Advanced Compact Cameras

Konica Minolta’s DiMAGE Z6 is almost identical in design to the Z3 and Z5 models but sports a higher-resolution, 6-megapixel sensor. The 12x optical zoom lens has the same specifications and focusing range and the control layout is identical, so the problems we identified with the SD card slot in the base of the Z3’s body remain unsolved in the Z6; it is still too easy to open inadvertently.

Features and functionality in a compact, well built, high resolution camera, although a few enthusiast functions are limited or absent.For a compact digicam, Canon’s elegant PowerShot S80 provides lots of user-adjustable controls. Although not strictly shirt-pocketable, the S80 is slim enough to slip into a jacket pocket or purse and its retracting 3.6x zoom lens is well protected behind the sliding lens cover/on-off switch. Its sturdy metal body contains an 8-megapixel CCD sensor plus Canon’s DiG!C II image processor and excellent ergonomics make the S80 a satisfying camera to use.

Test shots showed excellent edge-to-edge image sharpness, clearly defined areas of colour and no detectable chromatic aberration, although some blooming was detected in contrasty shots and night shots at ISO 400 had visible image noise.

An easy-to-use, long-zoom digicam with an excellent menu system and effective image stabilisation. Available in silver or black, Panasonic’s new DMC-FZ7 Lumix camera replaces the popular FZ5 and offers a higher-resolution sensor, larger LCD screen and a redesigned body that is slightly larger and heavier. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) has been relocated directly over the lens barrel, where it’s more comfortable to use and your nose is less likely to touch the LCD – an important feature with the enlarged monitor. A new omni-directional joystick makes manual focus and exposure easier to operate and a higher capacity battery allows up to 320 images to be recorded per charge.

High resolution and extended zoom range plus a wide variety of user-operated controls in an SLR-sized camera body.As the ninth model in Panasonic’s ‘FZ’ series of 12x zoom cameras, the DMC-FZ50 is a sizeable step-up from its predecessor, with higher sensor resolution. It also sports a new Venus Engine III image processor chip. The higher-resolution sensor has extended the ‘extra optical zoom’ function to 21.4x at 3.2-megapixel resolution, compared with 19.1x for FZ30, while the new processor has improved overall performance. But otherwise, little has changed.

Available in black or silver, Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FZ5 sports the same Leica 12x optical zoom lens as its successful predecessor, the DMC-FZ20 but, unlike the FZ20, it cannot maintain the f2.8 maximum aperture throughout its full zoom range. With a plastic body that is almost identical to that of the 3-megapixel FZ3, the FZ5 is smaller and roughly 40% lighter and 20% cheaper than the FZ20. The FZ5’s body is well made and feels comfortable in the hands.

Panasonic’s ‘FZ’ series of 12x zoom cameras divides into ‘single digital’ models that are simpler, lighter and more automated and ‘double digit’ models for enthusiasts. The 8-megapixel DMC-FZ30 is the eighth since the release of the DMC-FZ1 in late 2002, making the company something of a long-zoom camera specialist. The new model has plenty to attract enthusiast photographers.

With its smart, ‘titanium’ coloured metal body, 7.1-megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom lens and pop-up flash, the Olympus Camedia C-70 Zoom is an attractive package. It’s small enough to slip in a coat pocket and the large (2.0-inch) ‘sunshine’ LCD screen provides a sharp view that is easier to use in bright conditions than standard LCDs. P, A, S and M shooting modes are supported, along with five scene programs and VGA or QVGA video recording at 30 frames per second, plus voice recording. The 5x optical zoom lens can focus to 2cm in macro mode and up to 6x digital zooming is provided. Playback options are very comprehensive.

A beautifully crafted metal body and M-System styling make Leica’s Digilux 2 stand out from competing cameras – as does its high price tag. Unlike many high-end digicams, where zoom, aperture and focus are accessed via lever/rocker switches or menu settings, on the Digilux 2, these settings are the same as on a film camera. Metering options (centre-weighted, multi-field and spot) are selected via a ring surrounding the shutter button. Click-stops minimise the risk of accidental setting changes. The DC Vario-Summicron lens is big, very fast and distortion-free and its aperture range is much wider than most digicams provide.