Posted on 24. Nov, 2011 by DigiCamMan in Digital Cameras

The new Fujifilm X-S1 is an interesting camera because first it looks like a DSLR and priced like one and second it’s not a DSLR. By industry definition the new Fujifilm X-S1 is a bridge camera that is right between easy to use digital camera and complex (and expensive) DSLR. The X-S1 has a lot of competition for the bridge camera market, there are competing models available from just about every camera maker (most notably Canon has the PowerShot SX40 HS).

Features wise Fujifilm has equipped the new X-S1 well enough to compete and beat most competitors. Most notably the new X-S1 camera packs a 2/3-inch 12 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor and a Fujinon 26x optical zoom lens.

According to Fujifilm their EXR CMOS sensor gives users four options for taking photos, users can switch their X-S1 camer into one of three preset modes (High Resolution, Wide Dynamic Range and High Sensitivity/Low Noise) or they can user the auto EXR Mode that forces the camera to choose the right option (from the three choices) that best suit the current shooting situation. Also the EXR CMOS sensor that Fuji designed is partnered up with a ”high speed EXR processor” that Fujifilm also developed.

Specifications for the built-in optics (unlike a DSLR the lens that comes with the X-S1 is not switchable) include 24-624mm optical zoom range (35mm equivalent), f/2.8 maximum aperture at the wide-angle setting, 17 glass elements, four aspherical elements and two ED lenses. The XS-1 camera also features Intelligent Digital Zoom technology that allows for a 52x digitally manipulated zoom range (35mm equiv. 24-1248mm) to backup the cameras natural 26x optical zoom range.

With the sensor, image processor, and optics the Fujifilm X-S1 is capable of some pretty amazing things. The X-S1 camera will be able to take nice pictures in either JPEG or RAW formats (see full resolution test shots), and the X-S1 camera will be able to capture Full HD video at 30fps with stereo audio.

How much is the new Fujifilm X-S1? Fujifilm says the camera will be available for £699 in the UK in February of 2012. Pricing fhe US has been revealed at this time.

Fujifilm X-S1 key features

• High quality Fujinon 26x optical zoom covering 24-624mm (35mm equivalent) with Intelligent Digital Zoom boosting range up to 1248mm
• Superb build quality and finish with rubberised coating and metal dials
• 12 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor
• Up to 10 frames-per-second shooting
• Large EVF with 1.44 million pixels and 26 degree viewing angle
• Tiltable three-inch rear LCD with Sunny Day mode (460k dots.)
• Full HD 1920x1080p video with 30fps and stereo audio in H.264 format
• PASM modes
• Raw file format
• Film simulation modes
• Macro focusing down to 1cm
• Lithium battery providing up to 500 shots per charge
• Optical image stabilisation
• 360° Motion Panorama mode

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Tags: 1080p, 360 degree panorama, auto-focus system, bridge camera, cmos sensor, digital camera, electronic viewfinder, EVF, EXR processor, EXR-CMOS sensor, extended zoom, Fujifilm, fujifilm finepix, Fujifilm X-S1, full hd, FullHD, h.264, hd, hdmi, image stabilization system, Intelligent Digital Zoom, Intelligent Digital Zoom technology, Macro focusing, Motion Panorama 360° Mode, PASM modes, RAW shooting, rechargeable battery, tilt LCD

PARIS, November 24, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — The review site, dooyoo.co.uk is set to release a visual compilation of selected digital cameras and their accompanying reviews.

The infographic, entitled, ‘What Kind of Shots do you Like Taking’ profiles a series of digital cameras and their specific purpose. Listing the range of essential uses and benefits of each profiled model, dooyoo.co.uk articulates which job the digital camera does best, based on the real-life reviews of real-life consumers.

Six models fit for specific purposes have been included. Action Shots, Water Proof, Long Distance, Portrait, Zoom and Night Shooting are addressed in the digital camera infographic.

The highlighted digital cameras selected are: Samsung WP10, Nikon D500m the Panasonic Inmix DMC F210 and the Fuji Film Fine Pix X 100.

The visual art of the infographic captures the benefits of each model. Landscape and portrait shots are placed amidst a strip of vivid photographs, accompanied by in-depth, detailed reviews.

