Digital Camera Reviews

Sony’s newest DSLR camera ‘Alpha SLT-A33′ is now available for purchase via B&H’s online store. Priced at $649.99 (body only), the Alpha SLT-A33 offers a 14.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor, a 3-inch tiltable LCD screen, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, ISO up to 12,800, RAW image support, a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI interface and 1080p Full HD video recording capabilities.

The Lensbaby Tilt Transformer allows Nikon lenses to be tilted on Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX cameras. The Tilt Transformer allows photographers to mount any Nikon mount lens onto their Micro Four Thirds or Sony NEX camera and tilt up to twice the amount of standard tilt-shift lenses, delivering photos that have a slice of focus through the image, bordered by a soft. The Composer with Tilt Transformer allows the Lensbaby Optic Swap system to be used. The Tilt Transformer retails for $250 and the Composer with Tilt Transformer retails for $350.

Ricoh has introduced an updated version of its G700 rugged digital camera called the G700SE. Unlike its predecessor, this new version of G700 comes with wireless LAN support, Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a connection for external GPS and laser barcode reader accessories. The camera itself is scheduled to go on sale in the first half of 2011 for 799 Euro (about $1,070).

Hasselblad today unveiled a limited-edition Hasselblad H4D produced in cooperation with Ferrari. Finished in a new Ferrari colour called rosso fuoco, or fire red, the Hasselblad H4D Ferrari Edition has been created in celebration of two of the most iconic European brands, both of which started their career in the 1950s. Limited to just 499 cameras worldwide, this special edition camera was unveiled this morning at the Photokina trade show, and we were there to snap a few pictures of it for you.

No price has been mentioned of course – a Hasselblad Ferrari Edition is destined to be a case of “if you have to ask, it’s not for you…”

Leica has introduced another one of its upcoming superzoom digital camera namely the V-Lux 2. This sleek and compact camera boasts a 14.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor, a 24x optical super-zoom lens, a 3-inch rotating LCD display, a 40MB of internal memory, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a USB 2.0 port, a mini-HDMI port and 1080p Full HD video recording capabilities. The Leica V-Lux 2 will go on sale in the UK starting next month for 675 GBP (about $1,057).

Leica comes back with their latest product in the form of the M9 Titanium, which was featured at a special event in Cologne. The camera is actually an upgraded version of the semi-professional M9. Constructed from titanium and designed in collaboration with Volkswagen, the camera features a Leather trim, LED-illuminated frame lines, and fingerprint resistant overlays. The company packages the camera with a titanium lens hood, a new handstrap, and a customized holster. A 35mm Summilux F/1.4 prime lens has also been designed specifically for the special edition, using titanium components to match the body. The Leica M9 Titanium edition retails for a hefty €22,000 ($28,730). The company has limited production to only 500 units.

Check out the newest point-and-shoot camera from Casio, the Exilim EX-Z16. This compact camera offers a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor, a 3x optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD display, a 14.9MB of internal memory, an SD/SDHC card slot and has the ability to record video with a maximum resolution of 848 x 480 pixels. The Casio Exilim EX-Z16 will become available later this month for $99.99.

Olympus announce the successor of E3 digital camera. It’s Olympus E5 professional DSLR camera with weather sealed body (splashproof and dustproof magnesium alloy), 12M pixel Live MOS sensor, 3 inch VGA Swivel LCD and TruePic V+ processor to capture more detailed and sharper images.

The E5 camera captures all the action in crisp 720p HD video at 30 frames per second, Zuiko Digital Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lens system, 5fps sequential shooting, ISO 6400 and can shoot 720p HD movies.

The Olympus E-5 DSLR camera is compatible with a range of optional external flashes, including the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R. It accept both compactflash type I UDMA and SD cards (SDHC/SDXC) and will be availabe on October 2010 with price 1,699 Euro.

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The Fujifilm X100 is a surprise range-finder style camera slated for release in early 2011. Based around a 12.3 megapixel APS-C sensor and 23mm F2 Fujinon lens, the Fuji X100 is just a development announcement at the moment, but one that isn’t too far away from reality. Other key features of the X100 include a Hybrid Viewfinder which toggles between optical and electronic viewfinders, 2.8-inch rear LCD, 5fps continuous shooting and a beautiful retro design and attention to detail. No word yet on availability in the UK, US or indeed anywhere – we’ll hopefully have some hands-on, or maybe behind-glass, shots of the Fujifilm X100 when it makes its public debut at Photokina.

Amazon has started taking pre-orders for Canon’s upcoming point-and-shoot camera ‘PowerShot G12‘. This compact camera is sold for $509 (4GB SDHC memory card + Deluxe Carrying Case + 3-piece lens cleaning kit included) and will begin shipping starting on October 5th. To remind you, the PowerShot G12 sports a 10-megapixel CCD image sensor, a 5x optical zoom lens, a 2.8-inch Vari-Angle PureColor II VA LCD screen, Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port and 720p HD video recording (24fps) capabilities.

The Samsung WB2000 (also known as the Samsung TL350) is a new 10 megapixel compact camera aimed at serious photographers. The pocketable WB2000 features a 1/2.4-inch high-speed Back Side Illuminated CMOS sensor that provides 1,000fps shooting for videos and 10fps for still photos. In addition the Samsung WB2000 offers a 5x, 24-120mm ultra wide-angle lens, 3 inch AMOLED screen, manual control over exposure, ISO 80-3200, Dual Image Stabilization technology, Smart Range (High Dynamic Range), and even a RAW shooting mode. The Samsung TL350 is available in black for $349.99 / £319.99.

The new Hama Daytour range of camera backpacks comprises two models, the Hama Daytour Backpack 230 (€139) and the slightly more compact Hama Daytour Backpack 180 (€99). These backpacks can accommodate an SLR camera with an arsenal of eight to eleven lenses. The variable hook-and-loop connectors inside the backpack also allow for carrying a mixture of photo equipment. Both backpacks offer direct access to the camera from above, and the larger “Backpack 230” also features a quick-access on its side. When worn on the front, both versions present themselves as an excellent support when taking photos, the manufacturer says.

HP has entered the high definition portable camcorder market by releasing the V5020u digital camcorder. This portable video recorder offers full 1080p HD recording with electronic image stabilization via a built-in gyroscopic sensor that prevents image blur caused by camcorder movements. The new V5020u also features a 10x digital zoom, a 2-inch LCD screen, a 5MP sensor, an SDHC slot, the ability to record H.264 videos, a motion detection feature, and an HDMI port. Each purchase comes equipped with a wrist strap, a cleaning cloth, an HDMI cable, and a carrying pouch. The HP V5020u camcorder will be launched in October 2010 for $159.

Sigma’s new DP1x will go on sale on September 30th, 2010. As a revised version of its DP1 large-sensor compact camera, the new DP1x features the faster True II processor from the DP2 and a new AF algorithm for faster auto focus. It also shares the revised rear design of the DP2s, with a dedicated ‘QS’ (Quick Set) button and more visible labeling of controls.

The Looxcie wearable camcorder is now available on Amazon for $199 each. This gadget allows users to capture videos at 480 x 320 pixel resolution at 15fps. The Looxcie can be placed to a user’s ear, allowing the device to see and record at eye-level. The Looxcie is able to record and store up to 4-hour of video. There is the “instant clip” button, which will take the last 30 seconds and package it into a video file. This video file can be shared via Bluetooth to the companion mobile app. The app is currently available for Android devices, but Windows Mobile, iOS, and BlackBerry versions should be available by the end of the year.