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All posts tagged "powershot"


Monday, September 17, 2012

Canon Releases a Trio of Powershot Compact Cameras: The G15, S110 and SX50 HS

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 11:43 AM

Moving on, Canon also has announced three compact cameras. Let's start with the Canon Powershot G15. It is the successor to the G12, and the main upgrades come in the form of a new 12 megapixel sensor, and a much faster optically stabilised 4x 28-140mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens. The camera also gains a faster AF system and a 3" VGA LCD. 1080p video at 24fps is available, and the camera is also smaller now. That, however, does not come without a price: The G15 no longer features an articulating arm for the LCD, and also loses the dedicated ISO dial. The camera will ship in October for US$500.

Up next, is a modest update to the S100, the Powershot S110. The new model gains WiFi, a touchscreen, and supposedly has a tweaked 12 megapixel sensor. The lens is still the optically stabilised 5x 24-120mm equivalent f/2.0-5.9 lens, and the ring control is still present. In keeping with the "What Canon Giveth, Canon Taketh Away" theme this Photokina, the S110 loses the built-in GPS that the S100 had. Ships in October for US$450.

Finally, there is the SX40 HS update, the crazy Powershot SX50 HS. Crazy because it features a 50x zoom lens. That's right. The optically stabilised 24-1200mm f/3.4-6.5 lens is the camera's main talking point. Is there anything else to talk about? Same 12 megapixel sensor, and well... 50x zoom lens. Ships in October for US$480. More photos and details at the links below.

DPReview.com: Canon Powershot G15 and Canon Powershot SX50 HS

DPReview.com: Canon Powershot S110


Thursday, August 23, 2012

Canon Announces Powershot SX160 IS and SX500 IS Superzoom Digital Cameras

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 09:59 AM

http://www.dcresource.com/news/news...tem.php?id=4542

Let's take a look at Canon's announcement. The first is the Powershot SX160 IS, which is an update to the SX150 IS. Essentially a budget superzoom, the lens has been upgraded to an optically stabilised 16x 28-448mm equivalent f/3.5-5.9 zoom lens. The sensor is now a 16 megapixel CCD; the rest of the camera remains relatively the same. The screen is still a 3" QVGA LCD, and the video mode is still a 720p one. The external controls are similar, as is the AA power source. Canon has promised improved AF and shutter lag performance, after complaints of the SX150's sluggishness. Otherwise, it looks like a minor tweak. Ships in September for US$230.

Next up is the Powershot SX500 IS, which has more in common with the above SX160 than the SX40. It boasts a bigger lens in the form of an optically stabilised 30x 24-720mm f/3.4-5.8 zoom lens, and has a 3" HVGA LCD instead of the QVGA one. Oh, and now it uses a lithium ion battery instead. Ships in September for US$330. Hit the link for full specifications and more photos of the cameras.


Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Canon Announces Ten New Compacts

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 10:00 AM

So the parade of compacts continues. Canon yesterday announced a bunch, and I will start with the more interesting ones. The Powershot ELPH 320 HS and ELPH 530 HS (IXUS 240 HS and IXUS 510 HS respectively outside of North America) are the latest additions to the ELPH/IXUS line up. The 320 HS features a 16 megapixel sensor with a 5x optically stabilised 24-120mm equivalent f/2.7-5.9 zoom lens, while the 530 HS features a 10 megapixel sensor with a 12x optically stabilised 28-336mm equivalent f/3.4-5.6 zoom lens. This uses folded optics to get fit into the small body. The two ELPHs share a lot of features otherwise, with a 3.2" HVGA touchscreen LCD and very little physical controls, 1080p video at 24 FPS, still shooting at up to 5.2 FPS, and new here, built-in wifi that in addition to uploading to various services, also allows transferring files to a smartphone, with an app coming for iOS and Android. The 530 HS also uses microSD cards instead of the usual SD cards for storing its photos. I sense many cameras will switch to the smaller form factor as time goes by; this is the third camera announced in 2012 utilising the smaller format. The two cameras will ship in late March, with the 530 HS going for US$350, and the 320 HS going for US$280. More cameras after the break!

DCResource: Powershot ELPH 320 HS / ELPH 530 HS

Read more...


Monday, January 9, 2012

Canon Announces Powershot ELPH 520HS and 110 HS Cameras

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 10:18 AM

http://www.dcresource.com/news/news...tem.php?id=4430

Phew. Compared to Fuji's product diarrhoea, Canon has released just two more cameras from its popular ELPH/IXUS line. The one above, is the Powershot ELPH 520 HS, or IXUS 500 HS in Europe and parts of Asia. The camera boasts a 10 megapixel CMOS sensor, an optically stabilised lens with a huge (for a compact) 12x 28-336mm equivalent f/3.4-5.6 zoom lens, a 3" HVGA LCD, and 1080p videos at 24 FPS. Like all HS cameras, it is capable of some high speed stuff, which in this case results in a 6.8 FPS frame rate in continuous shooting mode at a reduced resolution, and the requisite 240 FPS videos at QVGA resolution. The camera is really tiny; it is a fraction larger than the very small Pentax Optio S5n I had in 2005, and that only had a 3x zoom lens. Something had to give, and the result is a compact camera that uses microSDHC cards instead of the usual SDHC cards. The camera will ship in March 2012 at US$300.

The Powershot ELPH 110 HS, or IXUS 125 HS, has a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor. an optically stabilised 5x 24-120mm equivalent f/2.7-5.8 zoom lens, a 3" HVGA LCD, and 1080p vidoes at 24 FPS. Similar to its sibling, it offers a continuous mode of 5.8 frames per second at a reduced resolution, and the same 240 FPS videos at QVGA resolution. The camera will ship in February for US$250. Both cameras have some new automated features for casual shooters, so check out the source link for more, along with more photos of both cameras!


Canon Announces Powershot G1X Large Sensor Camera

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 10:18 AM

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/0...anonG1X_Preview

Today, it is Canon's turn in the limelight. Unfortunately for you all EOS lovers, there is no new DSLR, but there is something fairly interesting (which would have been more so if not for all the leaks) in the new Powershot G1X, which is like the G12 compact, but boasting a sensor that is slightly larger in size than a Micro Four Thirds sensor.

As an aside, who comes up with these names? Between Panasonic's GX1, this Canon G1X, all the other G and X cameras, as well as the current D cameras, there is going to be some mighty fine confusion in the near future. Hint: The current Latin alphabet has 26 alphabets. Can we use some of the others?

On to the G1X proper, the heart of the camera is an 18.7mm by 14mm CMOS sensor with 14 megapixels. That's about 1mm longer on each end than a Micro Four Thirds sensor. Then sensor itself goes from ISO 100 to ISO 12,800, and is mated to an optically stabilised 4x 28-112mm equivalent f/2.8-5.8 zoom lens. Given the size of the camera, the dimmer telephoto end of the zoom is a trade-off Canon had to make. The LCF is a 3" VGA affair mounted on an articulated arm, but unfortunately the optical viewfinder is the same useless optical tunnel similar to those on all Canon G series cameras. Personally I would have liked a high resolution EVF even if it meant a hump in the camera. The camera also does 1080p videos at 24 FPS. A big minus in my eye is the loss of the ISO dial; it has gone back to being a function on the directional pad instead. The Powershot G1X will ship in February for US$800.

All-in-all, while the camera looks competent, I cannot help but feel this is a feeble attempt to counter the mirrorless march. For US$600 it is possible to get the Panasonic G3 with the 14-42 kit lens, which loses a couple of dials and buttons and a slightly slower and shorter lens, but adds a high quality EVF and the ability to change lenses. Both the giants are behind in this race, first Nikon with its Jekyll and Hyde One system, and now Canon with this. One hopes Canon has more up its sleeve. What do you Canon die-hards think? In any case, check out DPReview's comprehensive preview for the details.


Thursday, December 15, 2011

Digital Camera Resource Page Reviews the Canon Powershot S100

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 01:30 PM

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/c...hot_s100-review

"As you can see, the PowerShot S100 got a bump in resolution, zoom power, and continuous shooting performance -- plus it now has a GPS receiver. The S100 retains the compact metal body and customizable lens ring of its predecessor, plus full manual controls (with RAW support), an HDR mode, and larger-than-average sensor. The PowerShot S95 was one of my favorite cameras from last year. Will the same be true for the S100? Find out now in our review!"

The S100 is a nice upgrade from the S95, unlike the S95 itself, which was a small bump in terms of specs from the original S90. The 24mm equivalent wide-angle is a highlight for me, and the images have a smoother look to them compared to its CCD predecessor. All-in-all, I think this is the small compact camera to beat.


Thursday, September 15, 2011

Canon Releases Powershot S100 and SX40 HS

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 08:33 AM

http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/...point-and-shoo/

"Today, we've got a pair of Canon point-and-shoots to show you. The S100 is the successor to the highly regarded S95, while the SX40 HS takes on the super-zoom market with its 35x lens. Both cameras use the company's new DIGIC 5 image processor, which brings high-speed burst shooting and 1080p video to the party."

Canon has launched a pair of high-end compacts, both of which are upgrades to popular cameras. The S100 is an update to the S95, which features a new 12 megapixel CMOS sensor which is made in-house by Canon, a new 5x optically stabilised 24-120mm equivalent f/2.0-5.9 lens, and now offers 1080p video at 24 FPS. The LCD is the same 3" HVGA affair, as is the wonderful front control ring, but the new version also adds GPS and a high speed movie mode (not too different from the HS line of compacts. It can also do a burst of 8 shots at 9.6 FPS. Available in November for US$440, in both titanium (yuck) and classic black. Check out DPReview's preview as well!

The SX40 HS has a pretty amazing 35x optically stabilised 24-840mm f/2.7-5.8 lens, a 12 megapixel CMOS sensor, a 2.7" articulated LCD, and 1080p videos at 24 FPS. The camera can also do the same high speed videos as implied by the HS moniker, and like the S100, features an 8 shot burst mode, but at a higher 10 FPS. Available in late September for US$440.

DPReview Preview of the Canon Powershot S100


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Canon Announces ELPH 510 HS, ELPH 310 HS and Powershot SX150 IS

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 06:40 AM

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/about...01e024803780ca#

We start off a week of camera announcements with... three compacts from Canon. First up are two additions to the ELPH/IXUS line, the ELPH 510 HS and the ELPH 310 HS (also known as the IXUS 1100 HS and IXUS 230 HS respectively). The ELPH 510 HS features the same 12 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor found in many recent Canon compacts, a 12x 28-336mm equivalent f/3.4.-5.9 stabilised optical zoom lens, which is pretty impressive on a camera less than an inch thick. Canon also claims improved stabilisation for the new cameras. There is 1080p video at 24 FPS, as well as a number of other video modes, including the high speed modes at up to 240 FPS. All this is handled through a 3.2" HVGA touchscreen LCD, which given the size of the screen and the camera, means there're practically no buttons on the rear of the camera. Hope you like touchscreens in your cameras. The ELPH 310 HS is similar, but drops the zoom down to 8x, giving a 28-224mm f/3.0-5.9, and drops the screen down to a non-touchscreen 3" HVGA LCD, but this means the buttons are back. Both cameras will be available in October, with the ELPH 510 HS going for US$350, and the ELPH 310 HS for US$260.

Next up is the Powershot SX150 IS, a budget superzoom replacing the SX120 IS. The camera offers a 14 megapixel CCD sensor, a 12x 28-336mm f/3.4-5.6 stabilised lens, 3" QVGA LCD screen, and 720p videos at 30 FPS. Pretty much the same as the SX120 IS save for the 14 megapixel sensor. It does offer some manual controls, which is not saying much on a small sensor compact. Available in September for US$250.

More photos after the break.

Read more...


Friday, July 29, 2011

Digital Photography Review's Travel Zoom Roundup

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 10:30 AM

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q31...lzoomgrouptest/

"The so-called 'Travel Zoom' category was effectively invented by Panasonic, with the Lumix DMC-TZ1. Released in 2006, the TZ1 was the first camera with a 10x optical zoom lens that could truly be called 'compact', and although Panasonic had the field to itself for a while, it wasn't long before other manufacturers started to move into the same space. Fast forward to 2011, and almost all of the major camera manufacturers offer compact cameras with at least 10x optical zooms, up to almost 20x in some cases."

The travel zoom area is probably the last major growth area for compacts in light of compacts getting squeezed from smartphones at the low end and cheap DSLRs and cute mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras on the high end, so it would be nice to see some more innovation in this area, instead of so-so image quality tacked to a design that has not changed much from the TZ1's launch in 2006. Still, they are still popular enough, and DPReview takes a look at some of the latest round of travel zooms, and there's a surprise winner in the round-up. Hint: The brand starts with an "N". I always thought their compacts were on the lacklustre side, and in fact, the sample images are not very inspiring in some cases; the camera gets a win mostly in the way it handles and operates. Hit the link for the roundup!


Digital Photography Review's Travel Zoom Roundup

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 10:30 AM

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q31...lzoomgrouptest/

"The so-called 'Travel Zoom' category was effectively invented by Panasonic, with the Lumix DMC-TZ1. Released in 2006, the TZ1 was the first camera with a 10x optical zoom lens that could truly be called 'compact', and although Panasonic had the field to itself for a while, it wasn't long before other manufacturers started to move into the same space. Fast forward to 2011, and almost all of the major camera manufacturers offer compact cameras with at least 10x optical zooms, up to almost 20x in some cases."

The travel zoom area is probably the last major growth area for compacts in light of compacts getting squeezed from smartphones at the low end and cheap DSLRs and cute mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras on the high end, so it would be nice to see some more innovation in this area, instead of so-so image quality tacked to a design that has not changed much from the TZ1's launch in 2006. Still, they are still popular enough, and DPReview takes a look at some of the latest round of travel zooms, and there's a surprise winner in the round-up. Hint: The brand starts with an "N". I always thought their compacts were on the lacklustre side, and in fact, the sample images are not very inspiring in some cases; the camera gets a win mostly in the way it handles and operates. Hit the link for the roundup!


