Recently in Cameras Category

Hasselblad has announced a new digital camera that is about as high-end as you can get.

The $39,995 Hasselblad H3DII-50 features a Kodak 50 megapixel 36x48mm CCD sensor and will be available in October 2008.

Full press release follows.

Hasselblad H3DII-50

The Olympus Mju 1020 is the subject of a new review over at Buy-n-Shoot and they were kind enough to email and let us know about the review.

Here's what they thought of the $300 10.1 megapixel Olympus Mju 1020 with 7x optical zoom and 2.7" LCD screen:

"Overall, operating the Mju 1020 is delightfully straightforward (particularly if you have smaller hands) meaning that taking, reviewing, sorting, editing and deleting photos is a breeze, as too is selecting and using the various modes available. In-built technologies ensure that point-and-shoot operation is virtually failsafe so for those wanting to let the camera do the majority of the work, the Mju 1020 is bound to suit. The unit itself is very attractive yet quite robust and perfect to throw in your pocket or handbag whenever you leave the house."

Olympus Mju 1020 Review at Buy-n-Shoot

3 weeks ago we messed up and left our Canon Powershot SD800 IS digital camera in some clothes that went in the washing machine.

We left it a week hoping it would dry out but it was dead. Today we went to throw it out and decided to check it one last time..... the power came on and (after cleaning the lens) it works perfectly!!!

The photo above is proof: a photo I just took of our vegetable garden.

The Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 is the subject of a new review over at PhotographyBlog.

Here's what they thought of this $400 9 megapixel digital camera with 15x optical zoom.

"Targeting those who want better image quality and a broader range of features - not to mention lens reach - than the typical compact, without going the whole hog and investing in a DSLR, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50 shapes up as a surprisingly compelling proposition. With build quality almost equal to an entry-level DSLR, the DSC-H50's chief selling point of that 15x zoom reach is ideal for candid portraiture and even amateur wildlife photography, the kind of subjects where standing back for once can pay creative dividends. As we noted earlier, the H50's image quality is better than expected, and if its images don't quite sing like those from a DSLR with a subject dedicated lens attached, they're nevertheless reassuringly sharp and colourful even at the default settings, with the ability to adjust these parameters either way to suit personal taste. In short, if you're looking for control it's there - and if you don't want to bother getting hands on, you don't have to in order to still end up with images worth keeping. Just half a star short of the full set - there's no RAW, that control pad/scroll wheel combination is fiddly and the menu/home options are confusingly ordered and divided up. The DSC-H50 is a camera that nevertheless comes highly recommended to those looking for one device that covers nearly all photographic bases, and is reasonably easy to use plus - unusually for Sony kit - very fairly priced to boot. At a cost of £299 in the UK, a quick Internet search for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50 is bound to make this bridge model more appetizing still."

Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 review at PhotographyBlog

Canon EOS 1000D

Canon has announced their EOS 1000D digital SLR camera that has been the subject of a few "coming soon" rumors the past few weeks.

The Canon EOS 1000D is an entry level 10 megapixel camera that features a 7-point wide area AF system and up to 3fps continuous JPEG shooting. No US price is available yet where the 1000D will be sold as the Rebel XS starting in July but we expect it will be around $650.

Full press release follows:

The Nikon Coolpix P80 is the subject of a new review over at PhotographyBlog.

Here's what they thought of this $340 10.1 megapixel digital camera with 18x optical zoom:

"The Coolpix P80 is an excellent first attempt at a super-zoom camera by Nikon, but it's ultimately let down by image quality that is worse than some of its main rivals. Nikon have worked hard to ensure that the P80 is competing on a level playing field, and the P80 looks and feels very similar to the offerings from Olympus, Fujifilm and Panasonic, with a near-identical feature-set. The P80 is impeccably built, even more impressive given its budget price-tag, and the uncluttered design makes it very intuitive to use, albeit at the cost of relying more heavily on the menu system to access certain key features. The 18x lens is obviously the star of the show, and for most photographers the Nikon Coolpix P80 will cover all the bases, with the exception of ultra-wide angle pictures. The lens is fast, effectively image stabilized and doesn't suffer from too much distortion - Nikon have even thoughtfully included an option to reduce any unwanted effects. Performance is less impressive, with a brief but noticeable lock-up between single images and a disappointingly slow continuous shooting speed, although focusing is quick and accurate even at the telephoto end of the zoom. Which brings us to the P80's achilles heel, namely image quality. Noise and colour artifacts are obvious at the slow ISO speed of 200, with anything above ISO 400 almost a complete write-off, which limits the kind of lighting conditions in which you can use the P80. There's also some fairly obvious purple-fringing if you look closely enough, and the maximum shutter speed of 8 seconds is limiting for this class of camera. The 1cm macro mode can't make up for this camera's other deficiencies, and whilst image quality isn't that bad, it isn't great either, and certainly not as good as our current super-zoom of choice, the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd. All of which means that while the Nikon Coolpix P80 is, as Nikon proudly claim, currently the World's smallest 18x camera, it sadly isn't the best."

Nikon Coolpix P80 Review at PhotographyBlog

The Olympus E-420 is the subject of a new review at photographyblog.

Here's what they thought of the $600 10 megapixel entry level compact compact digital SLR:

"From close examination of the Olympus E-420 it's fair to say that owners of the previous E-410 have little to feel threatened by. Doppelganger control layout aside, operationally too the E-420 delivers a performance that's nigh on identical, though if we're pushed it's perhaps one that's slightly more consistent overall. Perhaps Olympus could have gone further, but it already had a camera that was doing most of what was asked of it. So we have a slightly larger LCD albeit with the same resolution as its predecessor, slightly faster continuous capture, but still no built-in mechanical image stabilisation as found on the E-510/E-520. Arguably under most circumstances you can get away without it or use a tripod or steadying surface if necessary. With plenty of detail on offer in the images, and even the natural colour setting providing more 'pep' than we're used to seeing from Olympus, the E-420 maintains the good work laid down by its predecessors. So while existing owners don't have quite a compelling enough reason to upgrade, those buying into the Olympus Four Thirds system now will get a reliable performer at a bargain price. Beginners will also relish the ease of use and the lack of bulk and weight normally associated with a DSLR."

Olympus E420 Review at photographyblog

Sanyo has announced a new HD camcorder - the Xacti HD1010. It is a pistol grip style camcorder that records video in 1080i, and also has a 300fps slo-mo mode.

Other upgrades from the previous model - the Xacto HD1000 - include: 7fps still photography at 4 megapixel resolution and face detection technology.

The Xacti HD1010 has a 10x optical zoom, records to SD cards, weighs 9.9oz, and will be available in July for $799.99.

Full press release follows:

Yes, I did a very dumb thing last week.

After staying up late too many nights in a row working hard on the new site design I forgot that my camera was in my pocket when I put my clothes in the washing machine.

Result: one wet camera.

I immediately took the battery and SD card out, removed the case, used a hair dryer to dry the little visible water there was, then put it in a bag with some silica in a warm place for a week to dry out.

This morning I got it out, put it back together, put the battery back in, crossed my fingers, and hit the power button.........

No luck, it's a brick... a tiny svelte shiny brick, but a brick nonetheless. Anyone want to buy a slightly used Canon Powershot SD800 IS???

I really don't want to have to buy a new camera now, because you know what the worst thing is about running a gadget blog? you get to read all the reviews and hear about all the upcoming products so you are never satisfied with what is available now and you always want the latest hottest next-generation gadget.

Please learn from my lesson - check your pockets before putting clothes in the laundry... next time it could be your camera, or iphone, or HTC touch diamond, or eeepc (if you have really big pockets).

The Nikon D60 is the subject of a new review over at DCresource.

Here's what they thought of the $650 10 megapixel digital SLR:

"Overall, I consider the Nikon D60 a "good, but not great" digital SLR. While entry-level buyers will enjoy its point-and-shoot features, I think more experienced photographers will frown on its overprocessed photos, mediocre set of manual controls, and autofocus lens support. I think there are better entry-level D-SLRs out there, but the D60 is still worth looking at."

Nikon D60 review at dcresource

The Nikon P80 is the subject of a new review over at Steve's Digicams.

Here's what they thought of the $340 10 megapixel camera with 18x optical zoom.

"Bottom line - the Nikon Coolpix P80 is a bit of a mixed bag. While loaded with appealing features like the 18x Nikkor zoom, 2.7-inch LCD, high resolution EVF, Vibration Reduction, High ISO capabilities and great image quality, the slower shooting performance, uncomfortable EVF eye piece, amount of noise in high sensitivity photos and slower Face detection system really disappointed us. That said, with a street price of US$399 or less, the P80 is an affordable super-zoom model (about $100 less than many of it's competitors) that is sure to capture pleasing images of your friends and family, you just might not get all of those spontaneous moments. "

Nikon Coolpix P80 review at Steve's Digicams

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 is the subject of a new review at cameralabs.

Here's what they thought of the $400 10.1 megapixel compact camera with 5x optical zoom.

"If you're after a quality compact, the FX500 will fit the bill, although it's not got what it takes to turn the heads of real enthusiasts from models like the Canon G9. It's also crucial to compare its features against the other two Lumix cameras mentioned above as all three have a lot in common including the same sensor and HD movie recording facilities.

Ultimately the FX500's decent lens range, touch screen, manual control and HD movies all add up to product we can Highly Recommended, but do compare it very closely with the Lumix FX35 and TZ5, as one may be better-suited to your personal requirements. "

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 review at cameralabs

The Olympus FE-340 is the subject of a new review over at TrustedReviews.

Here's what they thought of the $170 8 megapixel entry level camera.

"The Olympus FE-340 may be very cheap, but it lacks a number of features that would be considered standard on most other cameras, such as continuous shooting, colour adjustment and image stabilisation. The build quality is good, and the LCD monitor is outstanding, but the styling is awkward and ungainly and the handling could be better. Low-light performance is below average, but the camera is redeemed somewhat by good image quality. Still, there are much better and more capable cameras available for not much more money."

Olympus FE-340 review at Trusted Reviews

The Samsung NV24HD is the subject of a new review posted at PhotographyBlog.

Samsung hopes this $350 10 megapixel compact camera that also records video in 720p will replace both your digital camera and your camcorder... here's PhotographyBlog's opinion on that:

"Samsung's aggressive marketing pushes can't disguise the fact that, in spite of the gimmicks, at the compact level it has consistently delivered fairly average products. By contrast its DSLRs are great, though its partnership with Pentax undoubtedly helps the both of them. But back to the NV24HD, which, while it certainly stands apart from the hordes in terms of both design and user interface - love or hate the latter - sadly falls down when it comes to its inconsistent image quality performance. And, given that the camera isn't really aimed at the photo enthusiast who will be happy to tweak their images to perfection, or try and try again, that's disappointing. At the point and shoot level there are more reliable alternatives for its price and headline specification. However, the Samsung NV24HD's more esoteric features - including the funky photo styles, placed right at the fore of its operation - are indeed fun and less run-of-the-mill than many, meaning it feels churlish to bash this model with too large a stick. So, in summary, the Samsung NV24HD is a collection of interesting ideas that, taken as a whole, don't quite work as well as they should. And thus, as much as it pains us, it's hard to give this retro-futurist contender our unequivocal recommendation. 'Interesting' is, unfortunately, not quite the same as 'brilliant'."

Samsung NV24HD Review at photographyblog

The Pentax K20 is the subject of a new review posted over at CNET.

Here's what they thought of the $1300 14 megapixel digital SLR camera:

"Overall, the K20D is a very good camera for the price. Pentax users looking to step up should feel comfortable doing so. If you're brand agnostic and looking for a solid midrange SLR, the K20D is a safe bet. It has an extra stop of sensitivity compared with the Canon EOS 40D, which tops out at ISO 3,200 compared with the K20D's ISO 6,400. Plus, if you think you'll use the Pentax's wireless flash control, you should note that Canon forces you to buy a separate controller, or its priciest flash unit, if you want that. Nikon's D80 has come down in price recently and offers a tempting alternative, though it has 10MP compared with the K20D's 14MP, and neither that Nikon nor Canon has the K20D's weather sealing. "

Pentax K20D review at CNET

The Fujifilm FinePix J10 is the subject of a new review at trustedreviews.

Here's what they thought of the inexpensive $100 8.2 megapixel entry-level digital camera:

"The Fujifilm FinePix J10 is a nice-looking little camera, and is competitively priced compared to its main rivals. It is a bit short on modern features though, and some of the controls are very fiddly and annoying to use. It also has a major image quality problem with very visible vignetting at wide-angle zoom settings. Add to this its poor low-light focusing ability and I'm afraid it's not looking good for Fuji's new ultra-compact."

Fujifilm FinePix J10 review at trustedreviews

The Canon Powershot SD890 IS is the subject of a new review over at Imaging Resource.

Here's what they thought of the $400 10 megapixel compact camera with 5x digital zoom:

"The Canon SD890 IS definitely has a lot going for it, not the least of which is its above average 5x image-stabilized optical zoom lens. Its feature set provides more than enough control for snapshooters who can switch between automatic everything and the ability to tweak parameters such as contrast, sharpness, saturation, and various color options. While the Canon SD890 IS doesn't have an on-board help system, beginners with a curious mind and the willingness to reference the manual can also step beyond automatic shooting with this camera. Family memory keepers will appreciate the Face Detection and the more advanced Face Detection and Track features when capturing images of family and friends.

Despite a few shortcomings, such as the the awkward On/Off button, the odd Control Dial, and the inaccurate optical viewfinder, the Canon SD890 IS Digital ELPH will please both amateurs and beginners, especially those who want the extra focal length its 5x optical zoom provides."

Canon Powershot SD890 IS review at imaging resource

The Canon EOS 450D (Digital Rebel XSi) is the subject of a new review at PhotographyBlog.

Here's what they thought of the entry level 12 megapixel digital SLR.

"Image quality is on a par with the EOS 400D, with noise-free images up to ISO 800 and a very usable fastest speed of 1600, so usable that I don't understand why the EOS 450D doesn't also offer ISO 3200. Chromatic aberrations are kept to a minimum and colours are accurate thanks to the new 14-bit processing - the only minor negative is the soft JPEG images, which may put off users more suited to sharper point and shoot cameras. Performance is also excellent, with no shutter-lag to speak of and fast processing times even when shooting in RAW mode. The 3.5fps continuous shooting mode is a little faster than the EOS 450D's predecessor, although in RAW mode the total number of possible consecutive shots has dropped from 10 to 6. Finally the EOS 450D is slightly more expensive than the EOS 400D was at launch, and the older model is still being offered as a budget option, so if you don't need the enhancements offered by the 450D, it's definitely worth considering a camera that is after all only 18 months old.

As for the Canon EOS 450D, it is an excellent camera, especially with the image stabilised 18-55mm lens, and it still offers a fantastic introduction to DSLR photography, just like its more illustrious predecessors."

Canon EOS 450D Review at PhotographyBlog

The Olympus E-420 is the subject of a new review at CameraLabs.

Here's what they thought of the $600 10 megapixel entry level compact compact digital SLR:

"So with the E-420 and pancake lens, Olympus has created a DSLR kit which will appeal to a broad group of buyers: those upgrading from a point and shoot, those who leave a DSLR at home because it's too big or heavy, and those who want a smaller, lighter backup body to a higher-end model. We were already very fond of its predecessor, so with the new enhancements and the introduction of the 25mm pancake, the E-420 has become better still.

But the fact is, the E-520 is just round the corner and like the E-510 before it, most buyers will inevitably go for that over the E-420. While built-in stabilisation is undoubtedly tempting though, it's a shame if you automatically rule-out the E-420 for not having it. To do so would be missing out on one of the most unique DSLRs around right now, so ask yourself very carefully - do you really, honestly need stabilisation?"

Olympus E-420 review at Cameralabs

Popphoto has reviewed the Canon 55-250mm EF-S IS lens that at first glance appears to be a perfect partner for Canon's digital SLR cameras.

Here's what they thought:

"A natural for globe-trotting vacationers and soccer parents, this is the obvious second lens for Canon EOS 40D and Rebel XSi owners. Clearly it and the 18-55mm IS make an attractive team that promises sharp pictures in dicey light across an amply wide 13.9X zoom range. And you can't beat that price."

Canon 55-250mm EF-S IS lens reviewed at popphoto