Recent
reviews and features
DESCRIPTION:
Nikon Coolpix S550 and S600
And two new 10-megapixel Nikon Coolpix cameras
 For those who want 10 megapixel resolution and are willing to pay a bit more for some cool features, Nikon inroduced the Coolpix S550 and S600. Both are very small and light and fit into any pocket. The US$229 Coolpix S550 has a 5X optical zoom, letting you get that much closer. The US$299 S600 has a larger 2.7-inch LCD, is among the quickest cameras around, has optical vibration reduction, and a 4X 28-112mm optical zoom that lets you shoot wide angle, and you get to go as close as 1.2 inches with the macro.
Read review of
the Nikon Coolpix S550 and the Nikon Coolpix S600 .
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DESCRIPTION:
Nikon Coolpix S210 and S520
Two new 8-megapixel Nikon Coolpix cameras
 Nikon introduced two new 8-megapixel S-series Coolpix cameras. The US$179 S210's primary claim to fame is its slender, sexy body that's just 0.7 inches thin. It also weighs next to nothing and fits anywhere. Yet, it has a large and razor-sharp 2.5-inch LCD that remains quite readable outdoors thanks to an anti-reflection coating. The design is clean and uncluttered, and the four available colors are quite attractive. The US$229 aluminum-bodied S520 is a bit thicker and heavier. It has active lens shift vibration reduction that eliminates most blur when you zoom and it can be used both for still pictures and for movies.
Read review of
the Nikon Coolpix S210 and the Nikon Coolpix S520 .
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DESCRIPTION:
Olympus Stylus 850 SW and 1030 SW
Two new tough and rugged Olympus Stylus models
  Olympus introduced two new cameras in its SW (Shock & Waterproof) series. The US$299 Stylus 850 SW is a 8-megapixel camera that's waterproof to ten feet, can survive drops of five feet, and freezing temperatures. It's designed for all sorts of outoors activities including skiing and snorkeling. The US$399 10-megapixel Stylus 1030 SW is tougher yet. You can go diving with it, down to 33 feet (and probably more), drop it from almost seven feet, subject it to extreme temperatures, dust, sand, whatever. It also has a terrific hi-res 2.7-inch LCD and a 3.6X 28-102mm optical zoom that enables wide angle photography.
Read review of
the Olympus Stylus 850 SW and the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW.
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DESCRIPTION:
Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1
Superfast burst mode and movies in 12X zoom
 Casio's corporate slogan is "Expect the Unexpected," but even so, few would have expected the Pro EX-F1 from the company famous for its attractive little ultra-slim cameras. What is the EX-F1? A fairly large 6-megapixel camera with a 12X optical zoom and, according to Casio, the world's fastest burst shooting performance. How fast? Up to 60 frames per second in full resolution burst mode, and up to 1,200 frames per second in high-speed movies! And also 1920 x 1080 stereo movies at 60 frames per second.
Read review of
the Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1.
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DESCRIPTION:
Casio Exilim EX-Z100 and EX-Z200
Two more new 10-megapixel Casios
 Casio added two more stylish and attractive 10-megapixel cameras to its lineup. The Exilim EX-Z100 and EX-Z200 come in a variety of colors, have a high-res 2.7-inch display, all the goodies of the latest generation of Casios (800 x 480 pixel movies at 30fps, auto-shutter, face recognition, and digital image stabilization. They have a 28-112mm 4X optical zoom that allows wide angle shooting. No manual modes, but 39 scene modes cover about everything. The difference between the two is that the US$299 EX-Z200 has CCD-shift active anti-blur technology and the US$279 EX-Z100 does not.
Read review of
the Casio Exilim EX-Z10 and EX-Z200.
