Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T10

About the size of a credit card, the ultra-compact 7.2 megapixel Cyber-shot® DSC-T10 is doubly effective at reducing blur. With Super SteadyShot® Optical Image Stabilization and high ISO sensitivity, the DSC-T10 captures beautiful shots without a flash, where flash is not permitted or might disrupt the mood.

Share your photos as slide shows set to music with family and friends on the extra-large 2.5”1 Clear Photo LCD Plus screen. The DSC-T10 also comes equipped with precision Carl Zeiss® 3X Optical/2X Digital zoom lens, InfoLithium® battery with up to 250-shot Stamina® power and 56 MB Internal Memory for capturing images without a flash memory card. The Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-T10 is available in four trendy colors including black, pink, silver and white.

Capture spectacular photos-even in low light without a flash
About the size of a credit card, the ultra-compact 7.2 megapixel Cyber-shot® DSC-T10 is doubly effective at reducing blur. With Super SteadyShot® Optical Image Stabilization and high ISO sensitivity, the DSC-T10 captures beautiful shots without a flash, where flash is not permitted or might disrupt the mood.

Share your photos as slide shows set to music with family and friends on the extra-large 2.5" Clear Photo LCD Plus screen. The DSC-T10 also comes equipped with precision Carl Zeiss® 3X Optical/2X Digital zoom lens, InfoLithium® battery with up to 250-shot Stamina® power and 56 MB Internal Memory for capturing images without a flash memory card.

Features:

Ultra-Slim Credit-Card Dimensions
With a sleek metallic case and ultra-compact design, the DSC-T10 fits anywhere, travels with ease, and captures spectacular color images in a style all its own-so you can always have great little Sony Cyber-Shot® camera on hand to preserve your memories.

7.2 MP Super HAD™ CCD
Another step up in megapixel performance gives you greater detail for making large prints or cropping in tightly on your subject. With Sony's advanced Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design, more light passes to each pixel for increased sensitivity and reduced noise.

Super SteadyShot® Optical Image Stabilization
The Sony Super SteadyShot® system detects camera movement and sends correcting signals to a stabilization lens to prevent image blur and reduce the effect of camera shake-an advantage when shooting with such a small camera.

Higher Sensitivity
Because flash can sometimes change the mood, the DSC-T10 provides high sensitivity (ISO 1000) for excellent low-light shots at higher shutter speed and for capturing images in museums or religious sites where flash may not be permitted. Sony's Clear RAW™ Noise Reduction system counters the picture noise traditionally associated with high ISO.

Carl Zeiss® 3X Optical/2X Precision Digital Zoom
An ingenious lens design provides 3X Optical Zoom capability in amazingly compact camera dimensions -- and even at full zoom the lens doesn't project beyond the camera body, preserving the ultra-slim styling of the DSC-T10.

Capture Images In-Camera
With 56 MB Internal Memory, the DSC-T10 allows you to shoot photos without a flash memory card -- so you can always get your shot even if you forgot your card. From internal memory, you can easily transfer your images to Memory Stick Duo™ or Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media, upload to your computer or make prints on your digital printer.

Adjustable Clear Photo LCD Plus™ Screen
With its Clear Photo LCD Plus™ design, the DSC-T10's big, bright 2.5" screen raises the standard for built-in, on-screen picture viewing, plus gives you adjustable brightness to make images look better even in bright sunlight.

Slide Show with Select Music Playback
The DSC-T10 lets you view in-camera images in Slide Show sequence, with one-button operation, selectable transition effects and up to four music background tracks1 that make it more entertaining to share your memories with family and friends. You can even use supplied Picture Package Music Transfer software to add your own favorite music.

Versatile Color Modes
The DSC-T10 gives you greater creative freedom to adjust color mode for the creative results you want. In addition to Standard, Monochrome and Sepia color settings, the DSC-T10 features Natural setting for subtle colors and Vivid setting for more intense colors.

Stamina® Power
A supplied NP-FT1 InfoLithium® rechargeable battery lets you shoot up to 250 pictures on a full charge, recharges quickly and easily, and shows you about how much shooting time remains.

14X Smart Zoom™ Feature (at VGA Resolution)
The Cyber-shot® DSC-T10 intelligently "crops into" the central portion of interest in your photo without sacrificing full CCD resolution-avoiding the image degradation of other digital zooms.

Real Imaging Processor™ LSI
To improve camera response and extend battery life, Sony's Real Imaging Processor™ LSI (Large Scale Integrated) circuit decreases shutter lag, improves picture quality and clarity, and increases battery stamina.

Memory Stick Duo™ Media
The DSC-T10 has a built-in slot for optional Memory Stick Duo™ media that provides ultra-compact, high-capacity shooting and recording.

Picture Motion Browser Software
Supplied software makes it easier to upload, organize and search photos on your PC-and provides a convenient map view function to sort photos by location and display their origin on a world map by using an optional GPS unit.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2

Panasonic could have impressed us just by fixing the faults we found in last year's compact Lumix DMC-LX1. But with its new Lumix DMC-LX2 ($500, street), it delivers a whole lot more. A pocketable alternative to a digital SLR, the 10.2MP LX2 packs a gorgeous 2.8-inch LCD screen with a full 16:9 aspect ratio, loads of controls, improved burst rate, true high-definition video recording, a new image processor, and 16MB of built-in memory. It's even available in black in addition to silver. Best of all: its performance on our Certified Lab Tests -- and its "steal-me" price.

Like its 8.4MP predecessor, the LX2 boasts a 4X Leica DC Vario-Elmarit f/2.8-4.9 optical zoom lens, optical image stabilization, and a true 16:9 aspect ratio sensor that can quickly be switched to 3:2 or 4:3 formats. But the earlier version's disappointing digital noise and image quality at ISO 200 and above, along with an LCD screen that didn't show the entire 16:9 image, dampened our enthusiasm for it.

What a difference this upgrade makes! We ran the LX2 through the Pop Photo Lab, and the results show that Panasonic has made a breakthrough in image quality, thanks to its new Venus Engine III processor and smart noise-reduction technology.

Combined with the excellent resolution from the sensor (which beats most 8MP DSLRs at ISO 100 and 200) and its excellent color accuracy, the LX2 earned an Excellent rating for Image Quality at ISO 100, and Extremely High ratings from ISO 200 up to ISO 800. Its noise levels peak at ISO 200 (Moderately Low) and drop to Low at ISO 400 and ISO 800, rising back to Moderately Low at ISO 1600.

Obviously, noise reduction kicks in at ISO 400 and higher, with a trade-off in resolution -- at ISO 800 the resolution is on par with a 6MP camera, and at ISO 1600, a 5MP. But you get to choose how much resolution to give up by setting NR at High, Standard, or Low. (Our tests were done at Standard.) Want more detail? Dial in less noise reduction. Don't plan to make big prints? Give up some detail, but banish noise with more NR. Frankly, we were impressed by the results at the Standard NR level and can't see a reason why you'd dial in higher NR -- only lower to improve sharpness.

Also, to get the highest color accuracy, we had to turn the default saturation and contrast controls down to their lowest settings (it's easy in the menus).

The flash is a bit weak and limited in range (just over 6 feet) at ISO 100, though it has an extended range at higher ISOs, as well as some useful features. These include a slow-sync mode for low-light shooting (which works well with image stabilization), quick access to flash EV compensation control, and fill-flash capability up to 1/2000 sec shutter speed.
Other gripes: Unusual JPEG compression artifacts at ISO 100 appeared in shadow areas and fine tonalities. They were visible at 100 percent magnification, even when the camera was set to Finest JPEG mode, but were barely there in RAW files converted to TIFF with the powerful Silky-Pix Developer Studio 2.0SE software (supplied). Also, the JPEGs saved in RAW + JPEG mode are highly compressed.

Canon EOS 400D

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi offers an unbeatable combination of performance, ease-of-use and value. It has a newly designed 10.1 MP Canon CMOS sensor plus a host of new features including a 2.5-inch LCD monitor, the exclusive EOS Integrated Cleaning System featuring a Self Cleaning Sensor and Canon's Picture Style technology, all in a lightweight, ergonomic body. The Digital Rebel XTi is proof positive that Canon continues to lead the way with their phenomenal digital SLRs.

Canon today took the wraps off their new entry-level digital SLR, the Digital Rebel XTi (North America) / EOS-400D (elsewhere). Unfortunately I don't have many details yet, since Canon apparently doesn't trust websites like this one enough to provide specs, press releases, or product photos in advance. Ironically, it was Canon themselves that leaked the information (again!) that you may have seen floating around the web in the last few days.
Digital Rebel XTi / EOS-400D
• 10.1 effective Megapixel CMOS sensor
• New dust reduction system: 1) ultrasonic waves blast dust off the low pass sensor; 2) low pass filter split into two parts to keep the dust further from the sensor; 3) front of low pass filter now has anti-static charge
• Users can also create a "dust map" (Canon calls it Dust Delete Data) for dust that just won't go away; this information is saved in metadata, and the bundled Digital Photography Professional 2.2 software can remove it from your photos
• 2.5" LCD display (with 230k pixels)
• LCD info display has gone away; shooting info now shown on LCD; when you put your eye to the viewfinder, the screen goes dark automatically
• Now has 9-point autofocus versus 7-point on the Rebel XT
• Improved burst mode compared to Rebel XT: now takes up to 10 RAW or 27 JPEG images (still at 3 fps)
• Inherits the Picture Styles menu and RGB histogram from the EOS-5D and EOS-30D
• Same body design (and colors) as Rebel XT -- very hard to tell them apart; compatible with all Rebel XT accessories, including the battery grip
• Still uses DIGIC II processor and CompactFlash
• USB 2.0 High Speed supported
• Ships mid-September for $799 body only or $899 with the same 18-55 EF-S lens that comes with the Rebel XT

Nikon D80

The Nikon D80 DSLR camera is aimed squarely at the enthusiast user. This new 10 megapixel model replaces the highly rated Nikon D70s and D70 and fits into the lower end of Nikon's DSLR product hierarchy, above the D50 and below the D200 and other professional camera bodies like the D2Xs.

The DSLR market has undergone a radical transformation in 2006. These detachable lens cameras are no longer regarded mainly as a tool for the serious amateur or professional photographer. An increasing number of models are being released that target a much more varied customer base in the constant battle for sales and revenue. Currently Nikon and Canon dominate this product sector, and the release of every new DSLR from either manufacturer is anticipated and then scrutinized in equal measure.

The Nikon D80 is clearly based on the older D70s, but also borrows a lot of features from the more expensive D200, making it an attractive proposition for the aspiring photographer. So does the Nikon D80 meet the demands of the enthusiast photographer that it's aimed at? Read our latest review to discover if the D80 is the DSLR for you.

Nikon D80 : The Nikon D80 has been introduced today. Incorporating Nikon's latest digital and photographic technologies, this high-performance interchangeable-lens SLR camera features automated operation and advanced features, designed to satisfy photographers with the passion to create beautiful photographs and preserve special moments.

The Nikon D80 features a new 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor, bringing a new level of high resolution and sharp detail to the class whilst also providing plenty of freedom to crop creatively and print enlargements. Nikon's DX Format sensor and Nikon F bayonet lens mount design assure unprecedented compatibility across the comprehensive assortment of AF and DX Nikkor lenses.

Nikon D80 - Image processing engine
One of the key advances developed for the D80 is Nikon's own high-resolution image processing engine. Advantages inherited from Nikon's latest professional digital SLR cameras include color independent analog pre-conditioning and high-precision 12-bit digital image processing algorithms, which combine to produce natural-looking images that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction. A new dedicated high-performance processing chip greatly accelerates performance on all levels, while also achieving lower power consumption, assuring more pictures per battery charge.
Nikon D80 digital reflex camera - Scenes
Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate automatic exposure control for ideal exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Evaluating rightness, color, contrast, selected focus area and camera-to-subject distance, rather than merely measuring or averaging the true content of each scene, input from the system's frame-wide 420-pixel sensor is automatically referenced against an onboard database of over 30,000 scenes from actual photography to calculate final exposure value.

Kodak EasyShare V610 Dual

Kodak EasyShare V610

Dual

In a dynamic intersection of performance and sophistication comes the Kodak EasyShare V610 dual lens digital camera. Two precision crafted lenses within its amazingly slender body deliver 10X optical zoom power. And with Bluetooth® wireless technology, you can take a picture of friends at the party and send it to them right away. Introducing the up close and personal V610 – the world’s smallest 10X optical zoom digital camera.

The innovative 6-megapixel Easyshare V610 camera, with anti-blur technology, can be carried where bigger, bulkier high-zoom digital cameras cannot — in a pocket while skiing, in a small purse during a day on the town, or on a wrist while hiking. The result is the ability to get extremely close, high quality pictures of distant subjects without the obtrusiveness of a larger camera. Kodak now has the world’s smallest digital cameras at both ends of the consumer photography spectrum — the Easyshare V570 model for ultra-wide-angle needs (23 mm equiv.) and the Easyshare V610 model for long-zoom needs.

In addition, the Easyshare V610 model is one of the first digital cameras to incorporate BLUETOOTH® wireless technology, making it easier to instantly share pictures with people nearby. Easyshare V610 camera owners can effortlessly send their pictures to other BLUETOOTH technology enabled devices up to 30 feet away —e.g., mobile phones, PDAs, computers, KODAK Picture Kiosks, and even other V610 cameras — as well as receive and view pictures on the huge 2.8-inch, high-resolution (230,000 pixels) LCD screen.

