Digital Camera Reviews

The Sony NEX-3 is Sony’s first mirrorless interchangeable-lens system camera, along with the better-specced NEX-5 model that was launched alongside it. Featuring a 14.2 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, 25-point contrast-detect autofocus system, 49-segment exposure meter and 3-inch tilting LCD panel with 921,000-dot resolution, the NEX-3 certainly seems to have what it takes to compete with the already well-established Micro Four Thirds cameras from Panasonic and Olympus, and the newer Samsung NX series. The plastic bodied NEX-3 can also capture fast-moving action at 7fps, shoot 720p HD (1280 x720) video as MPEG4 files and is supplied with a compact clip-on flash that attaches via an accessory terminal. Lenses can be fitted via the new E mount system, but the NEX cameras can also use regular Sony Alpha lenses via the optional LA-EA1 adapter. In the UK the Sony NEX-3 costs £449 body only, £499 with the 18-55mm f/3.5-6.3 kit lens or £579 with the 18-55mm f/3.5-6.3 and 16mm f/2.8 lenses. In the US the NEX-3 ships with the 18-55mm f/3.5-6.3 kit lens for $599 or the 16mm f/2.8 lens for $549.

Samsung is preparing to unleash another Full HD camcorder into the market. Dubbed as the HMX-T10, this compact yet stylish camcorder boasts a 5.1-megapixel BSI (Back Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor, a 20-degree slanted lens, a 10x optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch touchscreen LCD display, an SD/SDHC memory card slot and has the ability to capture both 1080p Full HD video at 60fps as well as 4.7-megapixel digital still images. The Samsung HMX-T10 will hit stores later this month for $299.

Sony is proud to present their newest pocket HD Camcorder, the Bloggie Touch. Measuring 15.2mm x 107mm x 52mm and weighing 125 grams, this ultra-compact video camera is equipped with a sensitive Exmor CMOS image sensor, a 4x digital zoom, a 3-inch capacitive touchscreen display, a 4GB/8GB of storage, a flip-out USB arm, an HDMI output and can captures both 1920 x 1080p Full HD video (30fps) as well as up to 12.8 digital still images. The Bloggie Touch will start shipping in October for $180 (4GB) and $200 (8GB), respectively.

Canyon has rolled out their newest webcam for the Russian market. Called the Truckhook, this eye-catching webcam sports a 1.3-megapixel CMOS image sensor, a built-in microphone and has the ability to shoot video in maximum resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels. Coming in four models with different looks, the Truckhook sells for 1,199 Rubles (about $39).

Check out the latest Full HD camcorder from Thanko, the HDDV-506. This compact camcorder sports a 5-megapixel CMOS image sensor, a 4x digital zoom, a 2.5-inch TFT LCD display, a 32MB of internal memory, an SD/SDHC card slot (up to 32GB), a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port and has the ability to capture both 1920 x 1080p Full HD video at 30fps as well as up to 12-megapixel digital still images (interpolated mode). The Thanko HDDV-506 sells for about $175.

Canon has finally announced the newest member to its DSLR camera line-up, the EOS 60D, which is actually an upgraded version of EOS 50D. Specs-wise, the camera boasts an APS-C sized 18-megapixel CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 4 image processor, a Vari-Angle 3-inch LCD screen, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, ISO up to 12800, in-camera RAW processing and 1080p Full HD movie recording capabilities (30fps). The EOS 60D will go on sale from October for $1,099 (body only).

Engine has unveiled their newest HD DVR Sports Sunglasses ‘HD186-B’ for the mass market. This cool sunglasses feature a built-in 3-megapixel pinhole CMOS hidden camera located in the center of the frame, a microSD card slot (up to 32GB), a USB 2.0 port and a 550mAh rechargeable battery. In terms of performance, it has the ability to capture both 1280 x 960p HD video at 24fps (AVI format) as well as up to 12-megapixel digital still images (interpolated mode).

Priced at just $105.45, this compact camcorder sports a 5-megapixel 1/2.5-inch CMOS image sensor, a 2x optical zoom lens, a 3-inch TFT LCD display, a 128MB of internal memory, an SD card slot (2GB card included), a USB 2.0 interface and is able to capture both 720 x 480p video at 30fps as well as up to 16-megapixel digital still images (interpolated mode).

The Casio EX-FH25 is a new ultra-zoom digital camera, sporting a 20x lens that provides a focal range of 26-520mm and offers sensor-shift image stabilisation to keep things steady. Also onboard the FH25 are a high-speed, high-sensitivity 10-megapixel CMOS sensor, 30 frames per second continuous shooting at 9 megapixels, a special pre-record mode which starts the recording as soon as the shutter is half pressed, and high-speed film recording up to 1000fps. In-camera exposure blending, High-speed Anti Shake and High-speed Night Mode are on-hand to help you make the most of the camera’s capabilities. The Casio EX-FH25 is available now for a recommended price of £399 / $399 / €399.

Apart from having their new HDC-SDX1 Full HD camcorder, Panasonic has also introduced their new pocket-sized Full HD camcorder called the HM-TA1. Specs-wise, the HDC-SDX1 sports a 2.93-megapixel 1/4.1-inch CMOS image sensor, a 4x digital zoom, a 2-inch LCD display, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a pop-out USB arm and can capture both 1920 x 1080p Full HD video at 30fps as well as 2.1-megapixel still images. The Panasonic HM-TA1 will go on sale in August for a retail price of $169.95.

Samsung is set to drop another Full HD pocket camcorder into the market called the HMX-E10. This ultra-compact video camera is equipped with a 1/3.2-inch CMOS image sensor, a 270-degree swiveling lens, a 2x digital zoom, a 2.7-inch touchscreen display, a microSD card slot, a built-in USB connector, an HDMI output and has the ability to capture both 1920 x 1080p Full HD video in H.264 format as well as 8-megapixel digital still images. The Samsung HMX-E10 will become available in September for $199.99.

Record interviews, meetings and on the scene discussions without intimidating anyone with the help of this Mini Clip Spy Camcorder from Light In The Box. This compact device is equipped with a CMOS motion sensor, a 4GB of internal memory, a built-in rechargeable battery and has the ability to record 640 x 480 video in MP4/AVI format. If you’re interested, the 4GB Mini Clip Spy Camcorder will set you back $37.99.

The Waterproof Sports Action Digital Camera is perfect for all types of water sports such as swimming and diving. This waterproof mini camcorder allows you to record underwater video like a pro. The gadget records 736 x 480 pixel resolution video at 30fps and provides a 2GB of internal memory. Additional features include a 1.3MP CMOS sensor, a laser pointer for positioning and a microphone. The Waterproof Sports Action Digital Camera retails for $75.99 a pop.

JVC has added a new Full HD camcorder to its line-up by unveiling the Everio GZ-HM350. This compact and lightweight camcorder sports a 3.32-megapixel 1/4.1-inch CMOS image sensor, a 36x optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD display, a 32GB of storage, an SD/SDHC card slot, a mini-USB port, a mini-HDMI port and has the ability to record 1920 x 1080 Full HD video in AVCHD format.

Measuring only 53mm x 19mm x 23mm and weighing just 21 grams, the SQ30m is Exemode’s newest mini digital camera for the Japanese market. Priced at 5,985 Yen (about $67), this affordable camera sports a 1.95-megapixel CMOS image sensor, a 64MB of internal memory, a microSD card slot (up to 2GB) and has the ability to capture both 320 x 240 video at 8fps as well as 1280 x 1200 digital still images.