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DESCRIPTION:
Casio Exilim EX-Z80
Even smaller and lighter than ever before
 The 8.1 megapixel Casio Exilim EX-Z80, available in six colors, replaces the EX-Z77 as the entry level model in Casio's "Zoom" series. It's even smaller and lighter than its predecessor, can record 848 x 480 pixel movies at 30 frames per second and uses H.264/AAC recording for easy play back on iPods and automatic upload to YouTube. There is advanced face recognition that can even detect a smile, and a special "auto shutter" mode detects movement and can automatically take blue-free pictures. The EX-Z80 lists for US$199.95.
Read review of
the Casio Exilim EX-Z80.
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DESCRIPTION:
Casio Exilim EX-S10
A sexy, ultra-slim 10 megapixel Casio
 The ultra-slim (just 0.55 inches) stainless-steel bodied Exilim EX-S10 is
Casio's first Card-series 10 megapixel camera. It's available in red, blue, black and silver, has a high-res 2.7 inch wide-format LCD, and can record 848 x 480 pixel movies at 30 frames per second. The S10, which lists for US$249, uses H.264/AAC recording and can easily play back on iPods and in iTunes/iLife'08. There are 36 scene modes (including YouTube and eBay), face recognition and a special "auto shutter" that shoots a picture when your hands don't shake or the subject stops moving.
Read review of
the Casio Exilim EX-S10.
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REVIEW:
Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd
Stylish, ultra-compact 8-megapixel camera with advanced features
With the Z100fd, Fujifilm offers its most advanced "Z" series camera yet. It is a small and slender 8-megapixel camera with eye-catching design and color options. The fully internal 5X optical zoom means no annoying lens barrel protruding from the camera. A combination xD Picture Card and standard SD card slot provides more storage options. The Fuji Super CCD HR imager makes for excellent picture quality, and the camera has both mechanical and digital image stabilization. The Z100fd lists for US$249.99, far less than older "Z"series top of the line cameras, but at the high end of 8-megapixel consumer cameras. Its performance and features justify the price.
Read review of
the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd.
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FULL REVIEW:
Eye-Fi wireless 2GB SD Card
Brings WiFi to all cameras!
There are cameras with built-in WiFi, but wouldn't it be nice to be able to add wireless to any digital camera? You can do that with the amazing Eye-Fi card that combines 802.11b/g wireless with a nice 2GB of storage capacity. The bright-orange card looks just like a standard SD card and fits into any camera that uses the SD card format. The software loads automatically, has a browser-based interface, and you can upload to your PC or Mac and/or almost 20 photo sharing sites. How much does it cost? US$99.99 retail.
Read full review of
the Eye-Fi 2GB wireless SD Card.
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DESCRIPTION AND SPECS:
Nikon Coolpix S510 and S700
Nikon Style in stainless steel and brushed aluminum
Almost everyone now offers lots of megapixel and a slew of advanced features at very low cost, so manufacturers have been forced to differentiate low and high end cameras in different ways. The current approach is to have different "families" of cameras, with each appealing to a different group of customers. The new stainless steel 8.1 megapixel Coolpix S510 (US$299.95) and brushed aluminum 12.1 megapixel S700 (US$379.99), combine sophisticated elegance with advanced technology and speed.
Read descriptions and specs of
the Nikon Coolpix S510,
and the Nikon Coolpix S700.
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DESCRIPTION AND SPECS:
Nikon Coolpix S51C
Two Performance Series Nikon Coolpix cameras
The 8.1 megapixel Coolpix S51c is an elegant, small and handy camera with a fully internal 3X zoom. It offers an interesting feature in its built-in wireless connection that lets you send and store pictures. It primarily connects to Nikon's own my Picturetown service, which limits choices. The camera is small enough to fit anywhere, yet has a very large and razor-sharp 3.0-inch LCD that remains quite readable outdoors thanks to an anti-reflection coating. The design is clean and uncluttered,and the camera offers full voice recording, VGA movies with sound, and active lens shift vibration reduction that eliminates most blur when you zoom. It also includes a slew of Nikon's in-camera goodies and technologies.
Read descriptions and specs of
the Nikon Coolpix S51c.
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DESCRIPTION AND SPECS:
Nikon Coolpix P50 and P5100
Two Performance Series Nikon Coolpix cameras
Those who want more power and versatility than point & shooters offer will be interested in two new "performance series" cameras from Nikon. The Coolpix P50 (US$229.95) is a small and handy 8.1 megapixel camera with some manual control, face recognition, red-eye reduction and electronic vibration reduction. The 12.1 megapixel Coolpix P5100 (US$379.95) offers full manual control, a high-resolution 2.5-inch LCD and true optical lens-shift image stabilization. Both have optical viewfinders to complement their LCDs, have 16 scene modes, and fit into most pockets in spite of their considerable power.
Read descriptions and specs of
the Nikon Coolpix P50,
and the Nikon Coolpix P5100.
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DESCRIPTION AND SPECS:
Nikon Coolpix L14 and L15
Two inexpensive Nikon Coolpix cameras
If you want a really inexpensive Coolpix camera, the L14 fits the bill. It is simple and easy to use, yet takes good pictures. For a bit more you can get the L15 that has a larger, higher res LCD and optical image stabilization.
Read descriptions and specs of
the Nikon Coolpix L14,
and the Nikon Coolpix L15.
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REVIEW:
Olympus SP-560UZ and Stylus 790SW
An 18X ultra-zoom camera and one that's shock and waterproof
If you want to get maximum zoom AND get as close as possible AND get dual image stabilization and tons of features, the Olympus SP-560UZ delivers. The shock, freeze and waterproof Stylus 790SW is the perfect companion for sports and outoor use.
Read descriptions and specs of
the Olympus SP-560UZ,
and the Olympus Stylus 790SW.
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REVIEW:
Olympus Stylus 820, 830, 1200
Three new elegant Stylus cameras
The Stylus lineup gets the 8-megapixel 820 with a big LCD and 5X optical zoom, the 8-megapixel 830 with dual image stabilization, and the 12-megapixel 1200.
Read descriptions and specs of
the Olympus Stylus 820, the
Olympus Stylus 830, and the Olympus Stylus 1200.
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REVIEW:
Olympus FE-280, FE-290, FE-300
Three interesting, inexpensive Olympus "easy & fun" cameras
As part of its Summer 2007 lineup, Olympus introduced the superslim 8-megapixel FE-280; the FE-290 with a big 3-inch display, 4X optical zoom and a wide-angle lens; and the 12-megapixel FE-300.
Read descriptions and specs of
the Olympus FE-280, the
Olympus FE-290, and the Olympus FE-300.
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REVIEW:
Pentax T30 and W30
Two more Optios, one with a touchscreen and one waterproof
Two more Optios complete the review of thee current 2007 30-Series models from Pentax.
The Optio T30 may look like just another sleek, elegant 7.1 megapixel digicam, but it sports an innovative touchscreen interface for fast, easy operation.
If you speend a lot of time near, on, or under water, the waterproof Optio W30 fits the bill.
Read reviews of
the Pentax Optio T30, and the
Optio W30.
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REVIEW:
Pentax A30, E30, and M30
A remarkable trio from one of the world's great camera makers
We review the entry-level 7.1 megapxel Pentax Optio E30 which offers a lot of bang for very little money;
the sleek and elegant 7.1 megapixel Pentax Optio M30 that looks like a million dollars;
and the remarkable 10 megapixel Pentax Optio A30 with face recognition, intelligent zoom, and superb blur-reduction technology.
Read reviews of
the Pentax Optio E30,
Optio M30, and
Optio A30.
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REVIEW:
Olympus Evolt E-330 with PT-E02 Underwater Housing System
Impressive, affordable digital SLR with Live View.
 Digital SLRs are getting better and less expensive, and they are getting lots of useful new features. The Olympus Evolt-330 is a 7.5 megapixel dSLR with a terrific wide viewing angle LCD that provides live preview. It also features dust reduction technology so you don't get specks and dirt onto the mirror when you change lenses. We extensively tested the E-330 not only on land, but also underwater with its optional waterproof housing.
Read
review of the 7.5 megapixel Olympus Evolt E-330 digital SLR and its underwater housing
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REVIEW:
Olympus Stylus 770 SW
Waterproof, Shockproof. Temperatureproof. Crushproof.
 Don't want the bulk of a dedicated underwater camera housing? Then consider the 7.1 megapixel Olympus Stylus 770 SW that's waterproof to 33 feet, has a terrific wide-viewing-angle 2.5-inch LCD and is still small enough to fit into any pocket. And it's also shockproof, crushproof and can handle temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. We extensively tested the 770 underwater and took it down to almost 70 feet. No problem.
Read
review of the wateproof 7.1-megapixel Olympus Stylus 770 SW
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REVIEW:
Olympus SP-510UZ
For when getting close matters
 The Olympus SP-510UZ is a camera to consider when you need something fairly light and small that let's you get close, 10x optical zoom close. Reviewer Carol Cotton Walker says she'd quite likely put it in her purse and take it everywhere she goes. She also took some killer pictures with it. However, make sure you study the manual and spend an hour or so learning the many functions of this interesting camera. Both beginners and advanced photographers will like this ultra-zoom Olympus that grows on you the more you use it.
Read
review of the 7.1-megapixel Olympus SP-510UZ with 10X zoom
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REVIEW:
Casio Exilim EX-Z1000
What's it like to have a 10 megapixel compact?
 In April of 2006, the Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 was the first announced 10-megapixel compact. Apart from the stunning resolution at a very reasonable price it offers a terrific 2.8-inch wide screen, a sleek and slender body, and no fewer than 36 shooting modes. It also has great battery life and sports a frendly, ergonomic design. But did Casio truly take advantage of scoring this historic first? We've been shooting with the Z1000 for several months, so read our review of the Exilim Z1000 and find out
Read
review of the 10-megapixel Casio EX-Z1000
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STATUS:
Where digital cameras stand the end of 2006
With so many megapixels for so cheap, what separates digital cameras these days?
We get to play with hundreds of digital cameras every year. We review them all for you, so you can make more informed buying decisions. That is especially important these days where seemingly every digicam has 5 to 8 megapixel and costs very little. So what separates them? Read our overview to learn what to look out for when you buy.
Read
state of digital cameras end of 2006/start of 2007
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REVIEW:
Nikon Coolpix P3
A Nikon Coolpix with built-in wireless LAN!
 The Nikon Coolpix P3, a compact 8.1 megapixel digital camera that packs considerable power and some notable features such as an active vibration reduction mode and 802.11b/g wireless communication. That is the same wireless LAN notebook computers have and it can make transferring and printing pictures a lot easier. How does it work? And how good is the vibration reduction mode?
Read
Nikon Coolpix P3 review
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REVIEW:
Casio Exilim Z850
Casio messes with success: now more megapixel at a lower price!
 The Casio EX-Z750 won our last ultra-slim roundup of no fewer than 13 contestants with an almost perfect score. Last summer Casio replaced it with the Exilim Z850, which is part of their "Zoom" line of cameras. It looks almost identical, has 8.1 instead of 7.2 megapixel, longer battery life, and costs less. We've road-tested the Z850 for several months. Is it the same homerun the Z750 was?
Read
Casio Exilim EX-Z850 review
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REVIEW:
Fujifilm FinePix A600
Are 6-megapixel and a nice LCD and a low price enough to win you over?
 Fuji added the 6-megapixel A600 and the 7-megapixel A700 to its lineup of inexpensive entry level cameras. We spent time with the A600 and found much to like. It takes above-average pictures, has a nice 2.4-inch LCD and is ultra-simple to use. It has a few shortcomings as well, though. See if it'd make sense for you!
