Digital Camera

Olympus Stylus 1030 SW

2009-05-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

Right upfront, scuba divers will adore the new 10-megapixel Olympus Stylus 1030 SW. This new top-of-the-line model in Olympus' SW (Shock & Waterproof) series was introduced in January of 2008 as part of the company's announcement of nine new consumer cameras. While sporting a new look that is somewhere inbetween the Stylus 770 SW (33 feet depth) and the Stylus 850 SW (10 feet), it's clear that this is the successor to the 7.1 megapixel Stylus 770 SW that we love so much. Don't let the small size and stylish look fool you: this shockproof, waterproof, crushproof, freezeproof, sandproof, and dustproof may just be the toughest consumer camera ever built. It survives drops from almost seven feet and you can take it diving down to 33 feet, without an underwater housing. And there is more.

What you get with the Stylus 1030 SW

Quite possibly the perfect camera for Scuba divers. That's because its ability to be taken down to a depth of 33 feet clearly sets it apart from other cameras in Olympus' SW series. They are all tough and you can take them all just about anywhere. But when it comes to diving, only this new 1030 (and its 770 SW predecessor) will do. Sure, many dives go deeper but there is a lot of great scenery in shallow waters, and we have no doubt that the 1030 SW, like the 770 SW before, won't mind the occasional descent to 50 or 60 feet. Not needing to take along a bulky underwater case is priceless.

But diving is not all the 1030 SW can do. Thanks to a rugged metal body, extensive sealing and shock-absorbing construction, the 1030 can survive drops from two meters, or 6.6 feet. And there we thought the 5-foot drop spec of the also new Stylus 850 SW was impressive. Freezing temperatures do not affect this camera as it is freezeproof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. So it's a perfect companion for sledding, skiing and snowboarding as well. Finally, unlike the lesser SW series cameras, this one is crushproof as well. Its tough case and reinforced LCD can withstand 220 pounds of pressure.

Amazingly, the 1030 SW can do all this while still being a very compact, elegant camera you can take anywhere. It has a footprint of 3.7 x 2.4 inches and is 0.84 inches thick -- exactly the same as the 8-megapixel 850 SW. It's, however, packed full of circuitry and tons of little parts and weighs a bit more, though still just over six ounces without its Li-Ion battery, and not much more with it. The new and more powerful 3.6X optical zoom is internal, which means there is no annoying lens barrel that motors in and out. And even though the 1030 SW can stand up to deep water, dust, crushing, sand and freezing temperatures, it's also a regular full-function digital camera with all the features you expect from a modern point & shoot compact.

Like the 850 SW, the 1030 is easy to use right out of the box. In the back there is a mode dial that lets you select automatic, image stabilization, guide mode, movie, playback and favorites, as well as scenes. Below the mode dial is a four-way navigation pad with an "OK" button in its center. Four additional function buttons bring up the onscreen menu and cycle through often used functions.

A word about the internal zoom. While the 770 had a 3X zoom equivalent to the standard 38-114mm equivalent, the new camera has a slightly extended 3.6X zoom that starts at a wide 28mm and goes up to 102mm. This means that it is much better suited to underwater photography where a wide lens always comes in handy while giving up hardly any magnification.

Below is a picture of the bow of the sunken tanker "Prince Albert" that lies in about 65 feet of water off the island of Roatan in Honduras.

Features

Despite its impressive environmental ruggedness specifications, the Stylus 1030 SW is anything but a one trick pony. In fact, with its choice of three colors (silver, black and green), elegant styling, and wealth of functions, this is a camera that can do it all.

Like almost all new consumer digital cameras, the Stylus 1030 has a face detection mode that enables it to find one face or more faces in a setting and make sure that they are in focus and properly exposed. It can do that even when people are moving.

The 1030 has digital image stabilization that uses higher sensitivity and higher shutter speed to reduce or eliminate blurriness in pictures. It doesn't however, have mechanical sensor shift image stablization which would come in especially handy for underwater shooting.

The TruePic III Image Processor that was originally developed for digital SLRs delivers more vibrant colors, smoother edges, less noise and higher overall speed.

Olympus equipped the 1030 SW with its Shadow Adjustment Technology that analyzes shots of subjects in front of bright backgrounds and then exposes things properly. In essence, it compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas on the foreground subject are underexposed and lack visible detail.

The Perfect Shot Preview feature displays the effects of various settings including zoom, exposure, white balance and metering - on the LCD so you can select the proper settings and effects

The camera also has an LED Illuminator that works like a mini-flashlight on the front of the camera to enhance focus and exposure for macro shooting. It is also great for underwater close-ups where light is scarce. The LED also works in conjunction with the Bright Capture feature (brightened LCD preview for better composition in low light) to help illuminate a subject when taking low-light portraits.

There is a large 2.7-inch high resolution (230k pixel) LCD that does not only have a very wide viewing angle in all directions, but also uses the Olympus HyperCrystal II LCD technology. According to Olympus, it reproduces true colors with a dynamic contrast ratio of more than 180 percent and a color reproduction performance of more than 160 percent compared to the original HyperCrystal LCD.

While the 1030 SW does not have any manual modes, there are 28 "scene modes" in addition to auto: portrait, landscape, landscape + portrait, night, night + portrait, sport, indoor, candle, self portrait, available light portrait, sunset, firework, cuisine, behind glass, document, auction, shoot & select 1 and 2, beach and snow, underwater snapshot, underwater wide 1 and 2, underwater macro, and underwater movie. New is a pre-capture movie mode where the camera records but only commits to storage once you push the shutter. That way you are certain to capture the seconds leading up to an event.

Shoot & Select lets you take sequential pictures by holding down the shutter. The pics then show up as sort of a filmstrip and you can select which you want to keep and which you want to discard.

"Guide" sort of guides you through various scenarios and sets the camera properly. This mode also lets you preview a scene through a multi-frame window that shows how the picture looks with four different settings. You then pick what suits you best.

Like other Olympus cameras, the 1030 has both a macro and a super-macro mode. The macro mode goes from eight inches to infinity whereas super-macro goes from an amazing 0.8 inches to a bit under two feet. This is great as Olympus underwater cameras excel at macro photography.

The Stylus 1030 SW has a 640 x 480 movie mode with sound, and it shoots at 30 frames per second for lifelike video. The VGA movie mode does not have a time limit as the Stylus 790 SW had as long as you shoot at 15 frames per second; at the full 30 frames you're limited to a disappointing ten seconds. Sound has never been a strong side of Olympus consumer cameras. The 1030 SW has a Shooting Assist function for voice annotations but there is full voice recording mode. You can attach short sound clips to still images.

Sequential shooting is quite fast for a 10-megapixel camera. You can shoot seven frames at 0.7 frames per second in full resolution, and 11 frames at 5.2 frames per second at 3 megapixel resolution.

There is an in-camera panorama mode that lets you capture three images and then stitches them together to create a panoramic picture. As you pan, special markers shows up on the display. Align them to take the next picture.

The flash range has been extended to 17.4 feet in wide mode and 12 feet in tele mode.

You are no longer limited to the often somewhat hard-to-find xD-Picture cards. The 1030 SW comes with a special adapter so you can use microSD cards as well. Internal storage remains a meager 15MB.

The camera uses the new 925-mAH LI-50B that charges much faster (in two hours instead of five) and is rated at 260 pictures.

Diving impressions

The pictures on this page were all taken with a Stylus 1030 SW on a dive trip to the Honduran island of Roatan where I stayed at the wonderful CoCo View resort. Unfortunately, the PT-043 underwater housing for the 1030SW was not available yet, and so we had to stay within the 33-feet depth limitations of the camera as it is, without housing. The 1030 accompanied us on almost every boat dive trip where it was wonderful not having to worry about getting the camera wet. All cameras should be waterproof.

In addition to giving the camera a good workout snorkeling I did take it on a couple of "real" scuba dives. One of them was to the wreck of the "Prince Albert," a 140-foot tanker/freighter that was sunk off Roatan in 1985. The Prince Albert sits in about 65 feet of water, with the upper part of the wreck at 30 to 45 feet. Taking the 1030SW along was wonderfully liberating as the camera is so small that it never was in the way. Traditional underwater cameras with their big, bulky housings tend to take over a dive as you're always aware of the camera and have to make sure you're not bumping into things. That's never an issue with the 1030SW. It's simply there when you need it, and out of your way when you don't.

Operating the camera during a dive couldn't be simpler. There's no need to get used to a new set of controls as is the case with underwater housings. You just use the camera as you always would. Underwater picture quality, as you can see, is amazingly good, even with little practice. Just use one of the camera's special underwater modes.

The 1030 SW is a great camera for underwater movies as well. If you read the manual carefully you find some interesting features. For example, there is a land movie mode and an underwater movie mode. In land mode you get sound but no optical zoom whereas in underwater movie mode it's the other way around. When in underwater movie mode you also get three special underwater white balances. Each adds progressively more red as the color red is the first to disappear underwater. Adding red makes for more colorful, lifelike movies. Unfortunately, there is a 20 second limit for VGA and a 30 second limit for QVGA movies. That sounds pretty bad until you consider that the optimal length for a movie scene is something like eight seconds. If you need more than the Oly allocates, simply press the button again.

There are some things I'd change. First, any strap that comes with an underwater camera should tighten around the wrist; you don't want to lose the camera. Second, the small mode dial with its tiny icons and writing is almost impossible to read underwater where you're wearing a mask and lighting can be dim. Likewise, the tiny gray-on-silver labels and writing etched next to buttons and controls becomes essentially unreadable. A couple of times the camera's lens cover got jammed, possibly with very fine debris floating in the seawater, making it inoperable. Flushing with fresh water fixed the problem. Finally, as you approach the 33 feet depth limit, the camera starts beeping and flashing warnings on the display. A warning is good, but constant beeping and flashing is not.

None of the above takes away from the usefulness of this amazing camera. Being able to take it on, into and underwater is wonderful, and image quality is excellent. For outdoors people, and divers, the Olympus Stylus 1030SW is about as perfect an all-around camera as it gets.

Bottom line

The Stylus 1030 SW is the camera a lot of divers have been waiting for. It brings 10-megapixel resolution to scuba diving without the need of an underwater case. It's also the most rugged Olympus Stylus camera yet, being able to survive huge drops from almost seven feet and freezing temperatures.

Despite its ruggedness, the 1030 SW is small, light, elegant, and has a wealth of features. Its large 2.7-inch wide viewing angle LCD is brighter than before and offers better contrast. The new 3.6X 28-102mm internal optical allows both wide angle photography and good magnification. The camera has underwater and pre-capture movie modes as well as state-of-the-art features like face detection, in-camera panorama, shadow adjustment, perfect shot preview, in-camera editing and more. Add to that the ability to use microSD cards via an included adapter and a very powerful battery and you have all the makings of a big hit.

We like:

Attractively styled sports and outdoor camera

Real diving possible with 33 feet depth limit

Inherent waterproofing provides peace of mind when handling in/around water

Can survive 6.6-foot drops and 14 degree temperature!

Superb wide viewing-angle, high-res 2.7-inch LCD

Pre-capture movie mode

microSD adapter included

3.6X 28-102mm optical zoom allows wide angle shooting

Very good underwater macro mode

LED illumination comes in handy

Optional PT-043 deepwater housing

Not so much:

Strictly point & shoot

Small mode wheel hard to read underwater

10 second limitation for VGA, 30 second for QVGA underwater movies

Over-zealous underwater depth warnings

Tiny gray on silver labels difficult to read

LCD not always bright enough for underwater viewability

Elegant metal body can get scratched

Integrated automatic lens cover can get clogged and stuck

Included wrist strap does not tighten around wrist

Olympus 1030SW pics: Roatan, Honduras

Specifications Olympus Stylus 1030 SW

Status Added 01/2008, updated 9/2008, 1/2009
Camera Type Waterproof Compact (33 feet)
Protection IP68; Shock: MIL-STD-810F Shock Compliant (6.6ft.), Waterproof: JIS Level 8 (33ft.), Freezeproof: MIL-STD-810F Low Temp Compliant (14F)
Size 3.7 x 2.4 x 0.84
Weight (oz.) 6.3 w/o battery
Effective Pixels 10.1 mp
CCD Type 1/2.35
Max pixel size 3648 x 2736
File formats JPEG, AVI motion JPEG
Compression Super High, High, Standard
Movie recording (best) til full with sound @ 15fps; 10 sec at 30fps; optical zoom in underwater movie mode
Max movie pixels 640 x 480 with sound and zoom
Voice recording/sound annotation yes/4 second
Lens 10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses, 2 ED Lenses
Focal length 5.0-18.2mm (28-102mm)
Zoom (optical/digital) 3.6X/5X
Aperture f/3.5 - f/5.1
Focus modes iESP auto, spot, face detection
Focus minimum/macro 0.8 inches, 1.7 feet
Shutter speed 1/1000 to 1/2 sec (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene Mode)
Sensitivity (ISO) auto/80/100/200/400/800/1600
Autofocus system CCD Contrast Detection
Metering Digital ESP Metering, Spot Metering, Face Detection AE
White-balance modes auto, presets (daylight, overcast, tungsten, and 3 fluorescents)
Shooting modes 28 modes, including four underwater modes
Exposure compensation +/-2EV in 1/3 steps
Viewfinder Type none
LCD size 2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD (230k)
LCD type outdoor viewable
LCD construction fixed
Flash type built-in + LED illuminator as additional lightsource
Flash range up to 13.5 feet (land)
Flash modes 4 (Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off)
Camera internal memory 15MB
Storage Medium xD-Picture Card, microSD (via included microSD adapter)
I/O multi-terminal (USB, AV, DC)
Battery type Li-Ion Li-50B
CIPA Battery life 260
List Price US$349.99 (01/2009)
Contact www.olympususa.com

Olympus Stylus Tough-6000

2009-05-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

Together with a new top-of-the-line model, the 12-megapixel Stylus Tough-8000, Olympus introduced the shock and waterproof Stylus Tough-6000 in January of 2009 as part of the company's big winter announcement that included almost a dozen new consumer cameras. Realizing that they're on to something with their tough, waterproof cameras, the former "Stylus SW" line is now the "Stylus Tough" line. The new Tough-6000 seems destined to carry on the torch of the currently still available Stylus 850 SW and Stylus 1050 SW as a less expensive alternative to the Tough-8000 that costs US$100 more. The Tough-6000 has 10 megapixel resolution, an updated look, and a number of new goodies and features. The list price is US$299.99 -- the same as the 850SW started out with (that model is now down to US$249.99). The tough new Stylus comes in four colors (orange, blue, yellow and white). It is shockproof, waterproof to ten feet, freezeproof, sandproof and dustproof, chock full of features and ready to be used virtually anywhere, including the desert, in the water, or skiing. And it can even survive a 5-foot fall. And newly added dual image stabilization means fewer blurred images.

What you get with the Stylus Tough-6000

The Stylus Tough-6000 is a very compact, elegant 10-megapixel camera you can take anywhere. It has a footprint of 3.8 x 2.5 inches and is 0.88 inches thick. It weighs just 5.3 ounces without its Li-Ion battery, making it a bit larger but lighter than the top-of-the-line Stylus Tough-8000. The 3.6X optical zoom is internal, which means there is no annoying lens barrel that motors in and out. The zoom starts at 28mm equivalent, slightly wide, and we consider that an improvement over its predecessors. The Stylus Tough-6000 is not quite as tough as the Tough-8000, but it is waterproof to water 10 feet (compared to 33 feet in the Tough-8000), can handle a 5-foot drop (as opposed to 6.6 feet), and freezing temperatures. No crush spec here, but this is still a very rugged and well sealed full-function digital camera with all the features you expect from a modern point & shoot compact.

Like its Stylus SW predecessors, the new Tough-6000 is easy to use right out of the box, though the accelerometer-based tap functions require a bit of getting used to. In the back is a simplified mode dial and below that the standard four-way navigation pad with an "OK" button in its center. Four additional function buttons cycle through often used functions. Those familiar with the Olympus SW lineup of cameras will find that the Tough-6000 borrows from both the 850 SW and the 1050 SW, though it has an entirely new look and none of its predecessors had the wide 3.6X zoom.

