Samsung MV800 Dual View Camera

It builds upon the dual-view line of cameras, but removes the front facing LCD and replaces it with a 3-inch wide flip-out touchscreen display that can be literally be flipped up and shown to those looking into the camera’s lens.  There's a 26-130mm, f.3.3-5.9 5x optical zoom lens, a super-thin built-in flash, and one of those little orange light things that's supposed to help the camera focus in low-light. A 16 megapixel sensor ensures high res photos and HD video capture, all of which is complemented by a 5x optical zoom and dual image stabilization.

GE Power Pro X500 Review

One of the standouts is the X500 bridge camera, which packs 16 megapixels, a 15x optical zoom, an electronic viewfinder, and a lot of manual controls to go along with the usual point and shoot features. It has 2.7 inch LCD. Most bridge cameras fall into the category of “super zoom” though, so that’s a fairly average zoom length. This camera uses four AA batteries instead of a rechargeable battery. The panorama mode works really great. The lens works great for zooms, wide angles, and even macro images.

Sony unveiled its Bloggie 3D portable camcorder camera

Sony Bloggie camera brings up 3D photography at the user level, so that normal user will now not have to purchase expensive high end 3D cameras and still enjoy decent quality 3D imaging. It is capable of recording 3D videos and 3D image capture. It can shoot 3D videos at full HD 1080p and take 3D still shots at 5 megapixels.
It also takes images even in low light density with its Exmor- CMOS sensor and can capture photos while you’re shooting a video at the same time. It also has a 2.4-inch glasses-free 3D screen so you can preview your clicked shots or videos instantly. It has internal storage of 8GB, allowing you to record up to 4 hours of video. HDMI output allows you to share the captured videos and images on your big screen

Smallest and lightest digital cameras

Sony has recently launched the new model -the alpha NEX-5 and alpha NEX-3. The authorised dealer for Sony in Nepal, Nepa Hima Trade Link has brought the new models that feature the world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera body.

Sony Ericsson released 16.4MP cameraphone, Cyber-shot S006

Sony Ericsson has released a Cyber-shot phone with a 16.4MP CMOS sensor on the popular Japanese carrier KDDI. Called the Cyber-shot S006, the latest Sony Ericsson phone is definitely attempting to wrest the crown from Nokia N8 – the reigning cameraphone. In the world of digital cameras, it is a long accepted fact that megapixels don’t always mean everything in image quality. The N8’s extra large sensor pixels do help, as well as the 28mm wide angle lens.

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj

As the point-and-shoot digital camera market matures, it seems like flashy, never-before-seen features are what manufacturers are using to make their shooters stand out of the crowded pack. Case in point: The $350 Samsung DualView TL225, which features two LCDs, including a forward-facing display so you can easily capture self-portraits. But this pocket camera also offers excellent image quality and a very solid feature set for the price. Another example: Nikon's 12.1-megapixel Coolpix S1000pj ($429.95 list), which grabs your attention with its built-in projector that can project images onto a nearby wall, so you don't have to huddle around the camera to see the photos or video you've captured. But unlike the Samsung TL225, which is a terrific camera that happens to have a buzz-worthy feature, the S1000pj, besides its projector, is an otherwise mediocre camera that comes at an extraordinary price.

COMPANY

• Nikon USA
• http://www.NikonUSA.com

SPEC DATA

• Price as Tested: $429.95 List
• Type: Compact
• Megapixels: 12.1 MP
• Maximum Resolution: 4000 x 3000 pixels
• Media Format: Secure Digital High Capacity
• 35-mm Equivalent (Wide): 28
• 35-mm Equivalent (Telephoto): 140
• Optical Zoom: 5 x
• LCD size: 2.7 inches
• Wireless Connectivity: No
• HD Video Capture: No

Sony India launches DSC-TX1 and DSX-WX1 low-light cameras with HD video

Sony has launched two new Cyber-shot cameras – one sleek and stylish, the other with a wholelot of zoom – in India, both of which are the first out of the company’s stable to use the new Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor technology.

“By redesigning the way these cameras capture light, Sony is leading the industry by creating this easy way to take amazingly clear, vibrant photos in low lighting scenarios,” said Phil Lubell, director of the digital imaging business at Sony Electronics.

