Photo Review Reviews section

Canon EOS 350D

Unlike the EOS 300D, Canon’s new EOS 350D is in no way firmware-disabled. The company has thereby addressed many of the issues that made its predecessor, the EOS 300D recipient of almost universal criticism and brought to market a DSLR that is in most respects, as function-rich and capable as the more expensive EOS 20D. Plastic body notwithstanding, the new model is better built yet 25% smaller and 15% lighter than the 300D, thanks largely to a smaller battery. It also starts almost instantaneously and flash output is now adjustable across +/- 2 stops in 0.3 stop increments. Initially released in the same ‘silver’ colour as its predecessor, by the time this review is published a black version will also be available for the same price.

Canon EOS 30D

9.2 Rating

Plenty of worthwhile refinements to a popular semi-pro DSLR.While many observers expected a sensor upgrade when Canon announced this year’s first new DSLR, the new EOS 30D sticks with the EOS 20D’s 8.2-megapixel CMOS chip, while offering some noteworthy improvements over its predecessor. The camera body has been re-designed to accommodate the same 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel rear LCD monitor as the EOS 5D and, although this makes the 30D slightly larger and heavier, it provides a bigger, better display with a much wider viewing angle.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W1

A smart metal body and large LCD screen combine with a high-resolution sensor to make Sony’s DSCW1 Cyber-shot an attractive camera, and its competitive price and ease of use will contribute to its success. So, too, will the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, although its wide-angle coverage may not be ideal for all photographers. It’s hard to fault the W1’s overall design as all controls and fittings are well placed and easy to use. The W1 mixes point-and-shoot functions with controls to appeal to serious photographers.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93

Sony’s DSC-P93 Cyber-shot has the same 5-megapixel sensor as the DSC-P100 but a ‘Sony’ lens that only focuses to 10cm in macro mode. It also uses rechargeable AA batteries and is only available in one colour. Minor cosmetic differences include a slightly thicker body with the mode dial moved to the top panel, and a smaller LCD monitor. No remote control is supplied. The P93 has the same auto and pre-set scene modes plus Program AE and manual settings, and the same video options.

Ricoh Caplio GX8

Ricoh’s neat little Caplio GX8 is based on the 5-megapixel Caplio GX model and sports the same 3x optical zoom lens. With its 8-megapixel sensor, flash hot shoe and suite of manual controls, it’s targeted more at the quality-conscious intermediate photographer than the novice and it comes with a classy suede-like carrying pouch.

Ricoh GR Digital

8 Rating

A traditionalist’s digicam with a compact body that is beautifully designed and built, and accepts some handy accessories. Imaging performance is above average.Fixed focal length lens notwithstanding, Ricoh’s GR Digital camera is a serious bit of gear with plenty to attract quality-focused photographers who want a pocketable camera. Designed on the basis of the 9-year-old Ricoh GR film camera it combines an elegantly constructed and well-built body with a fast (f/2.4), high-quality lens and high-resolution CCD sensor. The camera’s magnesium-alloy chassis is rubber-coated to provide a secure grip and it sports a bright 2.5-inch monitor and well-designed control layout.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3

8 Rating

A very compact, extended-zoom digicam that would be an excellent choice for travellers.Panasonic has released two updates to last year’s DMC-TZ1 model, which we reviewed in June 2006: the 6-megapixel DMC-TZ2 and the 7.2-megapixel DMC-TZ3 (which is reviewed here). Both have the same 10x optical zoom lens, which covers a focal length range equivalent to 28-280mm in 35mm format but the TZ1’s 2.5-inch LCD monitor has been replaced in the TZ3 by a 3.0-inch display that fills three quarters of the back panel. No viewfinder is provided.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1

8.5 Rating

Compact and 10x zoom makes the TZ1 a good choice for travellers.Claimed as the smallest 10x zoom digital camera on the market, Panasonic’s 5-megapixel DMC-TZ1 recently received the T.I.P.A. Award for the best ‘Superzoom’ digital camera in Europe. Among the reasons cited for the win are the camera’s Optical Image Stabiliser (which is found in all Panasonic digicams) and the new Venus Engine III processor. The ‘unlimited’ burst mode, which lets users fire off a burst of shots at half-second intervals until the memory is full, also got a Guernsey, as did the integrated retractable lens system with its folded optics technology.