Read
Fuji FinePix A600 review
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REVIEW:
Casio Exilim S770
Casio's sexy card camera now with a 2.8-inch wide screen
 If you want the slimmest, sexiest digital camera around, take a look at Casio's "Card" series. We loved the stunning S500 and S600, but the Exilim S770 has a much larger, much higher resolution screen and a 7.2MB imager. Despite the big 2.8-inch wide screen, the S770 is just a little larger than its lesser siblings. What does it offer? A lot. Is it for you?
Read
Casio S770 review
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REVIEWS:
Fujifilm FinePix F650 and FinePix F20
5X optical zoom and giant LCD, or ISO 2000 plus high tech?
  We're reviewing two 6-megapixel cameras from Fuji, both in roughly the same price range. The FinePix F650 has a 5X zoom, an awesome 3-inch LCD and terrific ergonomics. The F20 is smaller and lighter, has "only" a 2.5-inch display and a 3X zoom, but steps up to bat with very high ISO 2000 sensitivity and lots of Fuji's highest technology. Read what each camera offers, then decide.
Read
FinePix F20 review and
FinePix F650 review
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REVIEW:
Samsung Pro815
SLR-style camera with giant LCD and 15X optical zoom
 With the 8-megapixel Samsung Pro815 attempts to blow the SLR-style competition out of the water. We're talking 3.5-inch LCD, secondary LCD, high-res electronic viewfinder, a powerful Li-Ion battery good for up to 450 images, and a huge 15X optical zoom that can go up to 60X via digital magnification. Can the big Samsung live up to expectations
Read
More...
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REVIEW:
Fujifilm FinePix S9100
9 megapixel and 10.7X optical zoom
 The Fuji S9100 is one of those cameras people constantly mistake for a single lens reflex model. It's as big as a SLR and looks like a SLR, but it's not a SLR. It's what could be called a fixed-lens SLR-style camera. What does the big Fuji offer and why should you pick it over a digital SLR, or not?
Read
More...
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ROUNDUP:
three inexpensive Olympus point & shooters
What do Olympus' 6-megapixel "Easy & Fun" compacts offer and which is the best?
Our flurry of Olympus digital camera reviews continues.
This time we did a roundup of three of the company's "Easy & Fun" FE Series models. All cost below US$200, all have 6 megapixel, a 3X optical zoom, and a nice 2.5-inch LCD. So what makes them different and which one should you pick? We found some surprising answers and a clear winner!
Read
More...
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REVIEW:
Olympus Stylus 750
7.1 megapixel, big zoom, and dual image stabilization.
 Olympus offers the almost identical Stylus 740 and 750, both handy little 7.1 megapixel point & shooters that you can get an optional deepwater case for. So what's the difference between the
two and what do you pay fifty extra bucks for? That'd be the 750's dual image stabilization that really works!
Read
More...
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REVIEW:
Olympus Stylus 740 with deepwater case
Thinnest 5X optical zoom camera in its class.
 The Stylus 740 is a terrific little camera in its own right. 5X optical zoom, very high res 2.5-inch LCD, light and handy. We primarily tested it 70 feet underwater, with an alligator swimming above us.
Yikes. All you have to do is get the optional PT-034 Underwater Case and you, too, can (try to) shoot like Jacques Cousteau did.
Read
More...
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REVIEW:
Olympus Stylus 720 SW with deepwater case
A sleek 7 megapixel camera you can drop and take underwater.
Underwater photography is a very special experience. You're taking pictures of things that most people never get to see at all in person and certainly
not through a camera lens. Taking a camera down under to shoot sea creatures, other divers, reefs, landscapes, wrecks, caverns -- it all ranks right up there among the very special things in life.
Read
More...
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ROUNDUP
11 Sub-$300 Cameras
Get a Lot For Very Little: We tested 11 inexpensive digital cameras.
The prices of digital cameras have come way down over the past couple of years. As a result, you can get more for your money than ever before.