Conventional image sensor architecture has required wires and other circuit elements to be positioned above the light sensitive photo-diodes, limiting the imager’s light gathering capability. Positioning these elements behind the photo-diodes, the Exmor R image sensors can gather more light, resulting in approximately twice the sensitivity compared to conventional sensors.

To further extend low-light shooting performance, the TX1 and WX1 cameras incorporate the hand-held twilight and anti-motion blur multi-shot modes introduced in Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. Using the Exmor R CMOS sensor’s high speed, these modes capture six separate images in less than a second and utilise Sony’s BIONZ processor to combine the shots into a single image of extraordinary detail.

In addition, the TX1 and WX1 cameras also include Sweep Panorama and 10 frames per second burst shooting features, in smaller, more compact bodies that match nearly any unique style. Capturing wide landscapes is as easy as “press and sweep.” The BIONZ imaging processor automatically stitches the pictures together to create one stunning panoramic photo.

With HD video capability, these cameras record HD movies in 720p high definition MPEG4 format for stunning large-screen home movie playback. You can record up to 29 minutes (or up to 2GB file size) in 720p format.

In its slim profile of just 16.5mm, the fashionable 10.2-megapixel TX1 features a new operation on the touch panel that lets you scroll through images with a flick of your finger and directly access menus on the 3-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus display.

With a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, the TX1 camera lets you focus as little as 0.4 inches from your subject for extraordinary close-up shots. The 4x telescopic zoom is perfect for capturing far-away subjects, and Sony’s Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation helps overcome camera shake.

The 10.2 mega-pixel WX1 camera has a 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus display and is just over three quarters of an inch thin – an ideal choice for DSLR owners who also want to carry a compact, high performance digital still camera.

The WX1 camera features a Sony G lens with an extraordinary wide angle 24-120mm 5x optical zoom. This lens’ f/2.4 maximum aperture offers nearly twice the light gathering capability of conventional lenses, and works together with the Exmor R sensor and low-light shooting modes to provide low-light photography beyond the abilities of other compact cameras.

These cameras also include all the next-gen software technology that Sony cameras are famous for, such as intelligent auto mode, face detection, scene selection, red-eye removal, anti-blur, smile shutter, etc.

The TX1 is available in a grey colour scheme for Rs. 20,990, while the WX1 with black casing retails for Rs. 19,990.

Samsung's high-end digital camera

Samsung Digital Imaging Co Ltd today unveiled the WB5000, a 12.5 mega-pixel camera fitted with the most powerful lens ever offered on a Samsung compact digital camera.
Joining the company's advanced WB Series, the WB5000's high-performance Schneider-KREUZNACH lens offers an impressive 24x optical zoom with a 26mm wideangle focal length (35mm film equivalent focal range of 26mm-624mm), which can be used for shooting highquality digital still images as well as recording 720p HD video in H.264 format.
"Photographers of all skill levels are going to be drawn to the WB5000's features," said Choong Hyun Hwang, vice- president of Strategic Market- ing at Samsung Digital Imaging Company. "The versatility of the lens gives any user, whether you're a soccer mom on the sidelines or an enthusiast looking to create a stunning image, the ability to be prepared for just about any shooting scenario. Serious shooters will gravitate toward the WB5000's aperture and shutter priority modes as well as full manual control and RAW support. For the entrylevel shooter, Samsung's Smart Auto takes simplicity to a new level, ensuring a great shot every time without having to be concerned about camera settings."
The WB5000 puts high-definition video recording in the palm of users' hands. The camera can record 720p HD video using H.264 compression, an advanced codec that allows users to record video for longer periods of time. For added versatility, users can zoom in and out while recording video, taking full advantage of both the camera's 26mm wide-angle focal length and 24x optical zoom.

