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.

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).

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.

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.

The Fujifilm Finepix F300EXR is a new 12 megapixel compact camera with a 24-360mm, 15x zoom lens. Featuring Fujifilm’s next generation EXR technology with hybrid high-speed autofocus, the F300 EXR switches between phase detection AF and contrast AF depending on subject and light levels, promising DSLR-like focusing speed. Other highlights of the successor to the F200EXR include an EXR sensor, improved image stabilisation system, high-resolution 3 inch LCD screen, 360° Motion Panoramas, and 720p HD movie. The Fujifilm Finepix F300EXR is available in black at a retail price of $329.95 / £329.99.

The Olympus E-5 is actually the successor to the previously released E-3. Designed for extreme photography, this DSLR camera is dustproof and splashproof. The Olympus E5 features a 12.3-megapixel High Speed Live MOS sensor, TruePic V+ engine, a 3-inch VGA Swivel LCD, a 5fps sequential shooting, an IS0 6400, a 720p HD video recording capability and 1/8000th second high-speed shutter speed. The Olympus E-5 will be released in October 2010 for €1,699 ($2,203).

Canon has announced a new point-and-shoot camera to its PowerShot line-up by bringing you the G12. This compact camera 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 Canon PowerShot G12 will start shipping in early October for $499.99.

Speedo hits back by launching their newest waterproof digital camera, the Aquashot. This compact camera is able to withstand depths of up to 3 meters deep underwater. Not only that, it also sports a 5-megapixel image sensor, a 4x digital zoom, a 2.4-inch LCD display, a 32MB of internal memory, an SD/SDHC card slot, a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery and 320 x 240p video recording capabilities. The Speedo Aquashot is now available for purchase via Amazon UK for 89 GBP (about $137).

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.

The Pentax K-r is a mid-range DSLR camera targeted at digital SLR novices and family users. Featuring a 12.4 megapixel sensor and 6fps continuous shooting, the Pentax Kr has a compact, lightweight body with a stainless-steel chassis, 11-point AF system, ISO 25600, 720p movies, high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor, Shake Reduction mechanism and support for the supplied lithium-ion battery and AA-size batteries. The PENTAX K-r will be available from October 2010 in two kits – the K-r and the 18-55mm DAL lens for £599.99, and the K-r and the 18-55mm DAL and 50-200mm DAL lenses for £699.99.

The VPC-CG21 is the newest addition to Sanyo’s Xacti Full HD pocket camcorder line-up. This compact video camera is equipped with a 10-megapixel CMOS image sensor, a 5x optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch fold-out LCD display, an 80MB of internal memory, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port and has the ability to capture both 1920 x 1080p Full HD video at 60fps as well as 10-megapixel digital still images. The Sanyo VPC-CG21 sells for 199 Euro (about $250).

Sanyo is preparing to drop another Full HD camcorder into the market in the form of the Xacti VPC-GH4. This compact and lightweight camcorder offers a 10-megapixel 1/2.33-inch CMOS image sensor, a 10x dual range optical zoom lens (video), a 5x optical zoom lens (photo), a 2.7-inch wide LCD display, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a USB 2.0 port, a mini-HDMI port and can capture both 1920 x 1080p Full HD video at 60fps as well as 10-megapixel digital still images. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-GH4 will start shipping later this month for $200.