Features

As stated, despite being a "specialty camera," the Stylus Tough-6000 has a variety of nice features that make it suitable for everyday picture-taking, and not just trips outdoors.

Like almost all new consumer digital cameras, the Stylus Tough-6000 has an advanced face detection mode. This means that the camera is able to find a face or even multiple faces (up to 16!) in a picture and make sure that they are in focus and properly exposed. That even works when people are moving. There is also "Smile Shot" that detects a smile on a subject's face and automatically takes three consecutive shots to capture the perfect smile.

Dual image stabilization combines mechanical sensor-shift image stabilization and digital image stabilization to provide a single optimized anti-blur solution whether the photographer or the subject is moving. The mechanical sensor-shift adjusts the image sensor to compensate for camera movement, even in low-light conditions and lower shutter speeds. Digital image stabilization seeks to freeze action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to prevent blurring of moving subjects.

The enhanced TruePic III Image Processor, initially developed for digital SLRs, delivers more accurate colors and flesh tones, smoother edges, less nose and higher overall speed.

Like earlier modles, the Tough-6000 comes with its Shadow Adjustment Technology that analyzes shots of subjects in front of bight backgrounds and then exposes things properly. In essence, it compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas on the foreground subject are underexposed and lack visible detail.

The Perfect Shot Preview feature displays the effects of various settings including zoom, exposure, white balance and metering - on the LCD in a multi-window setup so you can select the proper settings and effects

A new Beauty Mode soften shadows and tones down wrinkles or blemishes on a subject's face, and additional subtle edits can be made post-capture using the "Beauty Fix" mode that lets you apply "Clear Skin" to smooth complexion, "Dramatic Eye" to emphasize the eyes, and "Sparkle Eye" to enhance the contrast of the iris and pupils.

The Tough-6000 has the aforementioned internal 3D accelerometer that is used for Tap Control. A slight tap on the top, back or sides can turn functions on and off, making operation wearing gloves or underwater easier.

The new OR button stands for "Olympus Recommended" is used to activate Olympus is proud of, like in-camera panorama, shadow adjustment and the perfect shot preview.

Intelligent Auto Mode tries to automatically identify what you are shooting and then use the appropriate scene mode. If it works like in prior models, sometimes it gets it right, other times not. It can come in handy once you know what the camera is likely to select.

While the Tough-6000 does not have any manual modes, there are 25 shooting modes. They are intelligent auto, program auto, sensor-shift image stabilization, beauty mode, and then 19 scene modes (portrait, landscape, night scene, night portrait, sport, indoors, candle, self portrait, sunset, fireworks, cuisine, documents, smile-shot, beach & snow, snow, pre-capture movie, underwater snapshot, underwater wide 1 and 2, underwater macro, and movie. In pre-capture movie mode, the camera records but only commits to storage once you push the shutter. That way you are certain to capture the seconds leading up to an event.

Like its predecessors, the Tough-6000 has both a macro and a super-macro mode. The macro mode goes from four inches to infinity whereas super-macro goes from less than an inch to about two feet.

The Stylus Tough-6000 has a 640 x 480 movie mode with sound, and it shoots at 30 frames per second for lifelike video. There is a standrd and an underwater movie mode, with the underwater mode having three white balance settings for different depths. We don't know if the 850 SW's annoying 10 second limitation for VGA movie clips is still there.

New and improved compared to the 850 and 1050 SW

The Tough-6000 is sort of a mix between the older 8-megapixel Stylus 850 SW and the 10-megapixel 1050 SW, both of which are also waterproof to 10 feet and can handle a 5-foot drop. The most relevant difference is the 3.6X optical zoom that starts wide; the older cameras had standard 3X zooms.

Like the 1050 SW, the new Tough-6000 has about 42MB of storage memory built in. That's still not much but it'll tide you over in those situations where you run out of space on a memory card or -- gasp -- forget to put one in.

Else, some of the old scene modes are missing (behind glass, auction, shoot & select 1 and 2, etc.) and there is no mention of continuous shooting modes or how, specifically, the camera handles audio and movies, so we'll have to wait for a review unit to tell you those details.

Shock and waterproof

Unlike most digital cameras, the Stylus Tough-6000 can take a beating. Thanks to a durable metal body, floating circuitry inside, and shock-absorbing construction, it is rated to survive 5-foot drops.

The camera is also waterproof thanks to a combination of seals and gaskets. The Tough-6000 is rated waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, which makes it suitable for playing in the pool, rafting, snorkeling and a bit of freediving. Olympus hasn't announced an underwater housing for the camera yet, but since the camera has underwater modes, there will most likely be one. Like prior such housings, it'll have a MSRP of around US$275 and a 133 feet depth rating.

Freezing temperatures do not affect this camera as it is freezeproof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. So it's a perfect companion for sledding, skiing, snowboarding and such.

Bottom line

The Olympus Stylus Tough-6000 is an attractive ultra-compact water, shock and shockproof 10-megapixel camera perfect for those who love to take their camera outdoors and in the water without having to baby it. The camera can take a beating and you can even use it underwater, down to a depth of about 10 feet. It has the same features as standard consumer cameras, which means it is useful anywhere and not just as a sports camera.

We like the fully internal 3.6X optical zoom that starts wide, the excellent 2.7-inch LCD with its very wide viewing angle. The ability to use microSD cards instead of just xD-Picture cards is much appreciated, as is the more generous onboard memory to tide you over when you run out of memory card space.

The Tough-6000's 850 SW and 1080 SW predecessors were handy all-round camera perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities, and this very attractive new model seems to carry on that tradition and offer some much appreciated new features.

We like:

Attractively styled sports and outdoor camera

Snorkeling and freediving possible with 33 feet depth limit

Inherent waterproofing provides peace of mind when handling in/around water

Can survive 5-foot drops and 14 degree temperature!

Superb wide-angle, high-res 2.7-inch LCD

Dual image stabilization!

Pre-capture movie mode

"Tap" operation works well for some users

microSD adapter included

Very good underwater macro mode

Very good underwater picture qulity

LED illumination

Not so much:

Strictly point & shoot

At this point we'd like more advanced movie modes

Tiny mode wheel and almost illegible tiny labels

10 feet not enough for scuba

Specs Olympus Stylus Tough-6000 SW

Status Added 01/2009
Camera Type Waterproof Compact (10 feet)
Protection IP68; Shock: MIL-STD-810F Shock Compliant (5ft.), Waterproof: JIS Level 8 (10ft.), Freezeproof: MIL-STD-810F Low Temp Compliant (14F)
Size 3.8 x 2.5 x 0.88
Weight (oz.) 5.3 w/o battery
Effective Pixels 10.0 mp
CCD Type 1/2.3
Max pixel size 3648 x 2736
File formats JPEG, AVI motion JPEG
Compression Super High, High, Standard
Movie recording (best) til full with sound @ 30fps
Max movie pixels 640 x 480 with sound and zoom
Voice recording/sound annotation yes/4 second
Lens 10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 2 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lenses
Focal length 5.0-18.2mm (28-102mm)
Zoom (optical/digital) 3.6X/5X
Aperture f/3.5 - f/5.1
Focus modes iESP auto, spot, face detection
Focus minimum/macro 0.8 inches, 1.7 feet
Shutter speed 1/2000 to 1/4 sec (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene Mode)
Sensitivity (ISO) auto/50/100/200/400/800/1600
Autofocus system CCD Contrast Detection
Metering Digital ESP Metering, Spot Metering, Face Detection AE
White-balance modes auto, presets (daylight, overcast, tungsten, and 3 fluorescents)
Shooting modes 24 modes, including four underwater modes
Exposure compensation +/-2EV in 1/3 steps
Viewfinder Type none
LCD size 2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD (230k)
LCD type outdoor viewable
LCD construction fixed
Flash type built-in + LED illuminator as additional lightsource
Flash range up to 13 feet (land)
Flash modes 4 (Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off)
Camera internal memory 42MB
Storage Medium xD-Picture Card, microSD (via included microSD adapter)
I/O multi-terminal (USB, AV, DC)
Battery type Li-Ion Li-50B
CIPA Battery life 230
List Price $299.99
Contact www.olympususa.com

Olympus Stylus Tough-8000

2009-05-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

The shock and waterproof Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 was introduced in January of 2009 as part of the company's big winter announcement that included almost a dozen new consumer cameras. Olympus apparently realized that they're on to something with their tough, waterproof cameras, and that is reflected in a new new name: Stylus Tough. The new Tough-8000 takes over as the flagship of the line from last year's superb Stylus 1030 SW that remains available as of this writing. The new camera has 12 megapixel resolution, an updated look, and there are some new goodies and features. The list price is US$399.99 -- the same as the 1030SW started out with (the 1030SW is now down to US$349.99). The tough new Stylus comes in three colors (black, silver and dark blue). It is shockproof, waterproof, crushproof, freezeproof, sandproof and dustproof, brimming with features and ready to be used virtually anywhere, including the desert, underwater, or skiing. And if you drop it, no big deal as it can survive a 6.6-foot fall. And newly added dual image stabilization means fewer blurred images.

What you get with the Stylus Tough-8000

The Stylus Tough-8000 is a very compact, elegant camera you can take anywhere, and by that we mean anywhere. It has a footprint of 3.7 x 2.4 inches and is 0.85 inches thick. It weighs about 6.5 ounces without the little Li-Ion battery, and not much more with it. The 3.6X optical zoom is internal, which means there is no annoying lens barrel that motors in and out. And even though the Stylus Tough-8000 can stand up to water, shock, dust, sand and freezing temperatures, it's still a full-function digital camera with all the features you expect from a modern point & shoot compact.

Like its Stylus SW predecessors, the new Tough-8000 is easy to use right out of the box. In the back you find a simplified mode dial that works in conjunction with the camera's unique system of operating a variety of functions by tapping the top, back and sides of the camera. Below the mode dial is the ubiquitous four-way navigation pad with an "OK" button in its center. Four additional function buttons cycle through often used functions.

Features

As stated, despite being a "specialty camera," the Stylus Tough-8000 has a variety of nice features that make it suitable for everyday picture-taking, and not just trips outdoors.

Like almost all new consumer digital cameras, the Stylus Tough-8000 has an advanced face detection mode. This means that the camera is able to find a face or even multiple faces in a picture and make sure that they are in focus and properly exposed. That even works when people are moving. There is also "Smile Shot" that detects a smile on a subject's face and automatically takes three consecutive shots to capture the perfect smile.

The enhanced TruePic III Image Processor, initially developed for digital SLRs, delivers more accurate colors and flesh tones, smoother edges, less nose and higher overall speed.

Like earlier modles, the Tough-8000 comes with its Shadow Adjustment Technology that analyzes shots of subjects in front of bight backgrounds and then exposes things properly. In essence, it compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas on the foreground subject are underexposed and lack visible detail.

The Tough-8000 has an internal 3D accelerometer that is used for Tap Control. A slight tap on the top, back or sides can turn functions on and off, making operation wearing gloves or underwater easier.

The new OR button stands for "Olympus Recommended" is used to activate Olympus is proud of, like in-camera panorama, shadow adjustment and the perfect shot preview.

While the Tough-8000 does not have any manual modes, there are 24 shooting modes. They are intelligent auto, program auto, sensor-shift image stabilization, beauty mode, and then 19 scene modes (portrait, landscape, night scene, night portrait, sport, indoors, candle, self portrait, sunset, fireworks, cuisine, documents, beach & snow, snow, pre-capture movie, underwater snapshot, underwater wide 1 and 2, underwater macro, and movie. In pre-capture movie mode, the camera records but only commits to storage once you push the shutter. That way you are certain to capture the seconds leading up to an event.

Like its predecessors, the Tough-8000 has both a macro and a super-macro mode. The macro mode goes from four inches to infinity whereas super-macro goes from less than an inch to about two feet.

The Stylus Tough-8000 has a 640 x 480 movie mode with sound, and it shoots at 30 frames per second for lifelike video. There is a standrd and an underwater movie mode, with the underwater mode having three white balance settings for different depths. We don't know if the 1030 SW's 10 second limitation for VGA movie clips is still there.

New and improved compared to the 1030 SW

Compared to the 1030 SW, which likely is its predecessor, the Tough-8000 has 12 instead of ten megapixel and includes the tap function. Other than that, not much has changed, and we couldn't really think of anything we wanted added to the fabulous 1030 SW.

One thing that's changed is internal memory. The 1030 SW had just 15MB whereas the new Tough-8000 has 45MB. That's still not much but it'll tide you over in those situations where you run out of space on a memory card or -- gasp -- forget to put one in.

Shock and waterproof

Unlike most digital cameras, the Stylus Tough-8000 can take a beating. Thanks to a durable metal body, floating circuitry inside, and shock-absorbing construction, it is rated to survive 6.6-foot drops.

The camera is also waterproof thanks to a combination of seals and gaskets. The Tough-8000 is rated waterproof to a depth of 33 feet, which makes it suitable for playing in the pool, rafting, snorkeling, freediving and even shallow scuba diving. Olympus hasn't announced an underwater housing for the camera yet, but there will most likely be one. Like prior such housings, it'll have a MSRP of around US$275 and a 133 feet depth rating.

Freezing temperatures do not affect this camera as it is freezeproof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. So it's a perfect companion for sledding, skiing, snowboarding and such. The camera is also crushproof and can handle up to 220 pounds of pressure, though it isn't specified how that pressure can be applied.

Bottom line

The Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 is an attractive ultra-compact water, shock and shockproof 12-megapixel camera perfect for those who love to take their camera outdoors and in the water without having to baby it. The camera can take a beating and you can even use it underwater, down to a depth of about 33 feet. It has the same features as standard consumer cameras, which means it is useful anywhere and not just as a sports camera.

The Tough-8000's 1030 SW predecessor was a superb all-round camera with excellent underwater shooting quality, so we have high hopes for this new camera with its higher resolution and additional features.

We like:

Attractively styled sports and outdoor camera

Diving possible with 33 feet depth limit

Inherent waterproofing provides peace of mind when handling in/around water

Can survive 6.6-foot drops and 14 degree temperature!

Superb wide-angle, high-res 2.7-inch LCD

Dual image stabilization!

Pre-capture movie mode

"Tap" operation works well for some users

microSD adapter included

Very good underwater macro mode

Very good underwater picture qulity

LED illumination

Not so much:

Strictly point & shoot

At this point we'd like more advanced movie modes

Tiny mode wheel and almost illegible tiny labels

Specs Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 SW

Status Added 01/2009
Camera Type Waterproof Compact (33 feet)
Protection IP68; Shock: MIL-STD-810F Shock Compliant (6.6ft.), Waterproof: JIS Level 8 (33ft.), Freezeproof: MIL-STD-810F Low Temp Compliant (14F)
Size 3.7 x 2.4 x 0.85
Weight (oz.) 6.4 w/o battery
Effective Pixels 12.0 mp
CCD Type 1/2.33
Max pixel size 3968 x 2976
File formats JPEG, AVI motion JPEG
Compression Super High, High, Standard
Movie recording (best) til full with sound @ 30fps
Max movie pixels 640 x 480 with sound and zoom
Voice recording/sound annotation yes/4 second
Lens 10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 2 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lenses
Focal length 5.0-18.2mm (28-102mm)
Zoom (optical/digital) 3.6X/5X
Aperture f/3.5 - f/5.1
Focus modes iESP auto, spot, face detection
Focus minimum/macro 0.8 inches, 1.7 feet
Shutter speed 1/2000 to 1/4 sec (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene Mode)
Sensitivity (ISO) auto/64/100/200/400/800/1600
Autofocus system CCD Contrast Detection
Metering Digital ESP Metering, Spot Metering, Face Detection AE
White-balance modes auto, presets (daylight, overcast, tungsten, and 3 fluorescents)
Shooting modes 24 modes, including four underwater modes
Exposure compensation +/-2EV in 1/3 steps
Viewfinder Type none
LCD size 2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD (230k)
LCD type outdoor viewable
LCD construction fixed
Flash type built-in + LED illuminator as additional lightsource
Flash range up to 13.5 feet (land)
Flash modes 4 (Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off)
Camera internal memory 45MB
Storage Medium xD-Picture Card, microSD (via included microSD adapter)
I/O multi-terminal (USB, AV, DC)
Battery type Li-Ion Li-50B
CIPA Battery life 240
List Price $399.99
Contact www.olympususa.com

Canon PowerShot D10

2009-05-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

While Canon is the leading digital camera manufacturer worldwide, the company, to the best of my knowledge, never offered a waterproof camera, or one that was specifically designed to take the kind of abuse many cameras can reasonably expect in the hands of a boating, camping, hiking and just generally outdoorsy clientele. Competitors had them, most notably Olympus and Pentax, and this year Panasonic got into the game as well. Enter Canon's new PowerShot D10, a waterproof, freezeproof and shockproof 12 megapixel camera introduced in February of 2009.