Stylish compacts Canon IXUS 110 IS

Canon IXUS 110 IS is the new stylishly compact digital cameras. Besides the elegant body, it has come with high definition mechanisms. It has 12.1 mega pixels CCD with 4x optical zoom, that can certainly capture high-resolution images. As for additive functions, it has optical image stabiliser for rock-steady shots. The Digic 4 imaging processor is an innovative inclusion in this digital compact. It provides intel ligent contract correction, noise reduction, and face detection with precise ac curacy. It also has HD movie and HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connection. These help in produc ing high definition movies of 1280x 720 pixels(30 fps) and en sures the best possible audio and video im ages. This digital compact is available at Canon showroom inside City Cen tre, Kamalphokari. With one year of warranty, 2 GB card and a mini stand as an opening offer for short time. The price for this digital com pact is Rs 27,600(including tax). HNS SPECS · 12.1 mp CCD · 4x optical zoom · Digic 4 processor · HD movie

New Camera Olympus E-P1 Review

With DSLR-like functionality in a package no larger than a rangefinder camera, the Olympus E-P1 ($799.99 list, with 14-42mm kit lens) is truly a game changer. The Micro Four Thirds camera offers spectacular image quality in a compact body, but its auto-focus is slower than expected—slower even than some point and shoots. Regardless, this is an amazing first generation camera; a product impressive enough to cause competitors to scramble to create something even better.
Before the advent of digital and auto-focus technology, SLR cameras used to be relatively small. They offered fast shutters, spectacular image quality, and a small body, but only supported manual focus lenses. When auto-focus hit the scene, SLR cameras grew to accommodate the new technology. The marketplace determined that larger cameras with auto-focus were worth the trade-off. While some manufacturers continue to make small cameras without autofocus, they're not very practical and tend to be very expensive.
Last September, Panasonic and Olympus announced their intentions to launch cameras using Micro Four Thirds sensors, enabling the manufacturers to pair autofocus support with D-SLR functionality in a camera body much closer in size to a point and shoot. Panasonic has since launched two versions of their Micro Four Thirds camera; the Lumix DMC-G1 and Lumix DMC-GH1—both were fast and delivered great image quality, but neither were small. With a much more compact body, the E-P1 is Olympus's first Micro Four Thirds camera.
Design and Features
My test unit came with a 14-42mm lens (35mm equivalent: 28-84mm) 3X manual zoom lens, with maximum f-stops at f/3.5 and f/5.6. In its telephoto position, the lens extends to 3.25 inches, but collapses to 2 inches when not in use. Out of the box, the camera is only compatible with Micro Four Thirds lenses, and Olympus's selection is currently very slim-- literally. Their 17mm f/2.8 lens measures just 0.86 inches, and carries a street price of $299, or $889.99 when packaged with the E-P1 (instead of the 14-42mm lens). The camera is interchangeable with Panasonic's limited selection of Micro Four Thirds lenses, and an adapter is also available for use with full-size Four Thirds lenses.
The E-P1 has no optical viewfinder, making the 3-inch, 230,000 dot LCD's large size even more of a necessity. Olympus offers an optional optical viewfinder accessory that mounts on the hotshoe accessory port, but it's just a window—you're not actually looking through the lens like on a real SLR. The E-P1 lacks the traditional SLR mirror, making an optical viewfinder all but impossible. The Panasonic GH1's viewfinder is actually a tiny LCD, with an image identical to that of the main LCD's screen.
The E-P1's build quality is simply fantastic. It was modeled after the 50-year-old Olympus Pen—its metal chassis and leather-like grip give the camera an old school appearance, while making it feel durable. The digital elements—namely its large LCD—were tastefully added without taking away from the retro feel. Most of the buttons are of the same quality as those found on a quality point and shoot. The most unique control is the "sub dial" wheel located on the back right, which controls the aperture or shutter speed depending on the mode selected. This dial has the same functionality as the thin wheel found on the front of the camera near the lens on SLR cameras, but works just as well on the back of the E-P1. The camera is compact, measuring 2.8 by 4.8 by 1.4 inches (HWD) and weighing 1.2 pounds (with the 14-42mm kit lens).
The E-P1 offers shooting modes often found on point and shoots, as well as advanced modes usually reserved for an SLR. An "iAuto" mode with face detection is available, which makes the E-P1 as simple to use as any other compact camera. For the SLR crowd, the usual plethora of shooting options is available, including aperture and shutter priority, and a full manual mode. The camera's ISO settings range from ISO100-6400.
Auto Focus Hurts Performance
Operating speed is a mixed bag for the E-P1—it can be very fast, but its sluggish autofocus causes the camera to slow down significantly. Traditional D-SLR cameras use an extremely fast auto-focusing system called "phase detection." To save space, compact point and shoot cameras use a slower auto-focus system called "contrast measurement." With the Lumix DMC-GH1, Panasonic was able to use an improved contrast measurement autofocus system that achieved focusing speeds closer to phase detection. When you're not re-focusing, the E-P1 is very fast, but if you re-focus before you take the shot (which is how most people operate an SLR or point and shoot camera,) the E-P1's contrast measurement focusing speeds are very disappointing.
Using my shutter lag test, I found the E-P1 captures an image in an average of .25 seconds with autofocus turned off. With auto-focus turned on, however, the camera crawls, with an average of 1.3 seconds of lag. These speeds are very sluggish, considering that any D-SLR can continuously snap off a shot in just .1 second, and that the average point and shoot sets you back to .6-.7 seconds. Our Editors' Choice Canon PowerShot SD970 IS compact point and shoot averaged just .46 seconds!
Boot up and recycle times are also affected by the slow focusing. Without autofocus, the E-P1 can boot and snap in an average of 2.44 seconds, but with AF it averaged 3.28 seconds. Without AF, the camera averaged 1.03 seconds of recycle time between shots, but with AF, it averaged 2.5 seconds. The Panasonic GH1 and traditional SLRs in this price range can fire continuously, so recycle time is seldom a factor for these cameras. The GH1, for example, can crunch out 2 images per second, while the entry level Canon XSi full-size D-SLR can capture 3.5 frames per second.

