Inspiring ways to improve your photos
Inspiring ways to improve your photos
Photo Review Reviews section
The third model in Canon’s consumer HD camcorder line-up, the HR10 records high-definition video on mini DVD disks.Canon’s new HR10 high-definition video camcorder has many features in common with the HG10 and HV20 models we have already reviewed. All three have the same optically-stabilised 10x optical zoom lens and 1920 x 1080 True Progressive HD CMOS sensor. But instead of recording to tape or hard disk drive, the HR10 uses 8cm mini DVD disks as its recording media.
A compact digital camcorder that records AVCHD format high-definition video direct to a 40GB internal hard disk drive.In Canon’s new HG10 digital video camera we see many of the components of the HV20 camcorder, which we reviewed in May. Both models use the same high definition camera system, which combines a 1920 x 1080 True Progressive HD CMOS sensor with an optically-stabilised 10x optical zoom lens. Instead of recording to tape, however, the HG10 has a 40GB internal hard disk drive (HDD) and offers AVCHD format, direct-to-HDD recording.
An ultra-compact high-definition camcorder that records to SDHC memory cards and features a 12x optical zoom lens.Weighing less than 500 grams and small enough to slip into a jacket pocket, Canon’s HF10 is the first HD camcorder from the company that records video on removable flash memory. Previous models have been based on MiniDV, hard disk and DVD media. Significantly smaller and lighter than its ‘cousins’, the HF10 comes with 16GB of internal memory that can store up to six hours of video recorded at the highest quality setting. So purchasers can start recording video clips without having to buy a memory card.
Similar in shape, size and rangefinder-like styling to the 5-megapixel DSC-W1 model, Sony’s new DSC-W7 has a 7.2-megapixel CCD sensor, 32 MB of internal memory plus some additional exposure options, notably the addition of a centre-weighted metering mode and a new Snow scene setting in the Scene menu. The W7 was released just after a 5-megapixel model, the DSC-W5 (RRP $599), with identical features but lower resolution.
A compact camcorder that combines high still picture resolution with widescreen DVD video recording.We’ve not yet reviewed many video camcorders but Canon’s DC51 has a 5-megapixel imager and offers some handy features for photographers. The new model is an upgrade to the DC40, with the same 6.1-61mm lens and still picture storage to Mini SD cards. Like its predecessor, it records video to 8cm DVDs, although the new model can use both single- and dual-layer disks, while the DC40 was single-layer only. It also includes optical image stabilisation, whereas the DC40 has electronic.
A pocketable long-zoom digicam with a 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens plus innovative in-camera editing functions.The WB500 is the flagship model of a new series of Samsung digicams that introduce a new Perfect Portrait System, which includes Face Detection, Beauty Shot and Smile and Blink Detection modes. Equipped with a 10.2 megapixel sensor and Schneider-Kreuznach 24-240mm 10x optical zoom lens, it sports a 2.7-inch LCD screen and provides a range of shooting modes, including High Definition (HD) movie recording.
A well-built slimline camera with a 7x optical zoom lens, novel user interface and plenty of user-adjustable controls.Superficially, Samsung’s new NV7 OPS resembles the recently-reviewed ultra-slim NV10 model but sports a longer, 7x optical zoom lens and lower-resolution (7.2-megapixel) sensor. Its black metal body has the same ‘quality’ feel as the 10-megapixel NV10 but the lens (which is also made by Schneider-Kreuznach) does not tuck into the camera body but projects forwards about 36 mm. An attractive zip-up camera case is supplied with the camera but the plastic lens cap (also supplied) detracts from the overall quality of the package.
A well-built compact digicam with an attractive range of shooting modes for more experienced photographers.Almost identical to the NV7 OPS we reviewed in October 2006, Samsung’s new NV5 has the same 7x optical zoom lens and ‘Smart Touch’ user interface but lacks the CCD shift image stabilisation system of the earlier model. Instead there’s the ISO-boosting ASR (Advanced Shake Reduction) system, which is less effective at counteracting camera shake and may reduce picture quality. ISO settings range from 100 to 1000.
A well-built, high-resolution digicam with plenty of shooting modes for both stills and video clips.Slimmer and more elegant looking than the NV5 model, Samsung’s new NV11 combines a slightly larger, 10.1-megapixel CCD image sensor with a Schneider-Kreuznach 5x optical zoom lens. It has the same ‘Smart Touch’ user interface as the NV5 model but a larger, 2.7-inch TFT LCD. Samsung’s ISO-boosting ASR (Advanced Shake Reduction) system, along with the face recognition technology that adjusts both AF and AE to deliver sharp, correctly exposed people shots.
Plenty of adjustments and good-looking pictures, but no viewfinder or still picture stabilisation. Chronic lateral chromatic aberration was detected.The chunky, retro-styled body of Samsung’s new Digimax L85 camera contains a larger-than-average 8.1-megapixel CCD plus a Schneider-Kreuznach Varioplan lens with 5x optical zoom. The lens focuses down to 1cm in Macro mode and the L85 offers plenty of manual controls. But there’s no optical viewfinder, which most serious photographers will see as a disadvantage.
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