Why a waterproof/freezeproof/shockproof camera?

Canon has been selling protective underwater cases for their cameras for years, so why did they find it necessary to offer a tougher than average camera that's waterproof even without a housing?

First, because it was an unexplored market niche for them, and second because it simply makes sense. As the price of digital cameras keeps coming down, more and more people view them as expendable items that they take anywhere. Which means cameras are increasingly becoming exposed to rain, cold, drops and other abuse. So designing one that can handle those conditions is becoming important.

As far as waterproof goes, anyone into boating, kayaking, surfing, fishing, snorkeling or just hanging out by the water knows that taking pictures in the water and underwater is a wonderful experience. And being able to take photographs by the pool or at a beach without having to worry about the camera getting wet is priceless. Protective cases are a good thing, but they are big and bulky and certainly not what you want for a few quick snapshots in the surf. Further, even if you do use a protective case, it's great to know that a potential leak (and they do and will happen) would not kill the camera.

As far as freezeproof and shockproof go, that also comes in handy. Being able to take your camera skiing, snowboarding or hiking in the cold is a good thing. And drops do happen. Digital cameras are small and slippery, and it's all too easy to drop one. At the dawn of the digital camera era, a foot-and-a-half drop killed my expensive swivelbody Nikon Coolpix, and I've dropped many cameras since. I don't consider myself exceptionally clumsy, but between reviewing hundreds of cameras and cameras generally being handled at eye level and carried in pockets, the occasional drop is almost inevitable.

What does Canon offer with the PowerShot D10

This being Canon's first entry into the waterproof/rugged camera space, there are some hits and misses. From a tech spec point of view, the D10 is a 12 megapixel camera with an internal 3X optical zoom, augmented by 4X digital magnification. There is optical image stabilization and you can take VGA movies at a full 30 frames per second. The camera has all the features and goodies common to modern digital compacts, such as advanced face recognition, predefined shooting modes that the camera can select automatically, in-camera editing tricks, and so on. The 2.5-inch LCD is of the wide viewing angle variety, and the camera is equipped with Canon's advanced proprietary DIGIC 4 image processor (DIGIC stands for Digital Imaging Core) that offers excellent speed, good noise reduction in low-light condition, advanced face recognition and more.

As far as ruggedness specifications go, the PowerShot D10 is waterproof to 33 feet, has an operating termperature range of 14 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and is shockproof to four feet. To use technical ruggedness terms, the camera is sealed to NEMA IP68 specifications, and it was also tested according to procedures described in the MIL-STD-810F document, a US military standard for testing. To give you an example of what that means, the drop test specifies the camera had to be dropped onto each corner or other exposed surface three times, which for the D10 meant a total of 30 test drops.

All of this is packaged into a uniquely styled 4.1 x 2.65 x 1.9 inch body that's quite different from most other Canon cameras. The housing is matte silver with a blue insert in the front. Canon offers special straps, different color face plates (the Canon Japan website shows orange, gray and camouflage green) and even Karabiner hooks for that rugged, purposeful look.

Features

With cameras coming down in price so much, everyone is hustling to differentiate themselves with new and improved features. In the last couple of years, there's been a lot of emphasis on ever more sophisticated face recognition. Canon obviously spent a lot of time perfecting face recognition in the DIGIC 4 processor. As a result, the D10 has several face recognition modes. In Face Priority AF mode the camera automatically optimizes all faces (up to 35). In Face Priority AE it concentrates on making sure faces are lit properly under difficult lighting conditions. In Face Priority FE, you can take flash pictures without overexposing a person's face. In Face Priority WB, the camera will make sure faces look natural even if the scene is lit with different light sources. There is also a self-timer face priority where the camera makes sure it finds the face of a person who joins the scene after the initial focus is done. DIGIC 4 also improves the camera's ability to find faces that are not head-on.

The D10's 2.5-inch LCD is relatively small in this day and age of 2.7, 3.0 and even 3.5-inch screens, but Canon made sure it offers a wide viewing angle in any direction and also applied special anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating. There is also an "LCD booster" where you can increase the brightness with the touch of a button. Very handy.

While many consumer cameras have tiny little buttons, the PowerShot D10 has fairly large ones that are spaced far enough apart so the camera can even be operated with gloves. That comes in handy in the cold and when underwater.

The D10 offers a total of 21 shooting modes. They are auto, program and movie, and then the following 18 special scenes:

Portrait

Landscape

Night Scene

Foliage

Snow

Beach

Sunset

Fireworks

Aquarium

Underwater

ISO 3200

Long Shutter

Indoor

Kids & Pets

Night Snapshot

Color Accent

Color Swap

Stitch Assist

You can select from those scenes, or the camera can pick them automatically.

The D10 has an optical lens-shift anti-blur mechanism to reduce the likelihood of blurred pictures. A "safety zoom" feature combines optical and digital zoom without the sudden image degradation that can happen when you reach the end of optical magnification and go into digital. In macro mode you can go as close as 1.2 inches.

Design and controls

The overall design of the PowerShot D10 is unique, sort of a combination of playful (overall look and colors) and tough (some design elements and exposed industrial-looking screws). The body is all round and curvy, which adds to the size of the camera. The zoom is, by necessity, fully internal, but it is not of the folding variety as in other underwater cameras. This necessitates a porthole-like bulge that makes the camera almost two inches thick. Each of the four corners has a large attachment port that appears to be for an optional multi-purpose strap/karabiner.

The D10's controls are remarkably simple and mostly follow the current standard for digital cameras. As stated above, all buttons are large and spaced wide enough so you can use the camera with gloves. On top are the shutter, the on/off button, one that toggles between video and still shots, one for playback, and one for one-touch printing.

The back features has the 2.5-inch LCD sitting centered in a much larger cutout, two separate zoom buttons, and DISP and MENU buttons. There is also a five-way navigation arrangement, with the "FUNC/SET" button in the middle, and four directional buttons each of which also brings up one of the common screen menus.

On the bottom, in addition to the self-locking USB/AV, storage card and power compartment cover, are a centrally located tripod mount and a speaker.

Power

The PowerShot D10 uses a small 850 mAh, 3.7V Li-Ion NB-6L battery. A full charge is good for about 220 pictures or six hours of playback, though that depends on how often you use the LCD. Replacement batteries are inexpensive and widely available, so I'd get a spare.

How well did Canon hit the mark?

This being Canon's first entry into the rugged/waterproof camera market that's been dominated mostly by Olympus and Pentax, how well did Canon hit the mark?

On the plus side...

...it's good to have Canon in this market and it's good to be able to select Canon quality and innovation when it comes to buying a waterproof ruggedized camera. The camera's playful nautical looks make it stand out and probably fit right in with some people's outdoor gear. I also like the large and clearly marked buttons that should make handling the camera underwater and in rough conditions easier. Having 12 megapixel to play with while snorkeling, diving or snowboarding is a plus as well.

Best, probably, is that Canon's first rugged/waterproof offering is actually useful for divers as you can take it down to 33 feet. Most waterproof cameras can only handle five or ten feet, which is good enough for snorkeling but precludes scuba. Some Olympus Stylus cameras can go to 33 feet (and we've successfully tested them as deep as 75 feet), and the new D10 matches that. 33 feet is definitely scuba territory and you can dive reefs and many wrecks within that range. With the PowerShot D10, scuba divers now have a Canon camera they can take on those dives without the need for a bulky underwater housing.

We also like the way Canon made the D10 shockproof and even indicated the specific drop test procedures the camera underwent. Multiple drops from a height of four feet is impressive and it's good to know the D10 can survive an occasional drop. We also like the wide operating temperature range, which is likely even wider than Canon specifies as I'm pretty sure it can take pictures past its 104 degree fahrenheit maximum (hey, it gets up to 115 here where I live in central California).

While we haven't seen it in action, the 2.5-inch hi-res display with its anti-reflection and scratch-resistant coatings and wide viewing angle seems a good choice for an outdoor camera, and the one-touch LCD brightness boost will be much appreciated.

Canon also gave the D10 an underwater shooting mode as well as a special underwater white balance. This is important as taking pictures underwater is VERY different from shooting on dry land. Water progressively filters out certain colors (first red, then orange, etc.) which is why underwater pictures tend to look all greenish with little other color. There's also a lot of stuff floating around, making it very difficult for the camera to focus. Good underwater modes and special white balance settings can make for much better pictures underwater. How well it all works we'll see when we get a review unit.

On the minus side...

...Canon made some interesting choices, and some of them will generate criticism. The camera, for example, is quite big compared to its direct competition. It's still compact, but with a thickness of almost two inches it won't fit into many pockets whereas the smaller ruggedized Olympus models fit anywhere. As far as design goes, people will probably either love or hate its playful and somewhat cartoonish looks that are in stark contrast with the businesslike design of most Canon cameras and with almost all the competition among waterproof/rugged cameras.

While the 2.5-inch display seems bright and useful, it's fairly small for a brand-new camera. At this point we'd expect a 2.8 or 3.0 inch display. Also questionable is Canon's choice of a plain-vanilla 35-105mm equivalent zoom. While underwater it's not critical to zoom in, it is imperative to be able to get close and still have a reasonably wide angle. Starting at 35mm won't do in many situations and I hope Canon will eventually offer a waterproof camera with something along the lines of the 28-112mm zoom of the new SD880 IS.

On the movie side of things, Canon generally equips its compacts with fairly rudimentary capabilities, and the D10 is no different. So while the DIGIC 4 processor can handle H.264 encoding, all you can do is shoot basic 640 x 480 video. That's okay, but it'd be so much nicer to record what's under the surface in at least 720p high definition video.

On the features side, the D10 has all the latest in face recognition, but that will leave divers and most outdoorspeople cold. What they'd much rather have is superior speed and perhaps some extra programming in the DIGIC processor to handle all the many special conditions that confront underwater photographers. I mean, face reco is good but divers wear masks and the big issues are color compensation, backscatter avoidance, and autofocus that isn't distracted by flotsam and sediment. And, while not essential, a depth gauge/manometer would come in handy.

The Canon PowerShot D10 lists for US$329. That's okay for a camera that can handle 33 feet of depth, but still a bit costly given the relative lack of features. At US$399, the new Olympus Tough-8000, which also offers 33-foot depth and 12 megapixel, is smaller, lighter, tougher, and has a more useful wide zoom and a larger screen. The new US$399 12-megapixel/33-foot Panasonic TS1 pretty much matches the Olympus, but can also record 720p video. Canon offers 33-foot depth capability for less, but lags in other areas. Time will tell what the market decides.

Bottom line

The PowerShot D10 is Canon's first entry into the waterproof/rugged camera space where it joins offerings from Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic and a number of specialty manufacturers. The playfully styled camera is fairly large and heavy, but is also well equipped to handle most of the abuse it may encounter outdoors. It can be used in freezing weather (down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit), it is dust and waterproof, and it can handle being dropped from up to four feet. Divers can take it down to 33 feet of depth, enough for many scuba adventures. The D10 has a relatively small but bright 2.5-inch LCD display with anti-reflection and scratch-resistant treatment. The camera's controls are large and arranged so you can operate it with a glove. The basic 3X optical zoom is not optimal for underwater use where wide angle shooting is almost mandatory. Optical lens stabilization reduces blur. Thanks to Canon's DIGIC 4 processor, the camera offers speedy operation, onboard image correction, and advanced face recognition modes. The list price of US$329 is relatively high, though in line with the rugged/waterproof competition.

We like:

Waterproof to 33 feet, dustproof, can shoot in freezing weather

High-res anti-reflective 2.5-inch wide viewing-angle LCD with one-touch brightness boost

Sensor shift shake reduction

Large and well marked controls

All the power of the DIGIC 4 processor

Not so much:

Basic 3X optical zoom that starts at 35mm

Only one underwater mode and one underwater white balance

Fairly large thick and heavy

Hit-or-miss styling

Specifications Canon PowerShot D10

Status Added 02/2009
Camera Type Water-, freeze- and dustproof Compact
Body Unknown
Water/dust protection Waterproof to 33 feet, fully sealed against dust (IEC/JIS protection grade IP68 equivalent)
Operating temperature 14-104 degrees F
Shock protection Shockproof to 4 feet, 3 times each direction, a total of 30 drops (MIL-STD-810F Method 516.5 Procedure IV)
Size 4.1 x 2.65 x 1.9
Weight (oz.) 6.7 w/o (camera body only)
Effective Pixels 12.1 mp
CCD Type 1/2.3-inch CCD
Max pixel size 4000 x 3000
File formats Still: JPG (EXIF 2.2), DPOF 1.1; Movie: MOV (H.264); Sound: Linear PCM (monaural)
Compression Normal, fine
Movie recording (best) til full @ 30fps at VGA
Max movie pixels 640 x 480
Voice recording unknown
Speed Startup: 0.9 seconds; continuous shooting: 1.1 fps (Large/Fine)
Image stabilization Optical
Lens Unknown
Focal length 6.2-18.6mm (35-105mm)
Zoom (optical/digital) 3X/4X
Aperture f/2.8 - f/4.9
Focus modes AF (center/9-point/manual), face recognition modes, AF light
Focus macro/normal 1.2 inches, 1.0 feet
Shutter speed 1/1500 to 15
Sensitivity (ISO) auto/ISO 80/100/200/400/800/1600 equivalent
Autofocus system TTL autofocus
Metering Evaluative, center-weighted average, spot
White-balance modes Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Underwater, Custom
Shooting modes Auto, P, Special Scene (Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Aquarium, Underwater, ISO 3200, Long Shutter, Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot, Color Accent, Color Swap, Stitch Assist), Movie
Exposure compensation +/-2EV in 1/3 steps
Viewfinder Type none
LCD size 2.5" LCD (230k) wide viewing angle with anti-reflective, scratch-resistant coatings and LCD brightness booster
LCD type standard
LCD construction fixed
Flash type built-in
Flash range up to 10 feet
Flash modes Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Auto Red-eye Correction, Flash On, Flash Off; FE lock, Slow Synchro
Camera internal memory Unknown
Storage Medium SD Card, SDHC
I/O USB 2.0 (mini-B)
Battery type 850 mAh, 3.7V Li-Ion NB-6L
CIPA Battery life 220 images
List Price US$329.99
Contact www.usa.canon.com

Fuji FinePix Z33WP

2009-05-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

With seemingly everyone branching out into the waterproof space, Fujifilm did not want to be left behind and introduced the FinePix Z33WP in February of 2009. It's a part of Fuji's popular Z-Series geared towards young (and young at heart) consumers who like trendy designs. The small and light Z33WP offers 10-megapixel resolution, comes in four colors (green, blue, pink and black) and can handle 10 feet of water.

What's in a name?

Right upfront, I must say that the "Z33WP" name of the camera puzzles me a bit. The "WP" is clear enough -- Water Proof" -- but with waterproof cameras usually being able to handle either 10 or 33 feet (3 or 10 meters), I thought the "33" in the camera's name referred to its depth rating. This notion was reinforced when I saw that the camera carries an IP68-equivalent rating. IP stands for Ingress Protection and is a rating system often used for rugged mobile computers. The "6" means it's dustproof, the "8" means it is totally waterproof. So the 10 feet depth limit of the Z33WP came as a surprise. It's no big deal as it simply means the camera was designed for splashing around, snorkeling, boating, kayaking and so on, as opposed to going on scuba dives.

Positioning

Fuji's press release described the new Z33WP as "life-proof," a fun 10-megapixel camera available in three striking colors and ready for any adventure including underwater activity up to approximately 10 feet. Its 2.7, 230,000 pixel resolution LCD screen is the largest of any Z-series camera yet, and there is a fully internal Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens to get a clearer view of not-to-be-missed moments on the beach, on ski slopes, hiking in the mountains or boating at the lake. And since the camera is waterproof it is also perfect for everyday activities in the rain, the pool or any other place you might think twice about taking a conventional digital camera.

Features

One of the things we always liked about the Olympus weather and waterproof cameras is their small size. They aren't any larger than regular ultra-compacts, which means you can take them anywhere and they fit anywhere. The same applies to the FinePix Z33WP. It measures just 3.6 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches, so the footprint is barely larger than a credit card. The camera weighs less than four ounces without card and battery, and not much more with them. In fact, Fuji calls it the world's smallest 3-meter waterproof camera (the fineprint qualifies that as the smallest 10-megapixel camera with 3X zoom).

In terms of features, the Z33WP has a "smart" self timer function that waits until it recognizes the selected number, position and distance of faces before it snaps a picture. This way, everyone can get into a picture, and the camera won't shoot until all are present and accounted for. The camera's face detection feature not only finds faces and optimizes them, it can also apply automatic red-eye removal. In night portrait and backlit portrait mode the camera will find faces and then select the proper exposure and flash setting for an optimal result. There's also a scene recognition auto mode where it recognizes six different scene types (portrait, macro, night, landscape, and the afore-mentioned night and backlit portrait modes. The camera has Fujifilm's Picture Stabilization that uses high sensitivity for faster shutter and operational speeds to help reduce the impact of camera shake.

The camera has a special "Blog Mode" that automatically resizes a photo to a standard VGA (640x480 pixel) or QVGA (320x240 pixel) image and enables twelve in-camera editing features such as zooming, miniature effect, illustration and painting, cutting the need for extra time with home editing, should you so desire. Another nice benefit is being able to see a 10 x 10 thumbnail array all at once.

We also like the Z33WP's large and bright 2.7-inch hi-res display and the one-touch movie mode. In movie mode, you can shoot in 640 x 480 format at 30 frames per second until the card is full (or a movie file reaches 2GB).

For underwater use, Fuji equipped the Z33WP with a special underwater scene mode (but no special underwater white balance), and there is also an optional float strap in case the camera escapes your hand, as well as a protective silicone jacket that guards against scratches and improves grip.

The Z33WP's controls are arranged in a 5 x 2 grid instead of the conventional button/navigation diamond arrangement. The grid provides access to the standard point-and-shoot camera functionality.

The battery is a small, easily available 740 mAh, 3.7V Li-Ion NP-45 pack. A full charge is good for about 200 pictures, though that depends on how often you use the LCD. Replacement batteries are inexpensive and widely available, so get a spare.

Bottom line

The 10-megapixel FinePix Z33WP is Fujifilm's entry into the waterproof camera space where it joins a growing number of offerings from Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic, Canon and a number of specialty manufacturers. The playfully styled camera is very small and light. That's in part because while it is waterproof, it doesn't claim to be freezeproof or shockproof as some of the competition does. The camera's maximum depth rating of ten feet makes it suitable for all sorts of activities in and around the water, including boating, swimming, kayaking, surfing and snorkeling, but not scuba diving unless it is on very shallow dives. The Z33PW has a large and bright 2.7-inch LCD display and the camera's somewhat uniquely arranged controls are simple and easy operate. The basic 3X 35-105mm equivalent optical zoom is not optimal for underwater use where wide angle shooting is almost mandatory. There is digital, but not optical, anti blur. The camera is strictly a point-and-shooter with some fun features and functions such as onboard image correction, automatic scene selection, and advanced face recognition modes. If the 10-foot depth limit or lack of ruggedness doesn't cramp your style, the list price of US$199 makes this new Fuji a fun and very affordable choice among waterproof cameras.

We like:

Waterproof to 10 feet, dustproof

Bright 2.7-inch LCD

Very small and light

Funky colors and styling

Inexpensive for a waterproof camera

One-touch movies

Not so much:

Basic 3X optical zoom that starts at 35mm

Only one underwater mode and no underwater white balance

Not freeze- or shockproof

10-foot depth limit precludes most scuba

Specifications Fuji FinePix Z33WP

Status: Added 02/2009
Camera Type: Waterproof Compact
Body: Unknown
Water/dust protection: Waterproof to 10 feet, "IP68 compliant"
Operating temperature: unknown
Shock protection: unknown
Size: 3.6 x 2.3 x 0.8
Weight (oz.): 3.9 w/o (camera body only)
Effective Pixels: 10.0 mp
CCD Type: 1/2.3-inch CCD
Max pixel size: 3648 x 2736
File formats: Still: JPG (EXIF 2.2), DPOF 1.1; Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG); Sound: WAVE (monaural)
Compression: Normal, fine
Movie recording (best) : til full @ 30fps at VGA
Max movie pixels: 640 x 480
Voice recording: unknown
Speed: continuous shooting 0.6 frames/sec.
Image stabilization: digital (high sensitivity --> faster shutter)
Lens: Fujinon
Focal length: 6.3-18.9mm (35-105mm)
Zoom (optical/digital) : 3X/5.7X
Aperture: Wide: f/3.7 - f/8.0; tele: f/4.2 - 9.0
Focus modes: unknown
Focus macro/normal: 3.2 inches, 2.0 feet
Shutter speed: 1/1000 to 3 econds
Sensitivity (ISO) : auto/ISO 64/100/200/400/800/1600 equivalent
Autofocus system: TTL autofocus
Metering: TTL 256-zone metering, programmed AE
White-balance modes: Auto, fine, shade, 3 fluorescent, incandescent
Shooting modes: Auto, SR auto, natural light, natural with flash, manual, anti-blur, successive movie; SP: underwater, action, portrait, landscape, sport, night, night (tripod), sunset, snow, beach, museum, party, flower, text.
Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3 steps
Viewfinder Type: none
LCD size: 2.7" LCD (230k) TFT color
LCD type: standard
LCD construction: fixed
Flash type: built-in
Flash range: up to 13 feet
Flash modes: Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash Off, Slow Synchro
Camera internal memory: 50MB
Storage Medium: SD Card, SDHC
I/O: USB 2.0
Battery type: 740 mAh, 3.7V Li-Ion NP-45
CIPA Battery life: 200 images
List Price: US$199.95
Contact: Fujifilm FinePix Z33PW

Olympus E-620 Digital SLR

2009-05-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

Advanced entry-level 12.3-megapixel DSLR with swivel LCD and a wealth of fun features

The Olympus Stylus E-620 was introduced in February of 2009. It is representative of the digital imaging industry's effort to make digital SLR cameras smaller, lighter and more advanced while at the same time adding the kinds of entertaining and useful features and functions that up to now have primarily been available in consumer point-and-shoot cameras.

The pitch

Having spent hundreds of hours with the Olympus Evolt E-330 and taken thouands of pictures both above and underwater with that remarkable camera, we're always thrilled to see a new Olympus dSLR. The 12.3 megapixel E-620 that bridges the gap between the E-520 and the recent E-30 looks like a great addition.

Perhaps as a sign of the times where more and more former point & shoot photographers are getting their first dSLR, Olympus concentrates on art filters and other onboard features in its press release intro as opposed to the cool new technology that attracted my attention.

Explaining the thought process behind adding a variety of fun things to the E-620, Olympus points out how children are encouraged to express their imaginations and how we proudly display their finger-painted artistic creations on refrigerators. As people grow older, Olympus says, they are taught to color inside the lines, so to speak, and we spend less time on art and eventually may lose touch with the satisfaction that comes from creating something unique. With the new E-620, Olympus wants to bring back the ability to experiment and enjoy the wondrous feeling of being inspired by our own art.

To that extent, the camera has a number of easy-to-use artistic filters and multiple exposures features built right into the camera. That can be fun for experts and beginners alike, and it also allows the creation of innovative images without using a computer and editing software.

The 12.3 megapixel E-620's other claim to fame is its compact size and light body that weighs only a pound. According to Olympus, the E-620 is also the world's smallest DSLR with in-body Image stabilization that works with any lens. There's also Live View shooting, first introduced with the Evolt-330, with a nicely sized swivel 2.7-inch LCD that that lets you shoot subjects from a range of angles.

Art filters

Applying playful filters has not traditionally been high on the list of digital SLR photographers, but with electronics making a huge range of new features and processing inside the camera possible, a bit of exploration is a good thing. To that extent, Olympus added a number of "art filters" to the camera with the goal of providing individual artistic control over an image. The filters are:

Pop Art to enhances colors, making them more saturated and vivid, creating high-impact pictures that express the joyful, lighthearted feeling of the Pop Art style of the 1960s

Soft Focus to create an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere that renders subjects in a heavenly light without obscuring details

Pale & Light Color to enclose the foreground of an image in flat gentle light and pastel colors reminiscent of a flashback scene in a movie

Light Tone to render shade and highlight areas softly to lend an elegant air to the subject

Grainy Film to evoke the feeling of documentary footage shot in monochrome with grainy, high-contrast film, and

Pin Hole to reduce the peripheral brightness of an image as though it were shot through a pin hole, connecting the viewer intimately with the subject at the center of the picture.

Needless to say, all of this can also be done in imaging software, but there's nothing wrong with exploring new boundaries and ways of manipulating images right in our increasingly more powerful cameras.

Multiple exposure shooting

The E-620 has a Multiple Exposure function that can be used to tell a visual story in a portrait, a landscape or a combination of both. The image capture options lets you either shoot in sequence or capture separate images and combine them in the camera later.

In-Body image stabilization

The E-620 has in-body Image Stabilization that can virtually eliminate blur with any lens attached. There are three image stabilization modes to cover any situation where blur might happen. The IS-1 mode adjusts the sensor on both the horizontal and vertical planes to compensate for movement by the photographer so images stay sharp in low light even at slow shutter speeds. This works for most general shooting situations. The IS-2 mode is for capturing subjects traveling by horizontally and preserves the sense of motion while panning. The IS-3 mode produces the same effect when the camera is held vertically.

Image quality

The camera's 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor was designed to deliver excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity, and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to reduce noise and capture fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas. It is complemented by Olympus' TruePic III+ Image Processor, which produces clear and colorful photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible. TruePic III+ was tweaked for accurate natural color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies, and precise tonal expression; it also lowers image noise in photos shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.

Swivel Live View LCD

Most camers have fixed LCDs that are not always accurate. Olympus uses a 270-degree swivel LCD that is also 100-percent accurate, allowing you to either use the optical viewfinder or the live view LCD. And since the LCD can be rotated freely photographers can compose at any angle, including overhead and down low. This comes in handy when you want to take pictures without attracting much attention as you can literally shoot from the hip.

When using the LCD in Live View mode you can instantly see the impact of settings like white balance and exposure. The LCD itself displays 230k pixels for a crisp, vivid color picture. The Olympus HyperCrystal technology is known to offers much better contrast than conventional LCDs for better preview and playback. The LCD also has a virtually perfect viewing angle of 176 degrees, meaning that you can see it from any angle.

Dual autofocus systems

Just like the E-620 offers two different ways to viewing (LCD and optical viewfinder), it also has two autofocus options. Fast Imager Autofocus in Live View lets you to compose, focus, and capture a shot without ever taking your eye off the LCD, just like with a point & shooter. Phase Detection AF is used with the optical viewfinder and the technology behind the new 7-point twin cross AF system provides super-fast and accurate focusing based on the speed of the advanced Olympus E-3. Extremely sensitive Twin and Twin Cross AF target points can measure focus both vertically and horizontally, so regardless of the subject, focusing is fast and simple, even when shooting moving subjects.

Shooting with different aspect ratios

These days we're used to a variety of different aspect ratios in movies, HDTV, video and pictures. The E-620 lets you shoot in the standard 4:3 aspect ratio that is perfectly suited for 8 x 10-inch enlargements; the 16:9 aspect ratio that's perfect on a widescreen television; and other popular aspect ratios such as 3:2 and 6:6. Select the desired aspect ratio before shooting so you can view it on the LCD throughout the shoot for optimal framing.

Face detection

Increasingly sophisticated face detection has become a standard feature in almost all consumer cameras, and is now becoming popular in dSLRs as well. The E-620 tracks up to eight faces within the image area, even if people are moving, and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp and optimally exposed portrait pictures. This is basic by compact standards, but still welcome.

Shadow adjustment technology

Shooting scenes with both highlights and shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright. The E-620 uses Shadow Adjustment Technology that adjusts for extreme light variations and maintains visible detail in both the shadow and highlight areas of the scene. You can actually see and preview the gradation on the Live View LCD before capturing an image. This feature is also accessible in the Edit menu after the shot has been taken.

Alternate picture effect preview

Perfect Shot Preview lets you preview and select from a variety of thumbnail previews of the photographic effects of white balance and exposure compensation adjustments live on the LCD before actually taking the picture. This is helpful when first learning about the effects of different techniques without having to scroll through a long menu.

Wireless flash capability

There are many situations that require multiple flashes, and this is often best achieved with wireless flashes. The E-620 is compatible with the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R wireless electronic flashes designed exclusively for digital photography. The E-620 can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with multiple flash units in each group for dramatic flash effects.

Dust reduction system

Dust has always been the enemy of SLR photographers as specs can ruin pictures and make complex cleaning necessary. The Olympus Dust Reduction System, included in the E-620, uses the company's exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter, a patented ultrasonic technology that vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor and captures it on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on. This may save hours of fixing and cleaning pictures later.

Optional underwater housing

Olympus has a proud history of underwater photography and will offer the PT-E06 optional underwater housing for the E-620. The PT-E06 can handle depths of 130 feet underwater.

Bottom line

With a suggested price of US$699 for the body alone and US$799 for a system with a 14-42mm lens, the 12.3 megapixel Olympus E-620 costs quite a bit more than the E-420 and E-520, but significantly less than the E-30. Consider it an advanced entry-level digital SLR with more than adquate resolution and some very nice features, among them the swivel LCD, the 7-point autofocus and the multiple aspect ratio shooting.