Sony's Cybershot launched New Camera

Nepa Hima Trade Link Pvt Ltd -- committed to providing the best camera experience for consumers -launched Sony Intelligent Auto (iAuto) in the domestic market today.

iAuto is the technology, among a range of new features, to automatically optimise camera settings for stellar imaging results apart from other features like in the latest Cyber-shot T, H, and selected W series models. It can be easily activated via the mode dial on these new cameras, said Kazuhiko Takamatsu, head of the export business marketing department of Sony Singapore.

"Keeping things simple and fuss-free for our consumers to take impressive images has always been Sony's top priority," he said adding that the new features such as iAuto technology, allow consumers to enjoy high performance imaging results effortlessly.

Sony has launched Cybershot T series, W series and S series that are available in a wide range of stylish colours.

"It is the W-series that is more popular in the domestic market," said Takamatsu.
"It has all the features of Tseries, like all-new Intelligent Auto Mode, selectable via the camera's mode dial and affordable too," he said.
"Implemented for the first time in the Cyber-shot range of cameras, the newly added Smile shutter button can be used together with Intelligent Auto mode thus capturing beautiful smiles at the optimised settings."

Sony claims to have 60 per cent market share in camera items. DSC-S930/S950 is priced between Rs 14,999 and Rs 16,999 whereas Cybershot comes for Rs 60,999.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i

Offering image quality and a robust feature set typically found in pricier prosumer-level D-SLRs, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i is a definite game-changer. For less than $1,000 ($899.99 list with an EF-S 18-to-55mm IS lens), you get a 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor that takes fantastic pictures and a big, high-res VGA screen, along with high-definition video capture, which until now you couldn't get in a sub-$1K D-SLR. A perfect balance of features, performance, and affordability makes The T1i our latest Editors' Choice D-SLR shooter.

Using the same image sensor as the larger and pricier ($1,099, body only) Canon EOS 50D, the T1i measures a smallish 3.8 by 5.1 by 2.4 inches (HWD). The camera feels sturdy; the body weighs 1.6 pounds with its lens, and 1.1 pounds without. The build and button layout is nearly identical to that of the entry-level Rebel XSi. Though the T1i's grip and button/dial layout was thoughtfully designed, I prefer the feel of the competing Nikon D5000 ($729, body only). Its buttons are larger and are mounted at a slight angle, which makes them a bit easier to manipulate. And, overall, the D5000's body has a more comfortable, ergonomic feel to it in my smallish hands.

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It's simple to navigate the T1i's menu system given its button setup, which is reminiscent of those on many point-and-shoot cameras. To the right of the screen, the Select button is flanked by Up, Down, Left, and Right buttons. The prosumer 50D uses the same UI, but there's a joystick and a scroll wheel that let you whiz through menus even more quickly. Still, I had no problem maneuvering, and the menus are straightforward, clean, and easy to understand.

The show stealer, though, is the stunning (and sprawling) 3-inch LCD, packing 920,000 pixels (VGA resolution), which results in razor-sharp images, menu text, and icons. The Nikon D5000's smaller 2.7-inch screen has only 230,00 pixels, and the difference is clearly visible when you compare the two. The D5000's screen, however, is mounted on a rotating arm—I wish Canon had added this functionality. But the T1i offers Live View; a dedicated button that turns the LCD screen into a viewfinder.

The speedy T1i can power up and snap off a picture in an average of 0.68 second, while the D5000 took a comparably lengthy 1.37 seconds on average. Once it's up and running, the T1i can shoot 3.4 frames per second at its maximum 15.1MP resolution. The D5000 shoots a little faster, at 4 fps (thought its resolution is only 12.3MP). The higher-endNikon D90 and the Canon 50D offer even more speed, with 4.5 and 6.3 fps, respectively.

I use the Imatest hardware/software suite to gauge image quality objectively in our photo lab. In my testing, I found that the T1i delivers stellar images in good lighting conditions, and there was no visible noise in photos taken in low-light situations. In fact, images looked spectacular and were on a par with those of the more-expensive Canon 50D, since both cameras use the same sensor. At lower ISOs (100, 200, and 400), the T1i captured 2,102, 2,079, and 2,035 lines per picture height, respectively. These numbers are very impressive and go hand in hand with mega-sharp images. To compare, the Nikon D5000, which uses the same sensor as the D90, was close, but not quite as sharp: At ISO 200 and 400, it captured an average of 1,778 and 1,743 lines, respectively. (The D5000 does not shoot at ISO 100). In lower-light situations (ISO 1600 and 3200), the T1i averaged 1,248 and 1,165 lines and was ever-so-slightly edged out by the D5000, which averaged 1,361 and 1,352 lines.

Outside the lab, the T1i was equally impressive. I spent an afternoon shooting my newborn cousin and his parents in the hospital. Given the sensitive eyes of newborns, the pediatric area maintains lighting that's somewhat dimmer than the norm, so most of shots were taken at ISO 1600. I was able to use the fast shutter speeds and face detection to capture split-second close-up expressions. The resulting photos were beautiful, and being able to switch back and forth between still and video modes quickly and easily in a single device was a pleasure. My only gripe was the limited zoom of the included lens. The 18-to-55mm lens provides roughly 3.7X optical zoom, another lens with a larger focal range would have provided the same close-ups without my having to get so close to my subjects. For those who want a lens with a greater zoom range, Canon sells a $799.99 body-only version of the T1i, which, like all Canon D-SLRs, uses the "Canon EF" lens mount compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses.

High-definition (720p30) video capture looked marvelous, but those aiming to replace a dedicated camcorder should be aware that the T1i's video mode has its quirks. On the one hand, due to the large depth of field you get with a D-SLR, you can put your subject(s) in focus while leaving your foreground and/or background in soft focus. With very little effort, video comes out looking better than your average home movie. But recording video on the T1i isn't as easy as it is on a standalone video camera, since the T1i can't lock onto subjects and track them to keep them in focus. If the subject changes its distance from the camera, the image must be refocused. At least there's a dedicated Auto Focus button (with the D5000, autofocus is disabled in video mode). Unfortunately, though, in Auto Focus mode, the T1i's lens makes a loud noise that is captured in your recordings. Also, though audio captured in video mode sounds fine, the T1i offers no input for a separate microphone, as you might find on a camcorder. To be fair, most video-capable D-SLRs have similar issues.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3

Like other Sony touch-screen cameras, the 10.1-megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3 looks gorgeous, takes beautiful photos, and features an intuitive interface. What's more, tightly integrated Wi-Fi and a built-in Web browser let you upload pictures and video directly to photo-sharing services. There's even support for the up-and-coming DLNA protocol, whereby the camera can act as a networked media server that streams photos to other DLNA-enabled devices. Unfortunately, slow data-transfer times and poor battery life detract from the total package. Also, at $499.99 (direct), the DSC-G3 is one of the most expensive point-and-shoot cameras you can buy.

The DSC-G3, which measures about 4 by 2.3 by 0.5 inches (HWD) and weighs 6.7 ounces, has a build unlike that of any other Sony pocket camera. Its sleek style is similar to that of the Cyber-shot DSC-T500 and T700, with a body of black brushed aluminum and a 3.5-inch widescreen touch-screen LCD on the back. But where the T500 and T700 require you to slide a small panel over the front of the camera to reveal the lens, the G3's entire body slides open to provide access to the lens and the zoom controls. The only other physical controls on the camera are the large shutter release button and small Power, Playback, and WLAN buttons, the last to activate the wireless features.

When the camera is powered on, the lens never extends outside of the G3's chassis, but it still manages a 4X optical zoom, with a focal range of 6.18mm to 24.7mm (35mm equivalent: 35mm to 140mm), with corresponding maximum f-stops at f/3.5 and f/10.

The 3.5-inch LCD screen contains 921,000 pixels. In playback mode photos look extremely sharp, as do text and icons in the menus for the wireless features. Oddly, the menus for the other functions look identical to what I've seen on the lower-resolution screens of the T500 or even the 230K-pixel T70. In those cases, the text and menus don't take advantage of the screen's higher resolution and look pixelated. At least the touch screen is very responsive when you're using camera functions.

This camera's big sell is its robust wireless capability. We really liked last year's Wi-Fi–capable Nikon Coolpix S610c, but the G3 adds more functionality. It lets you easily upload video to YouTube and still images to photo Web sites such as Shutterfly, Picasa, and Photobucket at their full resolution (the S610c downsized images before sending them), then send notification e-mails (with URLs) to friends and family. You can also jump onto any Wi-Fi network, even ones that require you to accept agreement terms through a Web browser (since the G3 has one), which the S610c couldn't handle.

DSLR Battle Heats Up: Nikon Launches New D5000

Nikon Europe announced the introduction of its latest DSLR, the D5000. The D5000 has inherited the D90’s groundbreaking HD movie capability, Nikon’s proprietary D-Movie function (the D90 was the first DSLR to sport video recording). The 12.3MP sensor has sensitivity between ISO 200 and 3200 (can be extended to ISO 100 and ISO 6400 equivalent). The feature being touted is the 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD that allows you to take pictures easily from any angle. When combined with live-view (the ability to see the frame on the LCD screen) it 1gives a high degree of flexibility in composing shots with off-beat perspectives and macros.

The display can be closed to protect the monitor or place it in the standard position for regular shooting using the viewfinder. You can even reverse the monitor for effortless, perfectly-framed self-portraits. A 4 fps continuous shooting mode makes it a fast camera and it can shoot 67 JPEGs or 11 RAW files continuously.

Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

The 12.1-megapixel PowerShot SD960 IS ($329.99 list) is Canon's first, and the only model in its latest Elph line to get a widescreen LCD. This slick little point-and-shooter still gives you the option to take pictures in the traditional 4:3 aspect ratio, but the 2.8-inch LCD, with its wide 16:9 aspect ratio, makes it much easier to frame your shots. It wouldn't surprise us to see widescreen LCDs become standard fare on digital cameras, as they are becoming in laptops, monitors, and HDTVs. Apart from its screen, the SD960 is extremely fast and records dazzling HD video that you can easily output to an HDTV, but Canon's typically bulletproof reputation for high-quality images has developed a few holes with this model.

The 5.11-ounce SD960 sports spiffy rounded edges and comes in five colors (blue, green, silver, pink, and gold). It measures 2.1 by 3.9 by 0.9 inches (HWD), making it a bit shorter and thicker than aBlackBerry Pearl and slightly larger than the $279.99 Canon PowerShot SD780 IS. The new interface is straightforward and attractive; it's similar to the one used in previous PowerShot models, but its higher-resolution text is crisper, and it adds animations to the menus along with cool transitions between images when you're in playback mode. Navigating the menus is a breeze with the camera's easy-to-manipulate scroll wheel, which is flanked by large Play and Menu buttons. The zoom and shutter-release controls are also nice and big, which makes framing and shooting pictures simple. (Check out this video for a detailed look at the new interface.)

The 28mm lens is wider than those on the SD780 IS (33mm) and SD970 IS (37mm), which results in a shorter focal length and consequently the ability to fit more into your images. The lens provides 4X optical zoom with a focal range of 5mm to 20mm (35mm equivalent: 28mm to 112mm), with maximum f-stops at f/2.8 and f/5.8.

