. This combination of two different user interface on one camera should give users a lot more flexibility when operating the device. It will be interesting to see how this hybrid system will fare against the popular T-series touchscreen Cyber-shots from Sony.
Read more »

Samsung mentions GX-20 dSLR successor

Talk about fast! Even before the GX-20 dSLR camera is on the shelves, Samsung had told us that we can expect to see its successor soon.
The GX-20 is strategically marketed against the big boys, like the Canon EOS 40D, and its successor is expected to be seen in the same light. Michael Min, general manager of the Digital Still Camera division for Samsung in Southeast Asia, told Crave Asia that the new model will be showcased at Photokina in Germany later this year. The specifications for the yet unnamed dSLR are unknown, but we guess it will be more souped-up than the GX-20.
To add on to the current lineup of eight dSLR lenses from Samsung, Min also mentioned that users can expect six more optics from the Korean company. The launch dates for these lenses are unconfirmed, but Min said we will be able to catch a glimpse of it at Photokina.

10 additions to Samsung's family of digital cameras

At the inaugural Samsung Digital Imaging Roadshow, the Korean electronics giant showcased 10 shooters targeting different users.

Unveiled at CES 2008, the NV24HD sports one of the widest lenses in a point-and-shoot at 24mm. This 10-megapixel shooter is also capable of recording 720p HD-quality video clips. It features the AM OLED developed by Samsung, which it claims will give a brighter, more natural-looking display. The usual offerings of face detection, dual image stabilization, photo style selector and blink detection can also be found in this compact. The NV24HD is expected to hit stores from April onward but the pricing was unconfirmed at press time.

The fourth dSLR from Samsung, the GX-20, is a 14.6-megapixel performer. Designed like its predecessor, the GX-10, this camera is dust- and moisture-resistant so it can operate even in adverse weather conditions. Targeted at serious enthusiasts, the GX-20 accepts both Samsung and compatible Pentax lenses. The built-in image stabilizer will help prevent blurry shots, while the dual dust reduction system keeps the sensor clean. The GX-20 will be available in the second half of 2008 with pricing to be announced.

The S860 and S760 are budget compacts suitable for first-time shooters, while both the i8 and NV4 are 8.2-megapixel cameras with a built-in portable media player. The L210, L110 and L100 are stylish point-and-shoots with 3x optical zoom and 2.5-inch LCD displays. With manual camera control and dual image stabilizer, the NV30 is for the more serious shooter.

I spy with my eyes

James Bond will probably want a pair of these, although he's going to look silly wearing the spy camera sunglasses when ordering his martini at the bar. But the built-in 1.3-megapixel camera allows him to shoot what he sees and get away with it.

The spy camera sunglasses comes with an RF remote control, so any aspiring secret agent can snap a few shots of his target without having to take his hands out of his pockets. While waiting, he can also listen to this favorite tracks through the built-in earbuds.

Back at HQ, the images can be downloaded via a USB 2.0 port and the Lithium-ion battery recharged for another 9 hours of shooting.

For the spy-to-be, you are going to be restricted by the 1GB memory (with no memory media expansion slot). But who cares when you got a pair of sunglasses that can take pictures?

Did we mention that it is also a real pair of shades with UV400 polarized lens? Well, at a price of US$99.99 from ThinkGeek, it'd better be.

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (956)

» Digital Cameras (556)

» Notebooks (687)

» PC & Peripherals (748)

» Handhelds (351)

» Printers (49)

» Home AV (642)

» Music & Play (524)

» Gadgets (1182)

» Future Tech (239)

Previously...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Subscribe to
Crave

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads