Other Cameras

An ultra-zoom digicam with HD video recording capabilities and some handy functions for still shooting.Sony has brought its Exmor CMOS technology to the super-zoom arena in the form of the 9.1-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. Styled like a mini-DSLR – but too big to be pocketable – the HX1 is the highest-priced model on the current market. However, it boasts a 20x optical zoom lens plus a couple of features that make it stand out from the crowd, including a Sweep Panorama mode and 10 frames/second continuous shooting speed.

A pleasing long zoom digicam with above-average performance for both still shots and video.Sony has replaced last year’s DSC-H1 long-zoom model with two new cameras, the 7.2-megapixel DSC-H5 and the 6-megapixel DSC-H2. The H5 sits at the top of the range, offering not only higher resolution but a larger LCD and 30 MB of on-board memory. As the built-in memory only holds nine high-resolution shots, you need additional storage in the form of a Memory Stick Duo card (a 1GB card was supplied for our tests).

The DSC-H1 Cyber-shot is Sony’s first entry in the competitive, image-stabilised, ultra-zoom digicam market. Designed for photo enthusiasts, the 5-megapixel H1 provides a generous suite of controls and can record JPEG stills with 4:3 or 3:2 aspect ratios plus MPEG movie clips at 30 frames/second with VGA quality.

[ia] Sony’s Cybershot DSC-F828 has similar ‘SLR-like’ styling to the DSC-F717 but is larger, weighs roughly 250 grams more and its 28-200mm (equivalent) Carl Zeiss T* lens is better integrated into the body, making the camera more comfortable to operate. The lens barrel can be tilted up through 70 degrees and down to 30 degrees and has rings for zooming and focusing. The mode dial carries P, A, S, M and full auto positions, movie and playback modes, plus a scene setting covering landscape, portrait, twilight and twilight portrait shots. Three AF settings are provided: multi-point, centre AF, and flexible spot AF, selected via the joystick multi-selector. Sony’s NightShot and NightFraming modes are included, the former delivering a grainy monochrome image captured in infrared light and the latter using the hologram emitter to provide a range for the focusing system and flash.

An easy-to-use long-zoom digicam with optical image stabilisation and functions to suit family snapshooters. Kodak’s EasyShare Z812 IS sports an 8.2-megapixel imager and optically-stabilised Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon 12x zoom lens, which covers angles of view equivalent to 36-432mm in 35mm format. A 2.5-inch ‘indoor/outdoor’ LCD cover much of the rear panel and the camera supports auto, P, A, S and M shooting modes plus a ‘Smart Scene’ mode that evaluates the scene and automatically selects the best scene mode and sensitivity setting.

A low-priced long-zoom digicam that can also record high-definition video clips.Kodak’s EasyShare Z1015 IS is the flagship model of the Z-series digicams, offering both the longest zoom range, the largest LCD monitor and raw file capture as well as P, A, S and M shooting modes. Featuring a 10-megapixel image sensor and 15x optical zoom lens plus sensor-shift stabilisation, it is competitively priced at $399 and comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

An SLR-sized camera with advanced shooting capabilities.Fujifilm’s FinePix S100fs (the ‘fs’ tag stands for film simulation) is targeted at amateur photographers who want the manual controls and functionality of a DSLR without the hassle of interchangeable lenses. However, although the 11.1-megapixel S100fs is similar in size to some entry-level DSLRs, its image sensor remains significantly smaller (see below). On the plus side, the 14.3x optical zoom range on the Fujifilm camera is vastly wider than the 3x optical zoom range on most DSLRs’ kit lenses. It also offers video recording capabilities. On the minus side, it’s about 160 grams heavier than the D60 with the 18-55mm VR kit lens.

An SLR-styled, digicam with a 14.x3 optical zoom lens that uses new sensor technology to create superior image quality from a consumer-level compact camera.Fujifilm’s new FinePix S200EXR replaces the S100FS model at the top of the company’s Advanced digicam line-up. Equipped with the same 14.3x zoom lens as its predecessor, the new model introduces the company’s 12-megapixel Super CCD EXR sensor, which combines with the S200EXR processor to produce superior image quality.

Essentially an EX-P600 with a 7.2-megapixel CCD, Casio’s Exilim EX-P700 has the same Canon lens, 2-inch LCD monitor and overall control layout as its predecessor. Two settings have been added to the Best Shot Menu, one for shooting business cards and the other for photographing whiteboards and other large displays. In each case, the function automatically counteracts any keystoning and records the subject as a rectangle. The P700 also includes the Icon Help and Business Shot functions found on the latest Casio digicams. In the former, on-screen pop-ups guide the user when switching settings, while the latter automatically re-aligns photos taken at an angle.

A high-resolution, 20x zoom digicam that offers a wide range of adjustable controls plus 720p HD video recording with stereo soundtracks.Replacing the PowerShot SX10 IS at the top of Canon’s super-zoom range, the PowerShot SX20 IS has higher resolution than its predecessor and includes the ability to record video clips in widescreen, high-definition (1280 x 720 pixel) format. Otherwise, little has changed in the new model. With its SLR-like styling and large hand-grip, the SX20 IS is targeted at photo enthusiasts who want a cheaper, more compact camera for travelling – or even everyday use.