Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93

Sony’s DSC-P93 Cyber-shot has the same 5-megapixel sensor as the DSC-P100 but a ‘Sony’ lens that only focuses to 10cm in macro mode. It also uses rechargeable AA batteries and is only available in one colour. Minor cosmetic differences include a slightly thicker body with the mode dial moved to the top panel, and a smaller LCD monitor. No remote control is supplied. The P93 has the same auto and pre-set scene modes plus Program AE and manual settings, and the same video options.

Ricoh GR Digital

8 Rating

A traditionalist’s digicam with a compact body that is beautifully designed and built, and accepts some handy accessories. Imaging performance is above average.Fixed focal length lens notwithstanding, Ricoh’s GR Digital camera is a serious bit of gear with plenty to attract quality-focused photographers who want a pocketable camera. Designed on the basis of the 9-year-old Ricoh GR film camera it combines an elegantly constructed and well-built body with a fast (f/2.4), high-quality lens and high-resolution CCD sensor. The camera’s magnesium-alloy chassis is rubber-coated to provide a secure grip and it sports a bright 2.5-inch monitor and well-designed control layout.

Ricoh Caplio GX8

Ricoh’s neat little Caplio GX8 is based on the 5-megapixel Caplio GX model and sports the same 3x optical zoom lens. With its 8-megapixel sensor, flash hot shoe and suite of manual controls, it’s targeted more at the quality-conscious intermediate photographer than the novice and it comes with a classy suede-like carrying pouch.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3

8 Rating

A very compact, extended-zoom digicam that would be an excellent choice for travellers.Panasonic has released two updates to last year’s DMC-TZ1 model, which we reviewed in June 2006: the 6-megapixel DMC-TZ2 and the 7.2-megapixel DMC-TZ3 (which is reviewed here). Both have the same 10x optical zoom lens, which covers a focal length range equivalent to 28-280mm in 35mm format but the TZ1’s 2.5-inch LCD monitor has been replaced in the TZ3 by a 3.0-inch display that fills three quarters of the back panel. No viewfinder is provided.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1

8.5 Rating

Compact and 10x zoom makes the TZ1 a good choice for travellers.Claimed as the smallest 10x zoom digital camera on the market, Panasonic’s 5-megapixel DMC-TZ1 recently received the T.I.P.A. Award for the best ‘Superzoom’ digital camera in Europe. Among the reasons cited for the win are the camera’s Optical Image Stabiliser (which is found in all Panasonic digicams) and the new Venus Engine III processor. The ‘unlimited’ burst mode, which lets users fire off a burst of shots at half-second intervals until the memory is full, also got a Guernsey, as did the integrated retractable lens system with its folded optics technology.