We're testing and comparing 11 cameras under US$300 in a comprehensive roundup and discover some amazing bargains, some duds, and a unanimous winner.
Read
More...
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FEATURE
This iPod Does Video
Phenomenally successful music
player effortlessly morphs into a personal media player.
Next stop: Hollywood.
This is going to be hard. It's going to be hard to maintain
the standard editorial distance I am supposed to have
when I review a product. The new video-capable iPod is
astonishingly good. It just doesn't seem possible for
an object so slim and beautiful to do so much, so well.
It's just not right that it has so quickly become a part
of my life. This is going to be hard.
Read
More...
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ROUNDUP
Thin Zoom Digital Camera Roundup
The latest ultra-thin digital
cameras are marvels of technology.
"You can never be too rich or too thin," they say. Only
a fortunate (very) few ever get the chance to personally
form an opinion on whether one can indeed not ever be
too rich, but the thin thing is with us wherever we go.
Even with cameras. Unshackled from the limitation of having
to accommodate a comparatively huge 35-mm film cartridge,
the digital camera industry has apparently gone on a quest
to see just how thin a digital camera they can make.
Read
More...
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FEATURE
Answers To Your Top 15 Questions: DSLR Buying Guide
Ready to step up from point-&
shoots? Here's what you need to know.
Thinking of buying a Digital SLR with that spare thousand
bucks you have hanging around? Here are the top 15 questions
I get asked from readers who want to choose wisely. Only
cameras that have interchangeable lenses and through-the-lens
(non-electronic) viewing are covered here. Read on and
pick a camera that's best for your needs.
Read
More...
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TUTORIAL
How To Create A Still Life
Stay home, save gas, get creative.
When the weather outside turns frightful, stay inside
and shoot a still life. What's a still life? It's simply
a creative arrangement of objects which you design. You've
probably seen classical still life paintings such as flower
arrangements or bowls of fruit with fish or fowl in the
scene. While these are more traditional still life subjects,
yours should be limited only by your imagination.
At
newsstands 01/24/2006
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PICTORIAL
Jon's World
Looking for photographic inspiration?
Let Jon Cox take you on a world tour
Looking for photographic inspiration? Take a long look
at the work of Jon Cox, our friend and a longtime contributor
to DCM. This issue, we present his pictures without the
usual 1000 words. ~DM
At
newsstands 01/24/2006
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Full Features February 2006 Issue
ROUNDUP
LCD Flat Panels: 19" - 21"
The war is over and flat panels
won. Here are six contenders for your desk
As a photographer, whether you are a hobbyist or a professional,
the time has come to literally look at your computer monitor
in a new way.
Read
More...
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TUTORIAL
Create a Lulu of a Photo Calendar for 2006
Building the perfect photo calendar,
just in time for the new year
Calendars are great for showing off your pictures but
grinding them out slowly on an inkjet printer and laboriously
assembling each one by hand isn,t my idea of fun. It's
not cheap, either.
Read
More...
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TUTORIAL
Snapshots to Superb Shots
How to take the ordinary and
turn it into something extraordinary
It,s easy to fall into snapshot mode, especially when
you,re traveling. However, with a little effort you can
turn your snapshots into superb shots. Photographing people
on the go isn't as difficult as you may think.
Read
More...
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ROUNDUP
Long Zoom Digital Cameras
We tested eight mid-priced models
with 5x and greater zoom range
8 state-of-the-art big zoom digital cameras. All have 5X
optical zoom or better. Some up to 12X. Some are large,
some are small. All are quite affordable. We tell you
which is best overall, best for big zoom work, and best
to just take along with you.
Read
More...
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TUTORIAL
Brilliant Frame
Try a backlit picture frame and
watch people light up
I have a short, dark, hallway with no overhead lighting
nor any room for a table with a lamp on it. It's been
bugging me for years, especially since there's some wall
space at the end of it that would be a perfect place to
hang a photo.
Read
More...
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