Reviews

The first dedicated 3D digital camera that can record 720p HD video with stereo audio.Fujifilm’s FinePix Real 3D W3 is a second-generation model that adds the ability to shoot 3D video with 720p High Definition quality and stereo soundtracks to the basic functions provided by the FinePix Real 3D W1, which we reviewed in December 2009. Aside from some improvements to the 3D monitor and a few adjustments to the body design, nothing else has changed much in the interim – except the price tag, which is $300 lower than the W1’s was on release.

Fujifilm’s first digicam to offer 3D image capture and viewing.Fujifilm takes a new direction with its FinePix Real 3D W1, the company’s first consumer-level digicam capable of recording 3D still pictures and video clips. Relying on the ability of people to perceive depth by viewing objects along two separate planes of sight, it uses two lenses to direct the imaging light to two CCD chips. The resulting data is processed to create a picture that appears three-dimensional when displayed on a suitable screen.

Although somewhat pricey for a 5-megapixel camera with no optical viewfinder, Casio’s EX-P505 is small and sleek, with a nicely-designed and well-built alloy body and large vari-angle monitor. Ideal for photographers who want a lightweight and versatile digicam, its 5x zoom lens isn’t particularly fast, with six aperture settings, ranging from f3.3 to f7.4, depending on the focal length setting. However, the 5-megapixel sensor captures 2560 x 1920 pixel JPEG images that range in size from 2.1 MB at ‘Fine’ quality to 1.7 MB at ‘Normal’ and 1.3 MB at the ‘Economy’ setting and users can record MPEG-4 motion video clips with stereo audio at 30fps VGA resolution.

Fujifilm’s second ‘widescreen’ F-series camera, the F810 Zoom sports a new 6.3-megapixel Super CCD HR sensor which can deliver interpolated pictures with 4048 x 3040 pixels. The widescreen function appears to work by cropping the top and bottom of the frame. The F810 offers P, A, S and M shooting modes and RAW capture but many settings (widescreen, digital zoom, burst mode and ISO 800) are disabled when RAW is selected, and the conversion software is primitive and slow.

A versatile digicam with a 12x optical zoom lens, easy and advanced shooting modes and 720p HD video recording with stereo sound. The PowerShot SX130 IS replaces the PowerShot SX120 IS, providing the expected wide range of shooting modes, a stabilised zoom lens and support for AA batteries in an affordable body. The sensor is slightly larger in the SX130 IS and its resolution is increased to 12.1 megapixels. The zoom range is also extended from 10x to 12x, mainly at the wide-angle end and covers focal lengths equivalent to 28-336mm in 35mm format.

A chic little digicam offered in three pastel colours with features and ease of use to satisfy everyday snapshooters.Offered in pastel pink, aqua and cream, and only available from ‘Duty Free’ outlets, Canon’s PowerShot E1 IS is the first model in a new series of digicams that are designed for fashion-conscious snapshooters who want competent performance and easy operation in a smart looking compact digicam. With its 10-megapixel (effective) sensor and stabilised 4x optical zoom lens, the E1 IS provides 17 different shooting modes to choose from.

A rugged underwater camera with a striking design, good image quality and fast response times.Designed for photographers who participate in water-based activities, Canon’s PowerShot D10 can dive down to 10 metres and withstand being dropped from the height of one metre. Its sealed body also makes it dustproof and able to tolerate temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. The D10 has the same 12.1-megapixel (effective) sensor as the PowerShot SX200 IS (and several new Ixus models) and sports a 3x optical zoom lens. It also includes Canon’s TruCapture technology.

An affordable, easy-to-use digicam that offers good performance and useful functions for family snapshooters.Canon’s PowerShot A580 is the middle model in a trio of similar digicams that are targeted at family snapshooters. Affordably priced, their RRPs go up in $50 steps, corresponding with increasing resolution, zoom range and associated functions. All three models have 2.5-inch LCDs and are powered by two AA batteries. The two top models have 8-megapixel resolution and 4x optical zoom lenses, while the A470 combines 7.1 megapixels with 3.4x optical zoom. The top-end A590IS model is the only one with image stabilisation.

Plenty of useful shooting controls at an affordable price point for family photographers and photo hobbyists.Canon’s PowerShot A570 IS is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to learn more about shooting controls. At just under $450 (RRP), it represents pretty good value for family photographers and offers a lot more control than most similarly-priced point-and-shoot competitors. Sporting a 7.1-megapixel CCD imager and 4x optical zoom lens plus a 2.5-inch LCD the A570 IS also comes with optical image stabilisation, a comprehensive range of shooting modes and Canon’s latest DiG!C III image processor.