Photo Review Reviews section

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-LX-1

Panasonic’s new Lumix DMC-LX1 camera is unique in having a CCD sensor that delivers its full 8.4-megapixel resolution for shots taken with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Designed to produce shots for display on the latest ‘widescreen’ TV sets and monitors, the LX1 has a slider on the lens barrel that lets users set the capture aspect ratio to 3:2 or conventional 4:3.

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.

Olympus Mju 720SW

8.5 Rating

An affordable, high resolution digicam that’s waterproof and shock-resistant and includes 25 scene presets.With a slimline stainless steel and aluminium body the new 7.1-megapixel Olympus ø‚ µ 720SW has rubberised gel sealing and shockproofing around the lens, circuit board, battery/card slot and USB port. Waterproof to three metres and withstanding a 1.5 metre drop, the 720SW deserves its “Tough” tag. It’s available in silver or Polar Blue and sports a 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5-inch LCD but no viewfinder.

Olympus Camedia C-60

The quality of both still shots and movie clips was unexceptional. Many JPEG images lacked sharpness and colours, though accurate, were somewhat saturated. The exposure system was patchy and outdoor shots were rather contrasty. Flash performance was adequate but low-light shots had visible noise and some stuck pixels. The C-60’s response times were average, although it took around five seconds to start up, which is pretty slow. Capture lag was consistent at 0.7 seconds, with shutter lag averaging 0.2 seconds.

Olympus Camedia C-760 Ultra Zoom

On test, the C-760 delivered images that were clear, with accurate colour but slightly boosted saturation and contrast. Metering favoured shadows over highlights. No fringing was detected in backlit shots. Stuck pixels were abundant in exposures over five seconds. White balance performance was good, except with incandescent lighting. Response times were below average.