We like:

Competent and compact 12.3-megapixel digital SLR smaller than most in its class

Suitable for underwater use with special PT-E06 housing

"Live View" via bright, swiveling 2.7-inch wide viewing angle LCD

Fully automatic settings for beginners yield very good pictures

Large number of scene modes make for easy picture taking

Dual card slots (CF and xD)

Art filters, face recognition, multiple exposure and other onboard tricks

Shooting in different aspect ratios helps framing properly

Dust removal technology

Flexible image stabilization

Not so much:

No movie mode

Numerous buttons and menus require learning curve

Specs Olympus E-620 SW

Status	Added 02/2009
Camera Type	Digital SLR
Size	5.1 x 3.7 x 2.4 (exclusing protrusions)
Weight (oz.)	16.5 (camera body only)
Effective Pixels	12.3 mp
CCD Type	1/1.33 high-speed live MOS sensor with primary RGB color filter
Max pixel size	4032 x 3024
File formats	RAW (12-bit lossless compression), JPEG, RAW+JPEG
Compression	Super Fine, Fine, Normal, Basic
Movie recording (best)	NA
Max movie pixels	NA
Voice recording/sound annotation	unknown
Lens	Uses Four Thirds Mount
Focal length	Standard package comes with 14-42mm
Zoom (optical/digital)	Depends on installed lens
Aperture	Depends on installed lens
Focus modes	Single AF (S-AF) / Continuous AF (C-AF) / Manual Focus (MF)/ S-AF + MF / C-AF + MF
Focus minimum/macro	Depends on lens
Image stabilization	Built in shift image stabilizer with 3 modes (2D activation, 1D activation in landscape frame to vertical direction moving, 1D activation in portrait frame to horizontal direction moving); manual input focal length 8-1000; effective compensatin range approx. 4EV steps, shutter speed range 2-1/4000.
Shutter speed	P(Ps)/S/A/M mode: 60 - 1/4000 sec.; bulb: up to 30 min.
Sensitivity (ISO)	auto ISO 200-3200 (customizable, Default 200-800); manual ISO 100-3200, 1/3 or 1 EV steps
Autofocus system	7 points AF sensor TTL phase-difference detection system (7-area multiple AF contrast detection system with a variety of lenses)
Metering	TTL open-aperture metering system (digital ESP 49-points multi pattern; center weighted average metering; spot)
White-balance modes	Hybrid detection system with high-speed live MOS sensor and dedicated external sensor; 8 settings from 3000-7500K (Lamp, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Daylight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade) auto, presets (daylight, overcast, tungsten, and 3 fluorescents)
Shooting modes	Auto, Program AE, A/S/M, Scene program AE (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sport, Night + Portrait), Scene select AE (Children, High Key, Low Key, DIS mode, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Fireworks, Documents, Panorama, Beach & Snow, Underwater Wide, Underwater Macro)
Exposure compensation	+/-5 EV in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps selectable
Viewfinder Type	Eye-level SLR viewfinder with 95% coverage
LCD size	2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD (230k) with 15 levels of brightness control
LCD type	outdoor viewable
LCD construction	swivel
Flash type	built-in
Flash range	depends on lens
Flash modes	Auto, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction slow sync., Slow sync at 1st curtain, Slow sync at 2nd curtain, Fill-in, Manual (1/4, 1/16, 1/64), Off
Camera internal memory	none
Storage Medium	Compact Flash Type I/II, xD-Picture Card
I/O	USB 2.0 High Speed for storage and camera control (MTP mode is available); Dedicated multi-connector (Video: NTSC/PAL selectable, Optional Remote cable RM-UC1 is available)
Battery type	BLS-1 Li-ion
CIPA Battery life	Approx. 500 shots (optical viewfinder)
List Price	Body only: US$699; US$799.99 with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom
Contact	www.olympususa.com

Inside the E-620

Sony Introduces Alpha 230, 330 and 380 dSLR Cameras

2009-05-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

Sony is preparing to release 3 new DSLR cameras, which are entry-level Sony DSLR Alpha 230, 330, and 380. They will replace models Sony Alpha 200, 300 and 350. The new series of dSLR cameras are radical ergonomic redesigns of the existing 200, 300 and 350 series. The 10.2 megapixel α230 camera is the lightest, most compact Alpha digital SLR camera body ever at 15.9 ounces. The 10.2 megapixel α330 and the 14.2 megapixel α380 cameras are also smaller and lighter than their predecessor models (the DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350, respectively). The cameras are more compact and come with intuitive control layout that allows for easy single-handed operation.

The dSLRs also comes with mini-HDMI image output and compatible with Bravia TVs. With interactive software inside, the camera allows the Bravia’s remote control to change, orient and zoom into image.

The rear LCD screen features 230,000 pixels. The battery is only 55% of the capacity of the previously offered battery, and it indicates that screen technology is changed to a lower power consumption design. Improvements in circuitry may save power to keep shots-per charge figures respectable.

The new bodies support lenses requiring an in-body focus motor. However, the new kit lenses 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM and 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM use in-lens motors. Apart from that, lenses to be released are the 50mm f/1.8 DT, 30mm f/2.8 DT, 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT and 55-200mm f/4-5.6 DT (all SAM presumed).

The α380L, α330L and α230L will cost about $850, $650 and $550, respectively. The L series one-lens kit comes with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens.

The α380Y, α330Y and α230Y will cost about $1050, $850 and $750, respectively. The Y series two-lens kit comes with both the SAL-1855 standard zoom and SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lenses.

Pre-orders will begin on May 18, 2009 and can be done through at sonystyle.com/retail and at selected retailers nationwide.

Olympus SP-590UZ

2009-05-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

Olympus offers a new option for those seeking the ease of a compact digital with the control of an SLR, and packs a 26x optical zoom, the longest lens on the market. The SP-590UZ features 12-megapixel resolution that allows users to create their own photo-quality, poster-size prints. A 26x wide-angle optical dual image stabilized zoom also ensures that users will be able to get up close to the action without sacrificing photo quality. Additionally, the SP-590UZ's tough construction protects it from anything the elements can throw at it. A 2.7-inch Advanced HyperCrystal III LCD screen makes taking and reviewing photos easier than ever.

Olympus SP-590UZ Specifications

Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof, and all around lifeproof
12-megapixel resolution
26x wide-angle optical dual image stabilized zoom
2.7-inch Advanced HyperCrystal III LCD screen
Uses xD Picture Cards and microSD memory cards (not included)

These are the latest and greatest long zoom cameras available from manufacturers like Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Olympus. Perfect for serious photographers looking for SLR-like power without the added cost and maintenance of interchangeable lenses, these extended zoom cameras are a happy medium.

Product Information

Manufacturer : Olympus
Part Number: SP590UZ
UPC: 050332168497
Release Date: Jan 12, 2009
Price Range: $370.00 - $500.00 at 14 stores

The SP-590UZ is the ideal camera for shooting every aspect of your surroundings without the need to lug around loads of equipment.

Product Details and Features

Key Features
Image Sensor Type	CCD
Resolution	12.7 Megapixel
Optical Zoom	26x
Lens
Interchangeable Lens	Not Interchangeable Lenses
Optical Zoom	26x
35mm Zoom Lens	26 - 676 mm
Digital Zoom	5x
Focus Type	Autofocus & Manual Focus
Focus Range	3.94 in. to Infinity (w) / 66.93 in. to Infinity (t)
Macro Focus Range	3.94 in. to Infinity (w) / 66.93 in. to Infinity (t)
Focal Length	4.6 - 119.6 mm
Image Quality
Camera Resolution	12.7 Megapixel
Image Resolutions	640 x 480 • 2560 x 1920 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 1280 x 960 • 1920 x 1080 • 3968 x 2232
Video
Video Resolutions	320 x 240 • 640 x 480 (VGA)
Video Speed	30 fps
Max Movie Length	4 Seconds
Video Format	AVI • Motion JPEG
Exposure Control
Aperture Range	f2.8/f5 (w/t)
Shutter Speed	1/2 - 1/2000 sec
White Balance	Auto • Manual • Fluorescent (Preset) • Tungsten (Preset) • Overcast (Preset)
Frames Per Second	25 Frames
Storage
Memory Type	Built-in
Compression Modes	Uncompressed
Compression Type	Raw Image • DPOF 1.1 • DCF • EXIF 2.21
Flash
ISO Speeds	Auto • 100 • 200 • 400 • 800 • 1600 • 80
Flash Type	Built-In & External
Flash Functions	Red-eye Reduction Flash
Viewfinder / Display
Viewfinder	Digital
LCD Panel	With LCD Panel
LCD Panel Size	2.7 in.
LCD Screen Resolution	230,000 pixels
LCD Protected Position	Without LCD Protected Position
Interfaces
Interface Type	USB 2.0 • HDMI
Video Interface	Video Out
Power Supply
Battery Type	4 x AA Batteries
Included Features
Self Timer	2 Sec. • 12 Sec.
Built-in Microphone	With Built-in Microphone
Built-in Speaker	With Built-in Speaker
Miscellaneous
Included Accessories	4 x AA Batteries • Software • USB Cable • Hand Strap • Driver • Lens Cap • AV Cable
Product ID	80362752

Panasonic firmware update for DMC-LX3

2009-05-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Panasonic has announced a firmware update for its Lumix DMC-LX3 digital compact camera. Version 1.3 improves auto white balance and general performance of the camera. It also rectifies minor operational issues. The latest version will be made available for download on the 1 June, 2009.

DMC-LX3 Firmware update service

Update Contents

Model Number	DMC-LX3
Update Version	Ver 1.2
Update File Name/ Size	For Windows: LX3_V12.exe / 6,164,616 bytes (After self-extract, LX3_120.bin) For Macintosh: LX3_V12.zip / 6,097,032 bytes (After self-extract, LX3__120.bin)
Update Date	2009/1/15

Improvements

Date/Version	Description
2009/1/15 Ver 1.2	Improved white balance flash mode setting when DMW-FL220 is connected. Proper setting of shutter speed on iA mode and Scene mode when OIS is turned ON. Proper Exif information in the JPEG picture file.
2008/12/15 Ver 1.1	Compatibility update for the DMW-FL220 flash unit. Improved auto white balance performance. Improved auto focus performance.

Firmware Update Procedures (Overview)

STEP 1. Check the current version of firmware used by your camera.
STEP 2. Download an updated version of the firmware and double click the downloaded file to decompress it.
STEP 3. Copy the firmware file onto an SD Memory Card.
STEP 4. Install the firmware update.

Caution:
Please do not turn off your camera, or do not remove the SD Memory Card while updating your camera's firmware.
Doing so can cause serious damage to your camera.
If the camera malfunctions after the firmware updating, please contact the dealer where you purchased the camera or the Global Service Center Network.

Actual installation steps

STEP 1: Reading the current firmware version.

Panasonic recommends that you update the firmware in your camera if either of the following conditions exists:

If the firmware version indicated is older than the version being offered, please update firmware.
The firmware update is not necessary if the current firmware version on your camera is Version 1.2.

1.Turn the camera on.

A [MENU/SET] button
B [REC]/[PLAYBECK] selector switch
C:Mode dial [REC]

2.Slide the [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector switch to []

3.Set the mode dial to []

4.Press [MENU/SET] to display the menu.

You can switch menu screens from any menu item by rotating the zoom lever.

Press [] to select the [SETUP] menu
icon []

[][VERSION DISP.]

It is possible to check whitch version of firmware is on the camera.

STEP 2. Download the updated version of the firmware with the following procedures, and self-extract it.

Download of any file for Panasonic firmware update requires your agreement with the [software agreement]. You may proceed to the next step only once you have agreed. Please make sure to confirm all terms and conditions in advance to proceed to download.

For Windows Users

Make a temporary folder on your PC for downloading the file,e.g. C:/Temp.
Download and save the firmware in the folder you created in the above step.

LX3_V12.exe / 6,164,616 Bytes
Double click the downloaded file
You may see following screen after you have double clicked the downloaded file, please ignore it and just click "Run" button and move to the next step.
The self-extracted file LX3__120.bin will appear.
The file size for LX3__120.bin should be 6,096,384 Bytes.
If the file size is not the same, please download and double click the file again. The file size can be checked by right-clicking on the file and selecting properties.

For Macintosh Users

Make a temporary folder on your Mac for downloading the file.
Download and save the firmware in the folder you made in the above step.

LX3_V12.zip / 6,097,032 Bytes
Extract downloaded file
- - Depending on your Macintosh setting the file maybe automatically extracted.
- - If your OS is earlier than Mac OS X 10.3, please use Extract software. If your Macintosh OS is equal or later than Mac OS X 10.3, double click the file, LX3_V12.zip.
The extracted file LX3__120.bin should be 6,096,384 bytes if the file size is not the same, please download and double click the file again. To check the file size, view "File in Finder" then check the information window.

STEP 3. Copy the firmware file onto an SD Memory Card. Prepare an SD Memory Card with the extracted file from STEP 2 above.

Preparation of the SD Memory Card

8 MB or more must be free on the SD Memory Card and use an SD Memory Card which has already been formatted for the DMC-LX3. Please refer your instruction book for mode details. (Use DMC-LX3 for formatting the SD Memory Card.)
When formatting the SD Memory Card, all data, including protected data, will be erased and can not be recovered. Please make sure to back up your important data so you don't loose it.

Insert your formatted SD Memory card to your SD slot of your PC.

Copy the downloaded file onto the SD Memory Card.

If your PC does not have an SD slot, use an external USB SD Reader/Writer device.

Copy the file into the Root directory (*1) of the SD Memory Card.

(*1) Root directory = The first or top-most directory in the hierarchy.

STEP 4. Install the firmware update

For customers who do not have an AC adaptor. (DMW-AC5, separately sold optional parts)

Charge the battery fully.
Make sure to turn off the power switch.
Insert the fully charged battery to the body.
If the battery is not full, the Fig.3 will not appear.

For customers who have an AC adaptor. (DMW-AC5, separately sold optional parts)

Make sure to turn off the power switch.
Connect the AC adaptor's power cord to a wall outlet.
Using the AC adaptor, connect the DC output on the adaptor with the DC input terminal on the DMC-LX3.
Insert the SD Memory Card prepared in STEP 3 into the DMC-LX3.
Set Playback/Recording switch to playback mode.
Turn on the power switch.

After the message of "PLEASE WAIT ..." is displayed, the following display will continuously be shown on the LCD (Fig.3).

	Version number varies according to the updated firmware used.

If newer version or same version of firmware has already been installed, the initial setup screen(Fig. 3) will not be displayed. And the DMC-LX3 will display that "NO VALID PICTURE TO PLAY". Please turn off your camera and use the camera as is. About SD Memory Card, please refer to the Note below.

Press the Up button to select YES. The update process will start (Fig. 4 and Fig. 5).

At the above screen(Fig.4), press the MENU/SET button(Fig.5) and the screen will change to Fig. 6.
The DMC-LX3 will start the update process.
The firmware update will take about 1 to 2 minutes.
Please do not attempt the following operations before completion of next step 10.

* Turning the power off and on
* Opening the SD Memory Card compartment
* Removing the SD Memory Card
* Removing the AC adaptor cord
* Removing the DC cable

Once the firmware update process is completed, the DMC-LX3 will turn off the power and turn on again then the camera will be reset to initial mode automatically.
To verify the version number, follow Step1 at the beginning, the camera version number indicates 1.2, the process is completed.
Turn off the power switch.
Remove the SD Memory Card.

Note:
About the SD Memory Card after it has been used for a firmware update.
Please format the SD Memory Card used for the firmware update before taking photos, otherwise it may cause the DMC-LX3 to malfunction and/or decrease the number of pictures that can be taken.

Fujifilm Finepix Z20Fd

2009-05-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

The Fujifilm FinePix Z20fd is a stylish point and shoot camera with a 10 megapixel CCD image sensor and a 3x optical zoom lens.

It features a 2.5 inch LCD (150,000 pixels), face detection technology, auto red eye removal and 45 megabytes of internal memory.

The Fuji FinePix Z20fd arrives in stores in March and will have a retail price of $199.99.

Fujifilm FinePix Z20fd News Release
Fujifilm Generation Z Style-cam Gets An Upgrade

The New 10 MP FinePix Z20fd Boasts New Colors, New Video Technology and New Dual Blog Mode

Continuing the tradition started by its stylish predecessor, the FinePix Z10fd, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. today unveiled the FinePix Z20fd, a new ultra-glam digital camera packed with useful features that let you face it, beam it, blog it and now roll it with a new MPEG-4 movie recording mode for the movie-crazed Generation Z.

The 10-MegaPixel FinePix Z20fd comes in four luminous colors – Jet Black, Wasabi Green, Hot Pink and Ice Blue – an ultra-portable design, a Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5" LCD screen and packs 45MB of internal memory to give you some extra room when your memory card is full. The style-savvy FinePix Z20fd also introduces Fujifilm’s handy new Dual Blog Mode that automatically resizes any still image or movie you've captured, letting you post pictures and videos to blogs, video-sharing websites like YouTube, or e-mail to friends with ease.

As with the FinePix Z10fd, the Z20fd also allows picture takers to Face It with Fujifilm’s innovative Face Detection Technology with Automatic Red Eye Removal for capturing the ultimate group shots and Beam It with Fujifilm’s IrSimpleTM technology to share the image instantly with friends. A one-touch selectable mode that identifies up to 10 human faces in a scene, Face Detection Technology sets the correct focus for a chosen primary face and exposure for all detected faces automatically, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame. After the shot is taken, each detected face is instantly checked for red eye; if found, it is corrected automatically, saving the time consuming process of fixing it later. Fujifilm’s IrSimpleTM technology allows for fast, easy wireless image transfer to any IrSimpleTM equipped device.

Fujifilm’s Picture Stabilization Technology uses higher sensitivities -- up to ISO 1600 in the Z20fd -- and faster shutter and operational speeds, that help reduce camera shake, allowing photographers to capture the moment just as it was meant to be captured.