It is these reviews which truly highlight the art of the dooyoo.co.uk review site. Quotes are insightful, informed and knowledgeable. There is communication from one consumer to another without marketing jargon and sales-pitch tones. The information too, is well-versed and articulate, appealing to those actually using the product. A review discussing the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ10 quotes the suitability of the ‘leica lens’ for the ‘passionate photographer’.

dooyoo.co.uk’s infographic is a concise showcase of the high-profile models discussed on the review site. Additionally, it is a showcase of some of the helpful reviews offered by the site, which serves as the go-to guide for information on some of the biggest and newly launched brands. Prospective buyers can compare prices and benefits across a range of digital cameras.

About dooyoo.co.uk

dooyoo.co.uk is the social shopping website with a strong community that provides information regarding the online shopping experience, including reviews on products and shops, product details, prices and shop details to all online users. dooyoo’s dynamic Internet platform helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions as a result of dooyoo members’ collaborative commitment and involvement. The mixture of services – advice, bargain hunting and professional reviews – offers maximum comfort to everyone shopping online. The exchange of shopping tips and product reviews is the platform’s special value. The dooyooCommunity’s collective intelligence creates up-to-date independent product evaluations of more than 1.5 million products.

Matt Hopkins press@dooyoo.co.uk Phone: +49-30-29-39-50 Fax: +49-30-29-39-55-99 dooyoo UK Limited Matrix House 12-16 Lionel Road Canvey Island Essex SS8 9DE

SOURCE dooyoo.co.uk

Copyright (C) 2011 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Posted on 23. Nov, 2011 by DigiCamMan in Camcorders, Digital Cameras

Low-cost electronics manufacturer Vivitar has unveiled their latest imaging creations with the ViviCam VT135 digital camera and Vivitar DVR 790HD camcorder. Both cameras boast 3D capture but the camcorder is the only model that can provide video and photo 3D support. However the two cameras will both set you back $99 a piece at Target this year. The two cameras are the first 3D consumer cameras released by the Vivitar company.

According to its product page the ViviCam VT135 3D digital camera packs a 12.1MP CCD sensor, 5x optical zoom its two fixed-focus lenses, 2.4″ LCD screen, face detection, anti-shake technology, 720p HD (1280×720) video with 2D support only, Analog Mic, Flash, 16MB of buffer memory, SD card support with up to 32GB of expansion supported –you’ll need to use an SD card for storing all your captures, Vivitar doesn’t include one out-of-box for the VT135 camera–, and a rechargeable lithium battery.

As for the Vivitar DVR 790HD 3D camcorder it’s product page lists a 5.1MP CCD sensor, 4x digital zoom from it’s two fixed-focus lenses, 2.7″ LCD screen (flip-out), face detection, anti-shake, 720p HD (1280×720) video with 3D capture support, TV output ports, HDMI output port, LED light, Analog Mic, 16MB of buffer memory, SD card support with up to 32GB of expansion supported –once again you’ll need to use an SD card for storing all your captures, Vivitar doesn’t include an SD card out-of-box for the DVR 790HD camcorder–, and there is a rechargeable lithium battery.

Each model will be available in multiple color options, the digital camera is listed with eight color options and the camcorder has five options listed. Vivitar should have their digital camera available in Black, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Grey/Silver, Light Pink, Purple, Dark Red, and Dark Yellow at Target stores soon (I’d expect at least Black, Blue and Silver to be available in-store). The 3D camcorder should be available in Black, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Purple, and Dark Yellow at Target stores (don’t expect all colors but you should see something in stores).

[Via] [Vivitar 1, 2]

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Tags: 3D, 3D Camcorder, 3d digital camera, 3D photo, 3D still images, cheap camcorder, cheap digital camera, Target, ViviCam VT135 3D digital camera, ViviCam VT135 digital camera, Vivitar, Vivitar DVR 790HD, Vivitar DVR 790HD 3D camcorder, Vivitar DVR 790HD camcorder, Vivitar ViviCam VT135

At its release, the iPhone 4S was advertised as featuring one of the best cameras incorporated on a smartphone. But, does Apple’s latest iPhone pack a camera good enough to replace your digital camera?

The answer obviously depends on your expectations. A professional photographer would probably never concede that a smartphone can take good enough pictures, while someone on holiday would be happy not having to carry a point and shoot camera.

iPhone 4S’ 8 MP camera with improved lenses and its software enhancements was recently put to the test by ARS Technica against the 5MP iPhone 4, 8MP Samsung Galaxy SII, an 8MP Canon 20D, and a 10MP Olympus XZ-1.

When capturing outdoor images, iPhone 4S camera appeared to match the performance of high end point-and-shoot Olympus XZ-1 and Canon 20D with impressive natural looking display of colours. At a closer look, 100% crops revealed that both iPhones’ images had more noise than the other cameras including the Galaxy S2, though the latter tends to blur the fine details due to its heavy noise filtering.

