Advanced Compact Cameras

Panasonic’s new DMC-FX8 Lumix camera is an upgrade to the FX7 model released a year ago. It has the same 3x optical/4x digital zoom lens, 2.5-inch LCD monitor and 5-megapixel CCD sensor and also features Panasonic’s Mega O.I.S image stabilisation system. Body dimensions and weight are also unchanged, although some minor cosmetic adjustments have been made to styling.

Essentially identical to the Coolpix S1 model, which was released mid-year, the slightly heavier, 5.1-megapixel Coolpix S2 features a splashproof aluminium alloy body that allows it to be used in challenging weather conditions – but is not actually waterproof. The camera should never be immersed in water, although a scattering of raindrops should do no harm and can be easily wiped off.

Stabilised optics and some neat shooting modes make this a good choice for family snapshooters.Although Nikon’s 8.1-megapixel Coolpix P4 is a very capable point-and-shoot digicam, with more user-adjustable controls than many competitors, it can’t compete with the slimline models for pocketability and style. However, its 3.5x optical zoom lens reaches further and the new lens shift-based Vibration Reduction (VR) system helps to compensate for the camera’s limited ISO range.

An attractive-looking, pocketable digicam with some useful features for family photographers and an excellent software bundle.The Leica C-Lux 1 has so much in common with Panasonic’s DMC-FX01 model that we suspect both cameras came from the same factory – readers may wish to check the review of the FX01 on this site to see how they compare. Both cameras have the same minimalist styling, with much of the rear panel covered by a 2.5-inch LCD, which doubles as a viewfinder. Both models are based on a 6-megapixel imager coupled to a Leica-branded 3.6x optical zoom lens (28-102mm equivalent in 35mm format) with integrated Mega O.I.S. image stabilisation.

A high-performance Four Thirds system DSLR with SSWF dust reduction and live viewing plus an articulated LCD monitor.Panasonic’s second DSLR camera, the 10.0-megapixel Lumix DMC-L10 is far more conventional-looking than its predecessor. It’s also lighter and provides some of the features that have made the Lumix name popular with digicam buyers, such as an LCD monitor that can rotate through 270 degrees, an Intelligent ISO setting, a range of Scene pre-sets and a straightforward user interface. A dedicated Function button provides quick access to key camera settings.

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.

Panasonic’s new Lumix DMC-LX1 camera is unique in having a CCD sensor that delivers its full 8.4-megapixel resolution for shots taken with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Designed to produce shots for display on the latest ‘widescreen’ TV sets and monitors, the LX1 has a slider on the lens barrel that lets users set the capture aspect ratio to 3:2 or conventional 4:3.

The quality of both still shots and movie clips was unexceptional. Many JPEG images lacked sharpness and colours, though accurate, were somewhat saturated. The exposure system was patchy and outdoor shots were rather contrasty. Flash performance was adequate but low-light shots had visible noise and some stuck pixels. The C-60’s response times were average, although it took around five seconds to start up, which is pretty slow. Capture lag was consistent at 0.7 seconds, with shutter lag averaging 0.2 seconds.

On test, the C-760 delivered images that were clear, with accurate colour but slightly boosted saturation and contrast. Metering favoured shadows over highlights. No fringing was detected in backlit shots. Stuck pixels were abundant in exposures over five seconds. White balance performance was good, except with incandescent lighting. Response times were below average.

Nikon’s 8-megapixel Coolpix P1 and similarly-featured 5.1-megapixel Coolpix P2, along with Kodak’s EasyShare-One, are the first Wi-Fi cameras to go on sale in Australia. With the growing popularity of home wi-fi networks, the concept looks appealing: a camera that can be wirelessly connected to your computer from anywhere in your home. However, making it happen isn’t as easy as you might think!