This high-style camera can also Roll It with an impressive Movie mode, capturing full motion MPEG4 video with the touch of a separate movie shutter button. Using the Successive Movie mode, in-camera editing allows for the creation of a 60 second movie clip, even when shooting in two or more scenes is desired. Start and restart multiple times to build a 60-second compilation, and edit the start and end points.

In addition to these innovations, the FinePix Z20fd is packed with the following extraordinary features:

* Dual Shutter Releases: One button for still capture, one for movie record, for ease of use.
* i-Flash Intelligent Flash: i-Flash detects subtle lighting differences within a scene, and then varies the flash intensity accordingly. It also leverages the high sensitivity of the Z20fd to enable the camera to use less flash, preventing that “blasted with light” effect that so many digital camera flashes leave you with. The result is pleasing, natural tones with no flash “wash-out”.
* Dual Shot Mode: In this mode, the FinePix Z20fd quickly shoots two images in succession -- one with and one without the flash -- saving both. This convenient function lets the user perform an on-the-spot picture comparison and decide whether the FinePix Z20fd produced the most pleasing photo with flash, or without.
* Special Scene Modes: The FinePix Z20fd has 16 scene positions including Fireworks, Beach and Snow, offering a one-touch setting for almost any situation.
* xD / SD / SDHC Compatible slot: A single media slot that accepts both xD Picture Card and SD/SDHC media cards.
* Stamp It: Add a little fun to your images by “stamping” a variety of fun designs to up to three detected faces in your shots!
* Battery Life: Long-life rechargeable Li-ion battery.

“Fujifilm introduced the FinePix Z10fd in 2007 to address the digital demands of a younger generation that weren’t being met. However, like any product targeted towards this fast moving demographic, it needs to adapt rapidly to the latest trends to be successful and, the FinePix Z20fd does just that.” said David Troy, senior product manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. “With new technology and features, like Dual-Blog Mode, the Z20fd provides Generation Z with a convenient all-in-one device to capture all their favorite moments in style.”

The FinePix Z20fd will debut in late March at a retail price of $199.95.

Fujifilm FinePix S1000fd

2009-05-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

The Fujifilm FinePix S1000fd is being promoted as one of the world's smallest 12x zoom digital camera.

Measuring 102.0 x 73.0 x 67.8mm and weighing just 325 grams this 12x optical zoom camera has 10 megapixels and a focal range equivalent to 33-396mm.

It has a CCD sensor, 2.7 inch LCD screen, face detection and red eye removal.

Expect to see the Fuji FinePix S1000fd in stores in April 2008 with a retail price of $249.99 USD..

Fujifilm Unveils World's Smallest* 12x Optical Zoom Digital Camera

SLR-Style FinePix S1000fd Extends Range and Feature Set With Longer Zoom, Larger LCD and New Panorama Shooting Mode

FUJIFILM U.S.A. Inc. today announced the successor to the wildly popular SLR-styled FinePix S700 with the introduction of the world’s smallest digital camera with a 12x optical zoom, the FinePix S1000fd.

Perfect for advanced amateur photographers who want an affordable, step-up digital camera, the 10-MegaPixel FinePix S1000fd builds on the legacy of the FinePix S700 with the addition of a Fujinon 12x optical zoom (33mm-396mm equivalent) for greater range and flexibility, Fujifilm’s proprietary Face Detection Technology with Automatic Red Eye Removal, and a brand new Panoramic Shooting mode.

Face Detection with Automatic Red Eye Removal
Face Detection operates by identifying and prioritizing up to 6 faces in a framed scene, and then adjusting the focus and exposure accordingly to ensure the sharpness and clarity of human subjects in the picture, regardless of background. After a shot is captured each detected face is instantly checked for red eye; if it is found, it is corrected automatically, saving the time-consuming process of fixing it later.

Panorama Shooting Mode
For catching beautiful scenery or very large groups, the new Panorama Shooting mode makes it easy to create impressive panoramic photos. This mode captures and combines a maximum of three consecutive shots at 3 MegaPixel resolution each, which are saved to the memory card as a panoramic picture.

Rounding out the FinePix S1000fd’s powerful feature set is a large 2.7” high-resolution (230k pixel) LCD plus electronic viewfinder (EVF) and ISO levels of up to ISO 1600 at full resolution and ISO 3200 at 3 MegaPixel resolution.

Fujifilm’s new FinePix S1000fd also offers the following useful features:

* Picture Stabilization mode: A selectable mode, Picture Stabilization uses the heightened sensitivity of the FinePix S1000fd and high-speed shutter settings to reduce blur caused by hand-shake or subject movement. It allows the camera to automatically choose the correct light sensitivity and optimal shutter speed to produce clear, blur-free images.
* Full Manual Photographic Control: Photo enthusiasts and advanced photographers have total control with manual adjustment options for various camera settings including resolution, ISO, aperture, shutter speed and more.
* High Speed Shooting: Capture the action with the High Speed Shooting mode: 7.5 fps @ 2MP for 15 shots; 3.3 fps @ 5MP for 6 shots; and 1.4 fps @ 10MP for 3 shots.
* Movie Recording: VGA quality at 30 frames per second with sound.
* 14 Pre-programmed Scene Modes: The FinePix S1000fd features 14 pre-programmed scene modes that offer a one-touch setting for almost any situation, including: Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Museum, Party, Flower, Text.
* xD / SD / SD-HC Compatible slot: The FinePix S1000fd features an “xD/SD Compatible slot” which accepts not only Fujifilm’s traditional xD-Picture Cards but also Secure Digital (SD) and SD-High Capacity/SD-HC cards too.
* Operates on 4xAA Batteries: The ultimate in convenience and accessibility, using AA batteries means in a pinch, more batteries are just moments away.

“With the FinePix S1000fd, Fujifilm is offering advanced amateur photographers an affordable, step-up digital camera,” said David Troy, senior product manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. “Fitted with a Fujinon 12x optical zoom for greater range and flexibility and a new Panoramic Shooting mode for capturing beautiful scenic shots with ease, the FinePix S1000fd is packed full of high-end features and priced at a level consumers can afford.”

The FinePix S1000fd will debut in April 2008 at a retail price of $249.95.

Olympus rolls out E-420 DSLR

2009-05-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

Olympus announces the E-420, world's thinnest, smallest digital SLR camera. It is comes with 10-megapixel sensor and a 2.7-inch LCD with Live View. This camera is equipped with On-Screen Autofocus, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview. It measures 5.1 x 3.6 x 4.6 inch and weighs 13.4 ounces. The Olympus E-420 DSLR is available at $600.

PRESS SUMMARY
Olympus announces ultra compact E-420 digital SLR - digital camera and photography newsUser-friendly Olympus E-420 marries an exceptionally compact design with professional quality

The latest addition to the Olympus E-System, the E-420, represents a winning formula for both seasoned photographers and entrants to the D-SLR domain alike. Users benefit from the remarkable quality only D-SLR photography can deliver, yet also enjoy the ease of use usually only associated with a compact camera. This includes Live View depictions on the LCD, which can significantly simplify image composition. In addition, as one of the world's smallest and lightest D-SLRs, mobility is hardly an issue. The E-420 will fit just about anywhere – from a small daypack to a lady's handbag. This makes it a perfect companion for journalists, travelers or other adventurers who appreciate the one-of-a-kind portability, performance and value for money it delivers. The easy-to-use 10.0-Megapixel E-420 features 28 shooting modes to suit a multitude of photographic situations and is ready to use straight out of the box. It will be available in stores from late April 2008.

More performance, more ease of use
With the E-420, Olympus proves that high performance D-SLR photography can be enjoyed by everyone. Despite packing even more potential than its predecessor, this new E-System model boasts extreme user-friendliness in an amazingly light and compact take-anywhere form. Whatever the photographer's level of experience, high-quality images are quite literally for the taking. 28 shooting modes, including automatic, semi-automatic and manual shooting options, ensure complete versatility – while retaining both ease of use and the distinct D-SLR quality advantages.

A powerful 10.0-Megapixel Live MOS sensor provides plentiful resolution for crisp, detailed shots. This is supported by the incorporation of the TruePic III image processor which enables the implementation of Shadow Adjustment Technology (SAT). It guarantees exceptionally true-to-life image reproduction while reducing noise and enhancing processing speed. Sequential shooting at up to 3.5fps in full Megapixels mode is possible with up to eight images in RAW buffer.

For state-of-the-art protection against the threat of dust, Olympus' own Supersonic Wave Filter is the E-System's native dust reduction system – and has positioned itself as the world's leading solution against dust on the image sensor.

Purely intuitive
The E-420 brings even the most advanced features into a natural framework that enables virtually anyone to achieve high-level photography. With continuous Live View, users can frame compositions on the camera's generous 2.7”/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD, which provides 100% coverage of scenes with the on-screen contrast, brightness and color of depictions all being easily adjustable. Thanks to Perfect Shot Preview, the effects of exposure compensation and white balance can also be monitored in real-time directly on the LCD. Furthermore, professional depth of field previewing is possible and users can see the effects of Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology in action. In addition, the LCD enables the magnification of subjects by a factor of 7 or 10 while framing. This makes manual focusing during macro shooting, for example, considerably easier and more accurate.

Autofocus performance has also been enhanced to boost user friendliness. On top of the phase detection AF system, the E-420 now also features a contrast AF system*. It allows subjects to be focused upon more conveniently as the mirror does not need to move to the down position for measurements to be taken. And as a major additional benefit for photographers, implementation of the contrast AF system lets the effect of autofocus be seen on the Live View LCD immediately.

A built-in flash adds to this model's flexibility. More shooting versatility is also provided due to the option of wireless flash control in up to three groups. Using the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R flash units, multiple flash set-ups which can be controlled remotely – significantly extend lighting options. And thanks to the availability of sensitivities ranging from ISO 100 to 1600, the E-420 remains a versatile companion, even in less-than-perfect lighting conditions and in situations when a flash is not desired.

With 38 languages available, the E-420 enables ease-of-use no matter the user's native tongue. A USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) interface guarantees fast data transfer, and with its long-life rechargeable battery, shooting sessions can easily go into overtime.

Part of the E-System family
The E-420 is compatible with virtually all Olympus E-System accessories. Adhering to the Four Thirds Standard, these various accessories open the door to an amazing range of photographic options – without compromising quality. All Four Thirds lenses, for example, feature near-telecentric construction ensuring edge-to-edge sharpness. Furthermore, the Four Thirds System enables the design of smaller camera bodies and lenses to allow for much more compact photographic set-ups. This advantage is perfectly embodied in the go-anywhere E-420, one of the world's smallest and lightest D-SLRs. And to accentuate this fact further, a new so-called pancake lens is also being introduced. Featuring an extremely short-barreled, lightweight design, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 (equivalent to 50mm on a 35mm camera) represents the perfect accompaniment for the E-420. With its overall compactness, the set-up is reminiscent of the legendary improvement to mobility that the famous Olympus OM series provided.

Adding to this model's cool elegance, an attractive, retro-styled camera case that attaches to the base of the camera is also being introduced. Made entirely of leather, it will be available in a choice of white, brown or black.

The newest addition to the E-System family, the E-420 will hit stores from late April 2008.

The Olympus E-420 digital SLR – main features:
Extremely easy operation – use it straight out of the box
One of the world's smallest and lightest D-SLRs providing the ultimate in portability
10-Megapixel Live MOS sensor
Live View for easier compositions
Perfect Shot Preview for improved depiction of camera adjustments directly on the Live View LCD
Improved Live View with contrast AF, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology & phase detection AF system*
TruePic III image processor
High-contrast 2.7”/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD with 176° viewing angles
The original Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
28 automatic, semi-automatic and manual shooting options (including 5 exposure, 5 creative & 18 scene select modes)
Built-in pop-up flash (GN 10)
Wireless flash control in up to 3 groups
3.5fps with up to eight images in RAW buffer
One-touch white balance
AE/AF-lock functionality
ISO 100 to 1600
Depth of field preview function
49-segment digital ESP
Bracketing function (Exposure, White Balance, Focus)
Beginner and Advanced information screens
Detailed info screen with histogram
Based on Four Thirds System
Dual memory card slots (for xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash)

The Olympus E-420 is available in the following configurations:
Olympus E-420 Lens Kit
(E-420 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens)
Olympus E-420 Double Zoom Kit
(E-420 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 and ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 lenses)
Olympus E-420 Pancake Lens Kit
(E-420 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 lens)
Olympus E-420 (body only)

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 (with 18-70mm lens)

2009-05-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

Sony's entry-level dSLR, the Alpha DSLR-A200, delivers a just-the-facts-ma'am shooting experience. For the most part, it provides the average design, basic feature set, modest performance, and better-than-snapshot photo quality that typifies this market segment: not bad, but not notable in any way, either.

The 10.2-megapixel A200 comes in two kits: one with the SAL-1870 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 lens, which we tested, and a dual-lens kit that adds the SAL-75300 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 model. Those two lenses, plus the new SAL-55200, currently comprise Sony's complete entry-level lens lineup. For other inexpensive alternatives you'll have to turn to compatible A-mount Konica Minolta, Sigma, or Tamron offerings.

At 22.4 ounces with battery and CF card, the A200 weighs more than most of its competitors, despite its plastic-clad body. It feels solid, though, and the rubberized grip has a deep indent for your finger that makes the camera comfortable to hold. If you plan to connect the camera directly to your computer rather than use a card reader (which we don't recommend), then avoid the A200. For one, the USB connector is located inside the CF card compartment, which means you have to leave the door open while downloading, potentially allowing all sorts of schmutz to get onto the card-slot contacts (and, if you're as accident prone as me, providing a protrusion to hit and hurl the camera to the floor). More important, Sony uses a proprietary combo USB/AV connector on all its dSLRs, for no reason that I can see other than to force you to buy a cable from them if you lose the bundled one. That just peeves me.

The A200 uses a simple, uncluttered layout for its controls and menu system. Like the A700, the A200 has Eye-Start AF sensors beneath the viewfinder.

Operating the A200 is straightforward. There are direct-access controls for ISO sensitivity, exposure compensation, and drive/bracketing/self-timer modes, while flash, AF, white balance, AF area, and D-RangeOptimizer settings are grouped under a screen pulled up by the Fn button.

Unlike the A700, you can't change settings directly via the information display (Quick Navi). Instead, you have to pull up this screen via the Fn button and dive in to change the settings. I slightly prefer the Quick Navi approach.

The A200 supports wireless flash, uncommon but not unique in this price class, and I actually like the bare-bones implementation. Rather than grafting pro multichannel support on the camera, which can be quite confusing to configure, it's basically binary: on or off. The rest of its features--and their implementations--is pretty typical for its class, including sensor-shift image stabilization and a 2.7-inch LCD. Like most, but not all, of the cameras in this class, the A200 lacks Live View shooting, but you can get that by forking over another $100 for the otherwise identical DSLR-A300.

CNET Labs' tests indicate it wakes up and shoots very quickly--in roughly half a second. Under good, high-contrast lighting, it focuses and shoots in just under a third of a second, rising to a moderate 1.2 seconds in dimmer conditions. Typically, it captures consecutive frames in 0.6 second, jumping up to 1.3 seconds with the built-in flash enabled. Its 2.8 frames-per-second continuous shooting speed falls around the class average. Also as is typical for this segment, it has limited non-JPEG burst shooting capabilities: only 3 frames raw+JPEG or 6 frames raw in burst mode. In casual testing, the image-stabilization system delivered about 3 stops of latitude over what the reciprocal rule dictates--1/10 second versus 1/70 second for a 70mm focal length--which is pretty standard.

Shooting speed
(Seconds--smaller is better)

Time to first shot

Raw shot-to-shot time

Shutter lag (dim light)

Shutter lag (typical)

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200

0.5

0.6

1.2

0.3

Nikon D40x (Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm Lens)

0.2

0.8

0.9

0.4

Olympus Evolt E-510 (dual lens kit)

1.3

0.8

1.3

0.4

Pentax K100D

1.2

0.5

1.3

0.4

Typical continuous-shooting speed
(Frames per second--larger is better)

Pentax K100D

3.1

Nikon D40x (Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm Lens)

Olympus Evolt E-510 (dual lens kit)

2.9

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200

2.8

I do have a few performance gripes, though. For one, the 2.7-inch LCD is very difficult to view in direct sunlight. Second, the focus indicators for the 9 off-center focus points are lines (rather than squares), and very dim--some people may have trouble seeing them. And the shutter, or at least the mirror flip it drives, sounds unusually loud.