Features
• Remarkable Picture Quality
o Kodak Retina dual lens technology makes the V610 the world’s smallest 10X optical zoom digital camera
o Create stunning quality prints up to 76 x 102 cm (30" x 40") with 6.1 MP
o Remarkable image quality – features such as Kodak Perfect Touch technology and advanced noise reduction make it possible
o Get exceptional clarity and sharpness with its two professional quality Schneider-Kreuznach C-Variogon lenses
o Create great shots time after time with 22 scene modes including panorama stitch, and 3 color modes
o Get rich, vibrant color under a variety of lighting conditions with the exclusive Kodak color science chip
• Powerfully Simple Video Features
o Record VGA video (640 x 480) at 30 fps with sound
o Zoom during video and avoid camera shake with image stabilization
o Capture more video while using less memory with MPEG-4 compression
o Make prints from video with multiple pictures on a 10 x 15 cm (4" x 6") print
o Select single frames to e-mail to family and friends
• The Simple Way to Share
o When you’re with friends, use the embedded Bluetooth wireless technology to send them pictures
o View and share your pictures with clarity on the large 7.1 cm (2.8") high resolution, indoor/outdoor display featuring a wide viewing angle
o Share your favorite shots anytime, anywhere, using the on-camera Share button, and use the Favorites feature to keep your special pictures close standard focal length

Olympus Stylus 1000

A new digital camera was deemed king of the Stylus line on August 23 with the announcement of the Olympus Stylus 1000. This 10-megapixel digital camera carries on the all-weather legacy of its series while stuffing in more resolution and a few more interesting features. This model has a “digital image stabilization mode,” a Perfect Fix function in the playback mode, and Bright Capture technology meant for shooting in dim lighting. The Olympus Stylus 1000 also packs a significantly expanded sensitivity range, extending from ISO 64-6400, although the settings beyond 1600 come at reduced resolution. Other specs include the 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen. The Olympus Stylus 1000, also called the Olympus µ 1000 in Europe, retails for $399.
10 MEGAPIXELS.
Get sharp, high-resolution and high-quality photos regardless of the print size.
DIGITAL IMAGE STABILIZATION.
A fast shutter speed and high ISO sensitivity eliminate blurs caused by camera shake or fast moving subjects. Forget to activate Digital Image Stabilization Mode? Retouch blurry images right in the camera, with Digital Image Stabilization Edit.

ALL-WEATHER.
Like all Stylus cameras, weatherproof engineering will protect your camera in the rain, at the beach and on the slopes.
BRIGHT CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY.
This unique feature means low light conditions are not an issue. Easily preview your subject on the LCD and get clear, bright images even without flash. And now you can experience Bright Capture Movie when taking QuickTime® movies with sound.

Digital cameras

Digital cameras are confusing to a lot of new users. When shopping for a digital camera it's at least good to know what the basic terms like white balance, pixel, ppi and dpi mean and how they affect image and print quality. It's also important to know the difference between things like optical zoom and digital zoom as well as the advantages and disadvantages between storage formats such as Compact Flash (CF), Microdrives, Sony Memory Stick, Secure Digital (SD), Multimedia and camera interface technologies such as USB 1.1, USB 2.0 and Firewire IEEE 1394.

Pixels
A pixel is a contraction if the term PIcture ELement. Digital images are made up of small squares, just like a tile mosaic on your kitchen or bathroom wall. Though a digital photograph looks smooth and continuous just like a regular photograph, it's actually composed of millions of tiny squares. Each pixel in the image has a numerical value of between 0 and 255 and is made up of three color channels.

So for example a pixel could be 37-red, 76-green and 125-blue.
There are over 16 million possible combinations using this scheme and each one represents a different color. Computer savvy readers will note that each color in this scheme can be represented by an 8-bit number (byte), so the color of each pixel is defined by three color bytes.

This scheme can be expanded, for example to use 16-bits (two 8-bit bytes) for each color. Images using three 8-bit values are sometimes called 24-bit color images. Images using three 12-bit values for color definition are called 36-bit color images, and those using three 16-bit values are called 48-bit color images.

Pixel Count
One of the main ways that manufacturers categorize their digital cameras is in terms of pixel count. What this is is the number of individual pixels that go into making each image. Today this number varies between 1 million (1 Megapixel) to around 14 million (14 Megapixels). A million pixels is abbreviated to MP, so a 1MP camera has 1 million pixels and a 3MP camera has 3 million pixels.

Currently most popular consumer digital cameras have between 2MP and 5MP. A 3MP camera can make excellent 4"x6" prints and very good 5"x7" prints. If you intend to make lots of 8"x10" prints, then perhaps a 4MP or 5MP camera would be a better choice. Sometimes two numbers are given, total pixels and effective pixels. Total pixels count every pixel on the sensor surface. Usually the very edge pixels aren't used in the final image. Effective pixels are the number of pixels actually used in the image after the edge pixels have been dropped.

Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio of a camera is the ratio of the length of the sides of the images. For example, a traditional 35mm film frame is approximately 36mm wide and 24mm HIGH. This has an aspect ratio of 36:24, which can equally well be expressed as 3:2. Some digicams use the same aspect ratio for their digital images. For example most digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras have a 3:2 aspect ratio. However, video monitors typically use a 4:3 aspect ratio. For example a monitor with a 800x600 display has a 4:3 aspect ratio. With this in mind, most consumer level digicams use a 4:3 aspect ratio for their images.