Shooting indoors proved to be more challenging for iPhone 4S but still was able to compete well against the Canon, though the XZ-1 had superior image quality.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S2 was found to offer no improvement on the iPhone 4, whereas the 4S with its speedy launching, focusing and snapping, as well as image quality is definitely a step up, on a par with the Canon – whilst the Olympus comes top.

“The iPhone 4S offers convenience—light weight, fits in pocket, simple controls—along with competitive, if not excellent, image quality. Unless you need or want full manual control or greater versatility in lens options, the iPhone 4S certainly makes a great photographic tool,” the ARS technica study concludes.

Toys are tops on most holiday wish lists for kids, but the batteries are just as important. They make the toys sing, spin, and shake.

To find out which battery lasts the longest, Consumer Reports tested batteries in digital cameras and we tested batteries in toy monkeys and flashlights. One battery came out on top.

We asked viewers what they thought of batteries, and we heard from a lot of frustrated consumers. ”Pay more for batteries than the game,” Lindasue Zambach wrote on Facebook.

Charlotte Sears-Mihal wrote, “I’m so tired of buying batteries! I’m amazed that with all the technology we have, SOMEONE hasn’t come up with something else.”

Tim Redwine wrote, “My batteries die everyday. So expensive.”

To deal with all this battery burnout, we tested the top selling AA battery. For 3 weeks, we tested flashlights and toy monkeys that move and make noise.

“I have bought so many batteries that it probably would have been cheaper to just buy my sons both cars & made them wait for that ‘toy,’” Kathy Miller said.

We compared our results with testing at Consumer Reports.

“We have a protocol that is designed to use these cameras in a way that mimics average use,” Consumer Reports lab tech, Jeremy Wright said.

Industry Testing

Battery makers said their claims are backed by industry testing known as ANSI, or American National Standards Institute. According to Rayovac, AA batteries are run through nine tests including a digital camera, toy, toothbrush, remote and radio.

Rayovac said devices can vary as much as 20 percent among units of the same make and model.
In ANSI testing, the power is drained intermittently to more accurately reflect the way people use the device. Battery makers said this also accommodates for the design of alkaline batteries, which is not for continuous high-drain use.

Our test

In our unscientific test, we chose five AA brands. We tested Rayovac, Duracell Coppertop, Duracell Ultra Advanced, Energizer Max and Energizer Advanced Lithium.

We loaded the batteries into 25 of the same flashlights — 5 per battery brand — ran our test twice, and averaged our results.

In our flashlight tests, Rayovac’s alkaline battery was consistent and less expensive.

While Rayovac took last place in our flashlight test, the company said ANSI testing shows Rayovac delivers the same performance as other national brands.

In Consumer Reports test, Rayovac earned a “good” ranking. 

Batteries perform differently in monkey test

In our toy monkey test, all the batteries performed better. Some performed better than others. Rayovac jumped two spots, going from last place in our flashlight test to third in our toy monkey test.

In our test, Energizer Max ranked third in our flashlight test and second in our monkey test.

There’s one battery that never changed its ranking. The Energizer Advanced Lithium earned the top spot in all our tests.

Lithium always tops in our test

On average, the Advanced Lithium lasted almost 3 hours longer than any other battery. The Advanced Lithium also scored high in Consumer Reports tests. You just have to look past the price.

You just get a lot more use out of one pair, even though they might cost you more initially,” Wright said.

We paid $1.74 per lithium battery, compared with less than a dollar for all the others we tested.

While lithiums performed well in all our tests, Consumer Reports said be careful which one you buy. The Energizer Advanced took 809 photos in their test. The Energizer Ultimate took just 470 pictures. That’s a big difference in power, but Consumer Reports said the price they paid was about the same.

While lithium is tops, Consumer Reports said it shouldn’t be used in every product.

“Something that is used infrequently and takes only a small amount of current is where alkaline might be better, for example, remote controls or your clock,” Wright said.

Different products yield different results

Our testing found batteries perform differently in every device. For example, Consumer Reports named the Duracell Ultra Advanced the top alkaline battery in its digital camera test.

But in our tests, the Duracell Ultra Advanced performed worse than the cheaper Duracell Coppertop. Our testing was different. We let the devices run continuously, whereas Consumer Reports gave the cameras a break in between snapping photographs.

It all depends on what you’re powering up, and how much you want to spend.