On the whole, the A200's photos looked okay, if unexceptional. It renders reasonable, if somewhat warm or cool automatic white balance, depending upon the lighting. In standard mode, exposures seem skewed too much toward the midtones--probably to avoid blown-out highlights--so images look a bit low contrast. Its noise profile looks good until ISO 800, at which point color artifacts become obvious, but that's par for the course on low-end SLRs. And the kit lens we tested produced soft photos.

This is the first entry-level camera we've seen in 2008, so it's quite possible that we'll be back to reevaluate the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 more favorably in the context of its competition. But for now, there are better, more interesting models from earlier years whose prices are dropping into its territory; the Nikon D40x or Canon EOS Rebel XTi if you're willing to forgo the image stabilization, or the slightly more expensive Pentax K10D if you're not. You can even opt for the similar and still-available two-year-old Alpha DSLR-A100, if you don't shoot a lot at high ISO settings, and put the money you save toward a better lens.

Product summary

The good: In-body image stabilization; supports wireless flash.

The bad: Loud; Sony doesn't have a stable of inexpensive lenses for consumers; oddly located, proprietary USB connector.

The bottom line: The Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 is a solid entry-level dSLR that doesn't really stand out in its very competitive field.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Sony
Part Number:DSLR-A200K

General

Product Type Digital camera - SLR
Width 5.2 in
Depth 2.8 in
Height 3.7 in
Weight 19.2 oz

Main Features

Resolution 10.2 megapixels
Color Support Color
Optical Sensor Type Super HAD CCD
Total Pixels 10,800,000 pixels
Effective Sensor Resolution 10,200,000 pixels
Field of View Crop Factor 1.5
Sensor Dust Reduction Yes
Sensor Features Dust Reduction (image sensor vibration)
Light Sensitivity ISO 100 , ISO 200 , ISO 400 , ISO 800 , ISO 1600 , ISO 3200 , ISO auto
Shooting Programs Macro , Sunset , Landscape , Sports mode , Portrait mode , Night portrait
Special Effects Vivid , Sunset , Neutral , Portrait , Landscape , Night View , Black & White
Image Stabilizer Optical (Super Steady Shot, CCD-shift mechanism)
Image stabilizer feature Optical stabilization helps prevent blurry pictures, especially for handheld cameras at slow shutter speeds or when using high optical zoom.
Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
Min Shutter Speed 30 sec
X-sync Speed 1/160 sec
Exposure Metering Spot , Multi-segment , Center-weighted
Exposure Modes Bulb, Manual, Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority
Exposure Range EV 1-20 ( ISO 100 )
Exposure Compensation ?2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
Auto Exposure Bracketing 3 steps
Exposure Metering Zones 40
White Balance Custom , Presets , Automatic
White Balance Presets Flash , Shade , Cloudy , Daylight , Fluorescent , Tungsten light
Still Image Format RAW, JPEG, RAW + JPEG
Continuous Shooting Speed 3 frames per second
Remote Control Optional
TV Tuner None

Memory / Storage

Flash Memory None
Supported Flash Memory Microdrive, CompactFlash
Floppy Drive None
Image Storage JPEG , RAW 3872 x 2592 , 2896 x 1936 , 1920 x 1280

Camera Flash

Camera Flash Pop-up flash
Guide Number (m / ISO 100) 12
Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Flash OFF mode, Rear curtain sync, Red-eye reduction
Red Eye
Reduction Yes
Features AF illuminator , Flash +/- compensation , Wireless off-camera control

Lens System

Type Zoom lens - 18 mm - 70 mm - F/3.5-5.6 DT
Focal Length 18 mm - 70 mm
Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 27 - 105 mm
Focus Adjustment Manual, utomatic
Auto Focus TTL phase detection
Auto Focus Points (Zones) 9
Min Focus Range 15 in
Max View Angle 76 degrees
Lens Aperture F/3.5-5.6
Optical Zoom 3.9 x
Zoom Adjustment Manual
Lens Construction 9 group(s) / 11 element(s)
Filter Size 55 mm
Lens System Mounting Minolta A-type
Features ED glass , Aspherical lens

Additional Features

Self Timer Yes
Self Timer Delay 2 sec , 10 sec
Flash Terminal Hot Shoe
Additional Features AE lock , AF lock , DPOF support , Direct print , Contrast control , Histogram display , Sharpness control , PictBridge support , Eye-Start AF system , PRINT Image Matching , USB 2.0 compatibility , Digital noise reduction , Dynamic Range Optimizer , RGB primary color filter , Depth-of-field preview button

Viewfinder

Viewfinder Type Optical - Eye-level penta-dach mirror
Viewfinder Color Support Color
Field Coverage 95%
Magnification 0.83x
Dioptric Correction Range -2.5 to +1
Viewfinder Frames Autofocus frame
LCD Display Information AE lock , Aperture , AF-in-focus , Manual focus , Shake warning , Shutter speed , Anti-shake scale , Exposure compensation , Wireless/remote flash , Flash charge completion , Frames-remaining counter , Flash compensation on/off , High-speed sync indicator

Display

Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7 in - Color
Display Form Factor Built-in
Display Format 230,400 pixels

Digital Player (Recorder)

Type None

Microphone

Type None

Connections

Connector Type 1 x USB , 1 x Composite video output , 1 x DC power input , 1 x Remote control
Expansion Slot(s) 1 x CompactFlash Card - Type I/II

Software

Software Drivers & Utilities , Sony Image Data Lightbox SR , Sony Picture Motion Browser , Sony Image Data Converter SR

System Requirements for PC Connection

Operating System Support MS Windows Vista , MS Windows XP SP2 , Apple Mac OS X 10.4 or later , MS Windows 2000 SP4 or later
Peripheral Devices USB port , CD-ROM drive

Miscellaneous

Carrying Case None
Included Accessories Body cap , Dust cap , Lens cap , Shoe cap , Lens hood , Eyepiece cover , Shoulder strap
Cables Included 1 , 1 x USB cable , Video cable

Power

Power Device Battery charger - External

Battery

Supported Battery Sony NP-FM500H
Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1600 mAh ( Included )

Manufacturer Warranty

Service & Support 1 year warranty
Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year

Environmental Parameters

Min Operating Temperature 32 ?F
Max Operating Temperature 104 ?F

Canon EOS Rebel XSi (with 18-55mm lens, black)

2009-05-12T06:19:00.000-07:00

After last year's disappointing Rebel XTi--a solid camera--but one that didn't improve significantly over its predecessor, the Canon EOS Rebel XSi comes as a welcome change, and a model worthy of upgrading from your old Rebel XT. It may have a typical, uninspired body design and a modest feature set, but where it really counts--performance and image quality--the XSi manages to stand out from the crowd.

Canon offers two body designs for the XSi, an attractive solid black and a less-attractive two-tone silver and black. Each comes in a body-only or single-lens kit with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens. This is a bit unusual, since most manufacturers also offer a dual-lens kit for this market. We tested the kit, as well as tried it out with the new EF-S 55mm-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS lens.

Slightly larger than the XTi, the XSi shaves a couple of ounces of the weight to 1 pound, 2.5 ounces. Its smooth plastic body still feels a bit on the cheap side, and I'm not crazy about the grip. I can't quite put my finger on the reason why: it's not especially shallow, and Canon improved it over the XTi's with a more rubbery-feeling cover. Still, I don't find it as comfortable to hold as most other dSLRs. The larger 3-inch LCD necessitated some changes to the control layout from the XTi's, and I prefer the new over the old. Almost all the buttons lie under your right hand, and each feels slightly different so that you can grope them without looking. None require two-handed operation: when you push the button to change ISO, white balance, metering, and so on, the menu persists while you navigate the options.

The biggest operational advantage the XSi offers over competitors is My Menu, which it inherits from older models. With My Menu you can build a go-to list of the most frequently accessed menu settings--in my case, for instance, Format and Live View settings. However, the menus can be, irritatingly, a bit inconsistent and sometimes dumb. For instance, you can change ISO sensitivity with either the dial or the navigation buttons, but can only navigate metering choices via the nav. Also, in some cases when you have two columns to navigate, as with Picture Style settings, it doesn't let you move to the right or left. It requires you to move all the way down the first column to get to the settings in the second column.

On some counts, the XSi offers some pretty nice specs, highlighted by the 12-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor (for Canon's traditional 1.6x focal-length multiplier) and 9-point user-selectable autofocus system. The latter wouldn't be much of a standout if Nikon hadn't dropped to three-area AF in the D60. I also mark the switch from CompactFlash to SDHC in the plus column. The camera also includes the same Highlight Tone Priority mode found in the 1D Mark III, which helps preserve detail in the brightest portion of a scene. Also, the XSi includes Canon's Auto Lighting Optimizer, which automatically adjusts contrast and brightness in case the image you captured isn't quite perfect. Introduced last year in the 40D, the Auto Lighting Optimizer is now available in all exposure modes and employs face detection to prevent the underexposure of backlit faces I complained about in the XTi (it works). Remaining specifications are in line with the previous Rebel. For example, shutter speeds range from 30 seconds to 1/4,000 second with a flash sync speed of 1/200 second and the camera employs a 35-zone TTL metering system. Canon also offers the BG-E5 battery grip.

On the other hand, it lacks common perks Sony, Pentax, and Olympus include in their cameras, like in-body mechanical stabilization and a wireless flash controller in the body, a feature I occasionally find quite useful. The inclusion of an image-stabilizing kit lens doesn't quite compensate, since additional optically stabilized lenses tend to cost more in the long run. The XSi's sensitivity range also tops out at ISO 1600, when others routinely reach as high as ISO 3200, and a spot meter that uses a whopping 4 percent of the viewfinder--that's even larger than the 3.8 percent I complained about for the EOS 40D. Though it offers a Live View shooting mode with contrast-detection AF, Live View's usefulness is limited without support from an articulating LCD. Furthermore, all the manufacturers seem to incorrectly think the equivalent of Canon's Picture Styles, custom contrast, sharpness saturation, and color tone, are more important in this market segment than the ability to save groups of custom exposure, white balance, metering, drive mode settings, and so on.

Overall, in CNET Labs' tests the XSi just edges past its competitors for shooting speed. It goes from power-to-photo in a hair more than 0.2 second. At 0.5 second in good conditions, the XSi's JPEG shooting lag is a bit longer than the rest; its 1.2-seconds duration in dim conditions, while not very zippy, is about average for its class. Once focused, shot-to-shot time typically takes about 0.4 second for RAW or JPEG, and adding flash recycling time bumps it to only 0.7 second, which is very good for any class. It's also the fastest burst shooter among entry-level dSLRs, snapping 3.4 frames per second, for more than 60 JPEGs in testing. The buffer maxes out at six RAW frames, however, so you'll have to move to another class of camera if you take shooting your children's soccer games really seriously.

Regardless of the other entries in the XSi's pro and con columns, it delivers hands-down, best-in-class photo quality, surprising given the higher-resolution sensor. It does tend to underexpose--I rarely use exposure compensation, but bumped it up a stop for many of my shots with the XSi--and you might need to kick the sharpness settings up a little to your taste. But its color accuracy, dynamic range, and consistently good noise profile up to the maximum ISO 1600 clearly put this model in front of the pack. With both built-in and external flash, as well as without, it delivered even exposures, and the lenses rendered extremely good edge-to-edge sharpness.

Though it'll run you a few bucks more than competitors such as the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 or the Nikon D60, the Canon EOS Rebel XSi will deliver slightly better performance and noticeably better photo quality in return, making it a worthwhile trade-off.

Shooting speed (in seconds)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)

Time to first shot

Raw shot-to-shot time

Shutter lag (dim light)

Shutter lag (typical)

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200

0.5

0.6

1.2

0.3

Canon EOS Rebel XTi (EF-S 18-55mm Lens, black)

0.3

0.6

1.1

0.4

Nikon D60 (with 18mm-55mm lens)

0.4

0.5

0.7

0.4

Olympus Evolt E-510 (dual lens kit)

1.3

0.8

1.3

0.4

Pentax K100D

1.2

0.5

1.3

0.4

Canon EOS Rebel XSi (with 18-55mm lens, black)

0.2

0.4

1.2

0.5

Typical continuous-shooting speed (in frames per second)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)

Canon EOS Rebel XSi

3.4

Pentax K100D

3.1

Canon EOS Rebel XTi

2.9

Olympus Evolt E-510 (dual lens kit)

2.9

Nikon D60 (with 18mm-55mm lens)

2.8

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200

2.8

Product summary

The good: Excellent photo quality for its class; better-than-average speed.

The bad: Maximum ISO 1600; huge spot-for-spot metering.

The bottom line: It doesn't stand out for its feature set or design, but the Canon EOS Rebel XSi delivers on performance and photo quality.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Canon USA
Part Number:2756B003

General

Product Type Digital camera - SLR
Width 5.1 in
Depth 2.4 in
Height 3.9 in
Weight 16.8 oz
Enclosure Color Black
Body Material Plastic , Stainless steel

Main Features

Resolution 12.2 megapixels
Color Support Color
Optical Sensor Type CMOS
Total Pixels 12,400,000 pixels
Effective Sensor Resolution 12,200,000 pixels
Field of View Crop Factor 1.6
Sensor Dust Reduction Yes
Sensor Features EOS Integrated Cleaning System
Light Sensitivity ISO 100-1600 , ISO auto (100-800)
Shooting Programs Close-up , Landscape , Sports mode , Portrait mode , Night portrait
Special Effects Neutral , Faithful , Portrait , Landscape , Monochrome
Image Stabilizer Optical
Image stabilizer feature Optical stabilization helps prevent blurry pictures, especially for handheld cameras at slow shutter speeds or when using high optical zoom.
Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
Min Shutter Speed 30 sec
X-sync Speed 1/200 sec
Exposure Metering Spot (4%) , Evaluative , Partial (9%) , Center-weighted
Exposure Modes Bulb, Manual, Program, Automatic, Depth-of-field, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, E-TTL II program flash
Exposure Range EV 1-20 ( ISO 100 )
Exposure Compensation ?2 EV range, in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps
Auto Exposure Bracketing 3 steps in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps
Exposure Metering Zones 35
White Balance Custom , Presets , Automatic
White Balance Presets Flash , Shade , Cloudy , Daylight , Fluorescent , Tungsten light
White Balance Bracketing Yes
Still Image Format RAW, JPEG, RAW + JPEG
Remote Control Optional
TV Tuner None

Memory / Storage

Flash Memory None
Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card

Floppy Drive None
Image Storage RAW 4272 x 2848 - 15.3 MB , Fine JPEG 4272 x 2848 - 4.3 MB , Normal JPEG 4272 x 2848 - 2.2 MB , Fine JPEG 3088 x 2056 - 2.5 MB , Normal JPEG 3088 x 2056 - 1.3 MB , Fine JPEG 2256 x 1504 - 1.6 MB , Normal JPEG 2256 x 1504 - 0.8 MB

Camera Flash

Camera Flash Pop-up flash
Guide Number (m / ISO 100) 13
Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
Red Eye Reduction Yes
Features AF illuminator , Flash +/- compensation , Flash exposure bracketing

Lens System

Type Zoom lens - 18 mm - 55 mm - F/3.5-5.6 Canon EF-S
Focal Length 18 mm - 55 mm
Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 29 - 88 mm
Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
Auto Focus TTL phase detection
Auto Focus Points (Zones) 9
Min Focus Range 9.8 in
Max View Angle 74.3 degrees
Lens Aperture F/3.5-5.6
Optical Zoom 3X

Zoom Adjustment Manual
Lens Construction 9 group(s) / 11 element(s)
Filter Size 58 mm
Lens System Mounting Canon EF
Features Aspherical lens

