Inspiring ways to improve your photos
Inspiring ways to improve your photos
Photo Review Reviews section
Essentially identical to the Coolpix S1 model, which was released mid-year, the slightly heavier, 5.1-megapixel Coolpix S2 features a splashproof aluminium alloy body that allows it to be used in challenging weather conditions – but is not actually waterproof. The camera should never be immersed in water, although a scattering of raindrops should do no harm and can be easily wiped off.
Stabilised optics and some neat shooting modes make this a good choice for family snapshooters.Although Nikon’s 8.1-megapixel Coolpix P4 is a very capable point-and-shoot digicam, with more user-adjustable controls than many competitors, it can’t compete with the slimline models for pocketability and style. However, its 3.5x optical zoom lens reaches further and the new lens shift-based Vibration Reduction (VR) system helps to compensate for the camera’s limited ISO range.
Nikon’s Coolpix 4100 has a similar body, control suite and layout to the lower-resolution Coolpix 3200 and 2200 models. In auto mode, the only settings accessible are resolution/quality (combined), white balance, exposure compensation, continuous shooting, Best Shot Select and Colour Options. Five colour options are provided: standard colour, vivid colour (high saturation),sepia, and cyanotype (monochrome blue).
An attractive-looking, pocketable digicam with some useful features for family photographers and an excellent software bundle.The Leica C-Lux 1 has so much in common with Panasonic’s DMC-FX01 model that we suspect both cameras came from the same factory – readers may wish to check the review of the FX01 on this site to see how they compare. Both cameras have the same minimalist styling, with much of the rear panel covered by a 2.5-inch LCD, which doubles as a viewfinder. Both models are based on a 6-megapixel imager coupled to a Leica-branded 3.6x optical zoom lens (28-102mm equivalent in 35mm format) with integrated Mega O.I.S. image stabilisation.
Dual lenses extend wide-angle capabilities for this pocketable digicam. Kodak’s new EasyShare V570 is remarkable for having two separate lenses, each linked to its own 5-megapixel CCD sensor. The top lens is the ‘ultra-wide’ one, while the 3x optical zoom sits below it. Neither extends beyond the camera body, thanks to a ‘folded optic’ design that tucks them in, one above the other, just below the flash assembly. Both are concealed behind a metal cover when power is off.
Apart from its 5-megapixel CCD, darker body colour and additional scene modes (backlit, children, flower and fireworks), Kodak’s LS753 resembles the earlier 4-megapixel LS743 model. Its smart metal body has a 1.8-inch hybrid LCD and an optical viewfinder with 80% field of view coverage. Its Schneider-Kreuznach C-Variogon 2.8x zoom lens can focus to 5cm and shutter speeds extend from 16 to 1/1400 seconds.
[ia] Although Kodak was the first manufacturer to announce a Wi-Fi-enabled compact digicam, the race to bring cameras to the local market was essentially tied with Nikon, which introduced two Coolpix cameras at the same time. Both launches come at a time when more households are installing Wi-Fi home networks and the majority of notebook PCs are Wi-Fi enabled, so the release of cameras that can use these facilities is timely.
A slimline digicam with some handy functions for novice photographers and four pre-loaded video games.Fujifilm’s 5.1-megapixel FinePix V10 has a slimline metal body with a large LCD and plastic DV-in and A/V and USB port covers. No viewfinder is provided but a rule-of-thirds grid can be displayed to aid shot composition. Controls are split between the “F” button, which lies on the top panel and handles resolution, ISO and colour modes and four small buttons below the LCD. The four-way controller is replaced by an up/down lever and two arrow pads, which are fiddly to use.
The EX-Z50 is the cheaper of Casio’s new 5-megapixel Exilim models. It’s also slightly smaller and lighter and has a smaller LCD display but, otherwise the only differences between it and the EX-Z55 are slightly lower power efficiency and a different control layout. With so little between these two models, it’s difficult to see why you might choose the Z50 over the $50 dearer Z55, although the Z50 is slightly lighter. The viewfinder is tiny and poorly positioned – but it’s better than having none at all. The rear panel sports two handy Direct On buttons, which start the camera in either capture or playback mode. Users can customise the left/right keys on the four-way controller to access functions like the recording mode, EV shift, white balance, ISO or self-timer – but it’s easy to change settings inadvertently.
The first camera with a transparent ceramic lens, Casio’s Exilim EX-S100 is one of the slimmest and most compact digicams we’ve seen. Weighing less than 120 grams with its slender lithium-ion battery loaded in its smart stainless steel body, the S100 is a beautifully constructed unit for anyone who wants an ultra-portable camera.Some of the control buttons are very small, but;the controls are well designed and include functions that make the camera easy to use, such as Direct On buttons for capture and playback, 23 Best Shot settings, Icon Help and Business Shot.
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