HERMISTON — Due to high demand, another camera class, designed to help photographers learn about basic functions of their digital camera, is being offered. 

Coordinated by Hermiston Parks and Recreation, employees of 60 Minute Photo will provide photo tips and camera information on Wednesdays, from either 2:30-4 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m., beginning Jan. 18 and continuing on Wednesdays through Feb. 8. The sessions will take place at 60 Minute Photo, 1000 N. First St., Hermiston.

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© 2011 East Oregonian. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Canon’s PowerShot A1200 offers a lot–including an optical viewfinder and HD movie capture–for barely $100.

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

With cameras, as with many things in life, you get what you pay for. In the world of point-and-shoots, that generally means you get few features, poorer-quality lenses, slower performance, and more than likely mediocre photo quality. However, there are a few exceptions.

These models were selected because they offer more than you’d typically get for the money. In some cases that means extra shooting options or an optical viewfinder, in others it’s a longer lens or good low-light photos. So, whether you’re just looking for an inexpensive camera for the occasional snapshot, something with the optical zoom that your smartphone camera doesn’t have, or want an ultracompact with a little wow factor, these are worth checking out.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH25
The FH25 is a simple, straightforward point-and-shoot with a nice wide-angle lens with an 8x zoom that still fits easily in a pants pocket. Read the full review.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9
The only camera in this roundup with a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor for better low-light photos and faster shooting performance, the WX9 is an outstanding value. Read the full review.

GE Power Pro X500
GE’s probably not the first–or sixth, even–name you think of when it comes to digital cameras, but the X500 is something of a standout. For as low as $130 you get a wide-angle lens with a 15x zoom, manual and semimanual shooting modes, an electronic viewfinder, and power from AA batteries. Read the full review.

Samsung SH100
Few cameras have built-in Wi-Fi, let alone cameras available for less than $150. The SH100 lets you do some pretty cool things with that wireless, too, and it’s packed with fun shooting features. Read the full review.

Canon PowerShot A1200
The A1200 is a $100 camera with an optical viewfinder and very good photo and HD movie quality, and it’s powered by AA batteries. Read the full review.

Canon PowerShot A800
Canon’s first sub-$100 camera, the A800 doesn’t have a lot of features, but you’d be hard-pressed to find better photo quality at its price. Read the full review.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570
The W570, like its predecessor, the W350, offers a lot of camera for the money. It started off at around $180, but for previous generations the price got significantly smaller heading into the new year and I expect this one to do the same, too. Read the full review.

Looking for specs and pricing? Compare this group of cameras head-to-head.

And if none of these do anything for you, drop by CNET’s digital camera page for more roundups and reviews.

Editor’s note: You’re not having déjà vu. This was originally posted on 11/1/2011 and updated on 11/21 with the W570.

Jeff and Lori Grantham today donated their fifth and sixth cameras to the Jackson Police Department. Jeff Grantham dropped the cameras off and was met with many thanks from officers, he said.

Earlier this year, the Granthams started donating cameras to the police department. They listen to the scanner frequently and noticed officers were always asking other officers to drive cameras to the scenes of crimes.
 
The department had only three cameras before the Granthams got involved. Two were for use by evidence technicians. Only one was for patrol officers, Lt. Elmer Hitt said in September. Budget constraints prevented the department from replacing or buying new cameras.

Each high-resolution camera, selected by the police department, costs the Granthams about $300. They also provide a case and cleaning cloth. The couple saved up whatever money they had left at the end of the month to buy the cameras.

Early next year, the Granthams plan to approach the Jackson Fire Department and ask to help.

More information about the Grantham’s “Cameras for Cops” program is available at their website, www.giftofpain4u.com.

Erica Yen, Taipei; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES [Tuesday 22 November 2011]

Japan-based Nidec Copal has temporarily stopped production of shutters, lens kits and precision motors used in digital cameras at its factory in Thailand due to the impact of flooding. This will cause short supply of such components used in Sony’s, Nikon’s and Samsung’s high-end digital cameras from late November to mid-December 2011 and consequently these vendors’ Taiwan-based ODM makers, Ability Enterprise, Altek and Asia Optical, are expected to see decreased shipments in November and December, according to industry sources in Taiwan.

Nidec Copal is moving production equipment from the factory to other factories, including those in China, and expects to resume production in mid-December, the sources pointed out.

Categories: Storage, peripherals Systems

Tags: Ability Enterprise Altek Asia Optical digital camera ODM shipments Taiwan Thailand

Companies: Ability Enterprise Altek Asia Optical