Additional Features

Self Timer Yes
Self Timer Delay 2 sec , 10 sec
Flash Terminal Hot Shoe
Additional Features AE lock , AF lock , FE lock , DPOF support , Direct print , Auto power save , Remote live view , Histogram display , LCD live view mode , PictBridge support , USB 2.0 compatibility , Auto Lighting Optimizer , Digital noise reduction , Highlight point display , RGB primary color filter , Display brightness control , Camera orientation detection , Depth-of-field preview button

Viewfinder

Viewfinder Type Optical - Eye-level mirror pentaprism
Field Coverage 95%
Magnification 0.87x
Dioptric Correction Range -3 to +1
Viewfinder Frames Autofocus frame
LCD Display Information AE lock , Aperture , AF-in-focus , Exposure mode , Shutter speed , White balance , ISO sensitivity , Metering system , Red-eye reduction , Memory card status , Exposure compensation , Flash charge completion , High-speed sync indicator

Display

Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 3 in - Color
Display Form Factor Built-in
Display Format 230,000 pixels

Digital Player (Recorder)

Type None

Microphone

Type None

Connections

Connector Type 1 x USB , 1 x Composite video output , 1 x Remote control
Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card

Software

Software Canon ImageBrowser , Drivers & Utilities , Canon ZoomBrowser EX , Canon Digital Photo Professional

System Requirements for PC Connection

Operating System Support MS Windows Vista , MS Windows XP SP2 , MS Windows 2000 SP4 or later , Apple Mac OS X 10.3.x - 10.4.x
Peripheral Devices USB port , CD-ROM drive

Miscellaneous

Windows Vista Readiness Certified for Windows Vista
Included Accessories Body cap , Dust cap , Lens cap , Neck strap
Cables Included USB cable , Video cable

Power

Power Device Battery charger - External

Battery

Supported Battery Canon LP-E5
Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1080 mAh ( Included )

Environmental Parameters

Min Operating Temperature 32 ?F
Max Operating Temperature 104 ?F

Nikon D60 (with 18mm-55mm lens)

2009-05-12T04:44:00.000-07:00

Editor's note: Upon further analysis and comparison with competitive models that we didn't have at the time of this review, we have lowered the D60's image quality score from an 8 to a 7 to better place it among the field of entry level dSLRs. This lowered the camera's overall rating to a 7.2

There was a time when the idea of an entry-level dSLR was a bit of an oxymoron. Even the least expensive SLR was a large step up from the digital compacts at the time, but these days entry-level SLRs are being made to be entry level, and their prices line up closely with the most expensive compact cameras. Nikon's D60 is a good example of the current breed of these dSLRs. It checks in with a healthy 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, a slightly small-by-comparison 2.5-inch LCD, and an upgraded, optically stabilized kit lens. While those features are nice, the D60 falls behind the competition in several areas in terms of its specifications. For instance, Sony's DSLR-A200 also sports 10.2-megapixels, but has a slightly larger 2.7-inch screen, body-based image stabilization, similar in-camera editing and dynamic-range optimization features, and costs less than this Nikon. Its performance numbers were slightly worse than the D60, but not by very much. Meanwhile Canon's Rebel XSi, which we haven't reviewed as of this writing, offers 12.2-megapixels, a 3-inch LCD, 14-bit digital-to-analog conversion, and also comes with an optically stabilized lens, though its list price is higher than the D60. The main issue with this Nikon is that it doesn't feel like a major upgrade over the D40x, while Sony's and Canon's upgrades over their predecessors are easy for consumers to understand, such as the Rebel's shift from 10.1MP to 12.2MP.

The fact that the D60 looks almost exactly like the D40x probably doesn't help Nikon's public perception on this model. In our first briefing on this camera, Nikon even said that it has the exact same form factor as the D40x. Of course, that's not a bad thing, since the design is good. At 19.4 ounces with a battery and an SD card, and without a lens, it's lightweight enough to shoot comfortably for a day, and the kit lens is one of the lightest Nikon lenses I've worked with, so it doesn't add much weight. The body is also quite small and will fit well into smaller camera bags, though the grip will leave your pinky finger dangling off the bottom of the body--something that tends to bother me, but doesn't bother most people. As has become the trend, many of the camera's controls are accessed through a virtual control system on the LCD instead of physical buttons on the camera body.

When Nikon first switched to this system, I was a bit hesitant, but I am now pretty quick with it. I can see why users that are used to a compact camera might find this system more familiar than trying to learn the layout of a hard-button-based system. Nikon also includes a nice visual representation of aperture and shutter speed to underscore the fact that the aperture blades make a smaller opening for light in the lens as you make the f/stop a higher number, while showing bars that wrap around those virtual aperture blades as you make the shutter speed faster. They still make you press the "i" button to get into the control system, which wasn't intuitive to me the first time I encountered it, though there's so little space on the camera back, and the button doubles as a zoom control in playback mode. That double functionality was my biggest gripe about this system though, since I ended up zooming in during the automatic image review quite a bit and had to first press the shutter button halfway to exit that before getting into the control system. I could have turned the automatic image review off in the custom function menu, but I don't think that is an adequate solution to this issue. One thing Nikon could do is relocate the playback button above where it is now, to the left shoulder of the camera, behind the lug for the strap. Then they could shift the other three buttons up one and give the control system its own button.

Given that Nikon prices the D60 higher than some competitors, notably Olympus's Evolt E-510, Pentax's K200D, and the aforementioned Sony A200, you'd think that they would include more than this camera's three autofocus points. Even more so since the Pentax and Sony offer 11- and 9-AF points respectively and, along with the Olympus, offer sensor-shift image stabilization systems that work with all lenses for their respective mounts. Of course, the big benefit of optical image stabilization is that you'll see the stabilizing effect while you frame your shot, which becomes more useful when your lens' focal length becomes longer. However, this shouldn't be a major issue until you reach focal lengths in the range of 300mm and higher, so if you don't plan to get a very long lens, the edge provided by lens-based stabilization may be moot compared with the sensor-shift alternatives.

Nikon's menu system in the D60 hasn't changed much from the D40x, but it now includes a retouch menu, so you can tweak your images in the camera after you shoot them. In addition to the tweaks included in the D40x, such as D-Lighting (to fix minor exposure issues and bring detail out of shadow areas all in one-step), red-eye reduction, and cropping, Nikon has added a couple of new filter effects with the D60. Red, green, and blue Intensifiers let you add some saturation to those colors, while the Cross Screen filter mimics a traditional Cross Star lens filter, adding a twinkle to small light sources and highlights in an image. The Cross Screen can look cool, and Nikon includes controls for the angle, length, and number (4, 6, or 8) of points, as well as the intensity of the effect. Be careful to use this filter in moderation though--it can have a digitally enhanced look to it if taken too far.

Nikon has also built an NEF (Nikon's RAW image file type) to JPEG converter. While this makes up a little bit for the fact that you're limited to shooting basic (highly compressed) JPEGs when shooting RAW+JPEG with the D60, I'd rather Nikon include this and let me shoot fine (lowest compression) JPEGs in RAW+JPEG mode. Still, it's nice to be able to do a basic conversion on the fly if needed.

More fun than the RAW conversion is the D60's Stop Motion Movie mode, which lets you convert a series of JPEG files into an AVI movie up to 640x480 pixels at a frame rate of up to 15 frames per second. The process is really easy, and you can even change the start and end points, remove specific frames from the middle, and change the frame rate before finalizing. A preview option lets you confirm you've got it right before committing. I made a short clip of a couple of subway trains moving through Penn Station, but I got conversion errors whenever I tried to upload it to YouTube.

Another nifty new feature is the Rangefinder function. The feature converts the exposure/exposure compensation scale to a distance-based focus assist when you're in manual focus mode and not shooting in full manual exposure mode. Since the D60, like the D40 and D40x before it, can only autofocus with Nikon's AF-S and AF-I lenses, the Rangefinder feature offers a nice bit of help when focusing with a non-AF-S or AF-I lens, such as Nikon's relatively inexpensive AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D prime lens. That 50mm Nikkor uses a coupling pin to rely on the AF motor built into Nikon's more expensive SLR bodies. Be warned though, in low light, the Rangefinder function may get a bit confused, just as the camera's AF system tends to.

I'm not entirely certain why, but while the D40 had a flash sync speed of 1/500 second, the D40x and now the D60 have a sync speed of 1/200 second, as does the Canon Rebel XSi. Both the Pentax K200D and the Olympus E-510 sync at 1/180 second, while the Sony A200 and Panasonic Lumix L10 have sync speeds of 1/160 second. If you don't know what a sync speed is, it's the fastest shutter speed you can use with the camera's built-in flash. Since there are times when you need a fast shutter speed to stop the motion of a subject, but still might need to use the flash as fill flash (perhaps for a backlit subject in motion, such as a soccer player running toward you down the field), the general rule is that a faster sync speed is better. As such, the Nikons' and Canon's sync of 1/200 second is the best of the budget bunch, but it would've been even nicer if Nikon would've kept the 1/500 second speed of the D40.

The D60 performed well in our lab tests, showing a slight improvement over the D40x in its low-light shutter lag and RAW shot-to-shot times, but was a tad slower on start up, though it's still plenty fast. The camera took 0.4 second to start up and capture its first JPEG and took 0.5 second between subsequent JPEGs with the flash turned off. With the flash turned on, that stretched to 0.8 second, while the camera took 0.5 second between shots when shooting RAW. Shutter lag measured an impressive 0.4 second in our high contrast test and 0.7 second in our low contrast test, which respectively mimic bright and dim shooting conditions. However, in my field tests, the camera did get confused on several occasions when shooting in dim light. Sometimes, it would fail to achieve focus in situations where a lot of cameras were able to achieve focus. When it was able to focus in dim situations, it locks rather quickly, but it just isn't quite as reliable as some more expensive Nikons, or as reliable as I remember the D40x to be. In our continuous-shooting test, the D60 was able to capture an average of 2.8 frames per second (fps), putting it extremely close to Nikon's claim of 3 fps.

Image quality from the Nikon D60 is very nice, though our numerically based color accuracy test, and close side-by-side scrutiny with images from other very accurate (and more expensive) models, showed that its images aren't quite as color accurate as competitive cameras we have tested so far. However, most people won't be able to tell a major difference in this area. Unless you're completely fanatical about colors being represented absolutely exactly as they exist (something most consumer-oriented film rarely did back in the day), then it shouldn't be a major issue for you. This is especially true since the D60 turned in pleasing, if slightly oversaturated, colors and in other ways its image quality is nice for a camera of its class.

The D60 includes Nikon's 3D Matrix Metering II to determine exposure when not using center-weighted, or spot metering. Nikon's Matrix mode does a very good job of determining the best exposure for a given scene. Generally, it seems to make the most logical compromise between preserving highlight or shadow detail. For example, if faced with a high contrast scene and the area of highlight detail is significantly smaller than the main area of shadow detail, the camera will likely sacrifice the highlights to hold onto the shadows. However, since the system also compares the given scene with a database of images, the camera should notice if you're shooting a portrait, or other scene, in which a simple compromise wouldn't be best. I have to say that I am impressed with the camera's metering.

As has been the case with other Nikon SLRs recently, the D60 does a very good job of keeping noise in check. At ISO 100 and ISO 200, noise is virtually nonexistent and only starts to creep in at ISO 400, though it doesn't take away any significant amount of sharpness or shadow detail. By ISO 800 a minor amount of grain is present, a very minor amount of sharpness becomes softened, and an equally small amount of shadow detail falls away. Even at ISO 1,600 there is a decent amount of shadow detail and a ton of sharpness given such a high sensitivity in an entry-level SLR. At ISO 3,200, which Nikon calls Hi1, noise is quite heavy, a large amount of shadow detail is lost, and while noise obscures a lot of sharpness, there's still quite a bit. Still, I suggest sticking with ISO 1,600 and below whenever possible.

Shooting speed (in seconds)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)

Time to first shot

Raw shot-to-shot time

Shutter lag (dim light)

Shutter lag (typical)

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200

0.5

0.6

1.2

0.3

Nikon D60

0.4

0.5

0.7

0.4

Olympus Evolt E-510

1.3

0.8

1.3

0.4

Pentax K100D

1.2

0.5

1.3

0.4

Typical continuous-shooting speed (in frames per second)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)

Typical continuous-shooting speed

Pentax K100D

3.1

Olympus Evolt E-510

2.9

Nikon D60

2.8

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200

2.8

Product summary

The good: Optically stabilized kit lens; convenient onscreen user interface; compatible with a wide variety of lenses and accessories.

The bad: Pricey for what it offers; lens-based image stabilization is less flexible than sensor-shift offered by some competitors.

The bottom line: Despite modest improvements in performance and a couple of new features, Nikon's D60 fails to impress and costs more than some competing models.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Nikon
Part Number:25438

General

Product Type Digital camera - SLR
Width 5 in
Depth 2.5 in
Height 3.7 in
Weight 17.5 oz

Main Features

Resolution 10.2 megapixels
Color Support Color
Optical Sensor Type CCD
Total Pixels 10,750,000 pixels
Effective Sensor Resolution 10,200,000 pixels

Field of View Crop Factor 1.5
Sensor Dust Reduction Yes
Light Sensitivity ISO 100 , ISO 200 , ISO 400 , ISO 800 , ISO 1600 , ISO 3200
Shooting Programs Children , Close-up , Landscape , Sports mode , Portrait mode , Night portrait
Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
Min Shutter Speed 30 sec
X-sync Speed 1/200 sec
Exposure Metering Spot , Center-weighted , 3D color matrix II
Exposure Modes Bulb, Manual, Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority
Exposure I-TTL program flash
Range EV 0-20 ( ISO 100 )
Exposure Compensation ?5 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
Exposure Metering Zones 420
White Balance Custom , Presets , Automatic
Still Image Format JPEG,NEF (RAW), RAW + JPEG
Remote Control Optional
TV Tuner None

Memory / Storage

Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
Floppy Drive None
Digital Storage Media None
Image Storage RAW 3872 x 2592 , JPEG 3872 x 2592 , JPEG 2896 x 1944 , JPEG 1936 x 1296

Camera Flash

Camera Flash Pop-up flash
Guide Number (m / ISO 100) 12
Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Flash OFF mode, Rear curtain sync, Red-eye reduction Red Eye
Reduction Yes
Features AF illuminator , Flash +/- compensation

Lens System

Type Zoom lens - 18 mm - 55 mm - F/3.5-5.6 G Nikon AF-S DX VR
Focal Length 18 mm - 55 mm
Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
Auto Focus TTL phase detection
Auto Focus Points (Zones) 3
Min Focus Range 11 in
Max View Angle 76 degrees
Lens Aperture F/3.5-5.6
Optical Zoom 3 x
Zoom Adjustment Manual
Lens Construction 8 group(s) / 11 element(s)
Filter Size 52 mm
Lens System Mounting Nikon F
Lens Manufacturer Nikkor
Features Aspherical lens , Silent Wave Motor (SWM) , VR (Vibration Reduction)

Additional Features

Self Timer Yes
Self Timer Delay 2 sec , 5 sec , 10 sec , 20 sec
Flash Terminal Hot shoe
Additional Features DPOF support , Direct print , Date/time stamp , Histogram display , PictBridge support , USB 2.0 compatibility , Digital image rotation , Highlight point display , Text input to Exif header , Display brightness control , Camera orientation detection

Viewfinder

Viewfinder Type Optical - Eye-level penta-dach mirror
Field Coverage 95%
Magnification 0.8x
Dioptric Correction Range -1.7 to +0.5

Display

Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color
Display Form Factor Built-in
Display Format 230,000 pixels

Digital Player (Recorder)

Type None

Connections

Connector Type 1 x Composite video output , 1 x USB
Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card

Software

Software Drivers & Utilities

Miscellaneous

Windows Vista Readiness Certified for Windows Vista
Included Accessories Eyecup , Body cap , Dust cap , Lens cap , Shoe cap , Neck strap , Eyepiece cover
Cables Included USB cable

Power

Power Device Battery charger - External

Battery

Supported Battery Nikon EN-EL9
Supported Battery 1 x Nikon EN-EL9 Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )