Photo Review Reviews section

Fujifilm FinePix HS10

8 Rating

An advanced digicam with a 30x zoom lens, support for raw file capture and Full HD video recording.Announced in early February, Fujifilm’s FinePix HS10 is one of several extended-zoom digicams unveiled at this time. The first Fujifilm camera with a BSI (Back Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor, the HS10 also introduces a number of multi-shot and high-speed shooting modes and sports a one-touch movie record button that enables users to record Full HD (1080p) movie clips with stereo soundtracks.

FIRST LOOK: Ricoh GXR

A radical new camera system in which lens-plus-sensor modules are changed via a slide-in mounting.Ricoh has unleased a design revolution with its new GXR system. It’s the first camera body that accepts interchangeable sensor-plus-lens modules, allowing buyers to choose the body/lens combination that suits them and providing a camera system with great flexibility for upgrading and expansion.

FIRST LOOK: Fujifilm Finepix X100

A fixed-lens compact camera for serious photographers that sports an APS-C sized sensor plus a hybrid viewfinder that combines optical and electronic systems.Fujifilm’s FinePix X100, which is scheduled for release in Japan next month, represents a departure from the company’s regular compact camera line-up. Designed for DSLR users who need a compact back-up camera, it features a 12.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a non-interchangeable Fujinon 23mm f/2 prime lens and a newly developed Hybrid Viewfinder that combines the best features of optical and electronic viewing systems.

Casio EX-P700

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.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

8.5 Rating

A new Canon super-zoom digicam with a stabilised 35x zoom lens, full manual controls and 720p HD movie recording.The PowerShot SX30 IS replaces the year-old SX20 IS at the top of Canon’s super-zoom line-up but is $120 cheaper than its predecessor was at launch. Its 35x zoom lens is a significant step-up from the predecessor’s 20x zoom and resolution has been increased from 12.1 to 14.1 megapixels. Otherwise, most of the differences between the two cameras are more cosmetic than functional.

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

8.5 Rating

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.

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

8.5 Rating

An advanced slimline digicam with a 12x optical zoom lens and HD movie recording capability.Announced in February, Canon’s PowerShot SX200 IS offers a challenge to Panasonic, which has long been the leader in the ‘traveller’s zoom’ digicam category. Equipped with a 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor and wide-angle (28mm equivalent) 12x optical zoom lens, the SX200 IS packs HD movie recording and the new TruCapture suite of automated functions into a slim, pocketable body. A 3.0-inch PureColor LCD II screen and mode dial with 13 settings combine to add extra appeal.

Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

8.5 Rating

An affordable, 10x zoom digicam with a useful suite of controls and functions for family snapshooters.Canon’s PowerShot SX120 IS hits the market as the third in a series of affordable digicams with 10x optical zoom lenses and P, A, S and M shooting controls that began in 2007 with the release of the SX100 IS. Each update has involved a minor increase in sensor resolution plus some small tweaks to the body design and functionality. The on-going market position is unchanged; this camera is targeted at consumers who want a cheap, long-zoom camera.

Canon PowerShot SX110 IS

9 Rating

A compact and attractive, long-zoom digicam that will suit travellers who prefer plenty of adjustable controls.Replacing the PowerShot SX100 IS the new 9-megapixel PowerShot SX110 IS combines increased resolution and a larger, higher-resolution LCD with a more compact body, which is available in silver or black. Like its predecessor, the SX110 IS is designed for family snapshooters but retains the suite of manual controls that is truncated in the latest A-series PowerShots (like the A2000IS).

Canon PowerShot SX10 IS

8.5 Rating

Canon’s second 10-megapixel, 20x optical zoom digicam with advanced shooting controls.Last September, Canon announced two new 10-megapixel PowerShot SX-series digicams: the SX1 IS and the SX10 IS. The PowerShot SX10 IS has many of the features of the SX1 IS model (which we have already reviewed) but uses a CCD sensor instead of a CMOS chip. Both models feature stabilised 20x optical zoom lenses that span the equivalent of 28-560mm in 35mm format. The lens is threaded – but only for the clip-on lens cap and not for filters.