Photo Review Reviews section

Canon HF10 Camcorder

9 Rating

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.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W7

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.

Canon DC51

8.5 Rating

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.

Samsung WB500

8 Rating

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.

Samsung NV7 OPS

8.5 Rating

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.

Samsung NV5

8.5 Rating

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.

Samsung NV11

8.7 Rating

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.

Samsung Digimax L85

8 Rating

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.

Samsung Digimax V700

Available in ‘Noble Wine’, ‘Indigo Blue’ or ‘Milk Silver’ colours, Samsung’s Digimax V700 is a step up from the standard point-and-shoot digicam, with some additional features that will attract more experienced photographers. The lightweight aluminium body feels solid and comfortable – although we have some concerns about the durability of the tether for the DC-in AV-out port cover. However, the battery/card compartment closes securely and the tripod socket is well positioned and the button controls, though small, are logically positioned. The viewfinder eyepiece is, unfortunately, rather small and not diopter adjustable.

Ricoh Caplio R2

Ricoh’s Caplio R2 is an upgrade to the R1 with a 5-megapixel CCD sensor but the same 4.8x zoom lens, which is equivalent to 28-135mm in 35mm format, and the same ‘pendulum’ lens retracting mechanism. The physical dimensions and controls of both models are similar, although the R2 lacks an optical viewfinder and its 2.5-inch LCD monitor takes up most of the rear panel.