Samsung Launches its 2009 Camera Line Up

Samsung Launches its 2009 Camera Line Up

The new line up of digital cameras from Samsung India comprises of 8 models including the 10.2MP flagship Samsung WB500. It has a host of manual controls (shutter, aperture, focus) and has optical and digital image stabilization. It can also shoot 720p videos at 30fps and uses h.264 compression. The 10x optical zoom can be used even during video recording. Face detection and smile shutter function claim to produce better portraits. A Blink Detection feature automatically fires three consecutive shots if the camera detects that the subject has blinked his / her eye (The Samsung Innovate mobile phone also has this feature). The Beauty Shot feature (seen even in earlier Samsung cameras) automatically brightens and evens out skin tones as well as removes blemishes in subjects’ faces.

Another addition is the slim (21.5mm) Samsung PL60 with 5X Optical zoom, ISO 3200 and a large 2.7” intelligent TFT LCD. It features Samsung’s Digital Contents Management system that makes it quicker and easier to store and manage the photo collection. A less expensive version, the PL50 comes with a 3x optical zoom and a 10MP sensor.

The press release also said that in the 12.2 megapixel category, the company introduced the PL65 and the ST50, that have Dual Image Stabilization, high sensitivity ISO 3200, Face detection, smile and blink detection and beauty shot with self portrait. The 16.6mm ultra slim stainless steel Samsung ST50 also features a 3X optical zoom and 2.7” TFT LCD, while the Samsung PL65 boasts of a powerful 5X optical zoom and a large 3” TFT LCD.

The addition of the entry level Digital Still Cameras Samsung ES10, ES15, ES55 completes the new line up of Samsung digital still camera range. The 8.1 MP Samsung ES10 and 10 MP ES15 cameras offer 3X optical zoom, face detection, beauty shot and self portrait in addition to 2.5” LCD display.

Prices:

Samsung WB500: Rs.19,990/-

Samsung PL60: Rs. 12,490/-

Samsung PL50: Rs. 9,990/-

Samsung PL65: 14,490

Samsung ST50: 15,900

Samsung ES10: Rs 7,990

Samsung ES15: Rs 6,990

Samsung ES55: Rs 7,900

Sony Cybershot DSC-G3

Sony Cybershot DSC-G3

The point-and-shoot crowd has been all aflutter about the sleek, 10-megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3 ($500 as of 3/16/09) ever since its announcement at CES in January. It's the first camera with a built-in Web browser, "one-touch" Wi-Fi photo uploads, and 4GB of on-board flash storage (in addition to a Memory Stick slot).Sony Cybershot DSC-G3 Test ScoresAdmittedly, its Wi-Fi tricks are nothing new: The Eye-Fi card adds Wi-Fi capabilities to any camera that supports it, and cameras from Kodak, Nikon, and Panasonic have all boasted wireless connectivity in the past. The Cyber-shot DSC-G3's browser and flash storage, however, are notable additions to the mix.

What all that Wi-Fi wonderfulness means, of course, is that you can easily upload shots to Daily Motion, Photobucket, Picasa, and Shutterfly directly from the camera, as well as upload videos to YouTube. You can access other photo- and video-sharing sites via the Cyber-shot DSC-G3's Web browser, as well, but the sites mentioned here are made more easily accessible by dedicated icons on the camera's wireless menu screen.

Sony Intros alpha A900, Its First Full-Frame DSLR Camera

Sony Intros alpha A900

Photokina is just around the corner, so it's about time for the big boys in the imaging industry to start rolling out the big “guns” in preparation for this very important show. Thus, today, Sony has just announced the release of its first full-frame DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera, the α (alpha) DSLR-A900, accompanied by a couple of very useful accessories, which include two new lenses, a flash unit and a grip.

But first thing's first, let's take a look at what the A900 has to offer. Although it's largely based on the previous A700 (as far as the chassis and the controls are concerned), Sony's new DSLR packs a 24.6-megapixel, 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor designed to take advantage of the resolving power of high-precision α (alpha) lenses, in the same time providing enhanced image detail and a wider dynamic range.

Furthermore, the camera incorporates a body-integrated SteadyShot Inside unit, which achieves an anti-shake effect equivalent to shutter speeds faster by 2.5 to 4 stops. This new unit provides stabilization for Sony, Minolta and Konica-Minolta wide angle, large-aperture lenses, and, according to Sony's statement, represents the “world’s first anti-shake system for a full-frame sensor”.