Digital Photography Review's Travel Zoom Roundup

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 10:30 AM

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q31...lzoomgrouptest/

"The so-called 'Travel Zoom' category was effectively invented by Panasonic, with the Lumix DMC-TZ1. Released in 2006, the TZ1 was the first camera with a 10x optical zoom lens that could truly be called 'compact', and although Panasonic had the field to itself for a while, it wasn't long before other manufacturers started to move into the same space. Fast forward to 2011, and almost all of the major camera manufacturers offer compact cameras with at least 10x optical zooms, up to almost 20x in some cases."

The travel zoom area is probably the last major growth area for compacts in light of compacts getting squeezed from smartphones at the low end and cheap DSLRs and cute mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras on the high end, so it would be nice to see some more innovation in this area, instead of so-so image quality tacked to a design that has not changed much from the TZ1's launch in 2006. Still, they are still popular enough, and DPReview takes a look at some of the latest round of travel zooms, and there's a surprise winner in the round-up. Hint: The brand starts with an "N". I always thought their compacts were on the lacklustre side, and in fact, the sample images are not very inspiring in some cases; the camera gets a win mostly in the way it handles and operates. Hit the link for the roundup!


Wednesday, April 13, 2011

GPS Ultra Zoom Camera Roundup

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 01:00 PM

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/c...ra-zoom-cameras

"One of the most popular digital camera genres in recent years has been what some have called the "travel zoom". These compact cameras have typically featured lenses of around 10X - 14X, large LCDs, and HD movie modes. In 2011, camera manufacturers really put the "travel" in travel zoom, by adding GPS receivers to their cameras. So, not only do you now have a camera which can go anywhere, but you'll know exactly where you took the photo."

One advantage of dedicated cameras is the ability to offer a zoom lens, so huge zoom factors are still pretty much a selling point. Combine that with a compact size and the result is a camera that still sells pretty well in this age of smartphones. I was a bit surprised at the winner of this shoot out, but I won't spoil the surprise, other than saying that the initial debut of the line was very lacklustre to begin with. Well done C... I mean, camera company!


Monday, February 7, 2011

Canon Announces Four New Powershots with HS (High Speed) Sensors

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 10:30 AM

The final Canon headline today is some ice news. Canon for once is not joining in upping the megapixel stakes today by announcing a bunch of compacts using the same 12 megapixel CMOS sensor with the ability to shoot 1080p videos at 24 FPS, as well as some neat tricks like QVGA video at 240 FPS. If the previous incarnation of the sensor in the IXUS 300 HS is anything to go by, these will be quite good pocket shooters. All feature the new Canon software, which allows for auto scene mode selection, along with all the colour swap/faux tilt/whatever options currently present in Canon's compact lineup.

First on the list is the Powershot SX230 HS compact superzoom, which features its predecessor's 14x optically stabilised 28-392mm equivalent f/3.1-5.9 lens and 3" HVGA LCD. What's new is the above mentioned sensor and the inclusion of a GPS system for geotagging photos. Expect the camera to appear in March for US$350. There is also a Europe (Asia too?) version called the SX220 HS, which just drops the GPS receiver.

Next up are the ELPH/IXUS cameras. Leading the pack is the ELPH 500 HS/IXUS 310 HS, an update of the SD 4000 IS/IXUS 300 HS. It features a new 4.4x optically stabilised 24-105mm equivalent f/2.0-5.8 lens with a 3.2" HVGA touchscreen LCD, and loses the option of having the camera come in black. I really liked the matte black version of the IXUS 300 HS, and that camera's red option was something to talk about. The current options of pastel pink, brown (the horror) and silver are just not very interesting. Ships in March for US$300.

Following that is my favourite of the bunch, the ELPH 300 HS/IXUS 220 HS, which is an update of the very slim and compact SD 1400 IS/IXUS 130 IS. The new lens now starts at a 24mm equivalent, giving a 5x optically stabilised 24-120mm equivalent f/2.7-5.9 lens. Nice! The rest of the camera is pretty much unchanged, with a 2.7" QVGA LCD screen and very good looks. Did I mention it is very slim and compact? Ships in March for US$250.

Finally, the ELPH 100 HS/IXUS 115 HS. It's main advantage is price, at US$200 (an IXUS for US$200, who'd have thought?), but the features are still pretty decent. Mated with the HS sensor is a 4x optically stabilised 28-112mm equivalent, and the camera features a 3" QVGA LCD screen. Not bad for US$200. Ships in March.

Commentary: I have to say, Canon's compacts are now pretty good. After a period where they were churning out cameras with 3x/4x 35-105/140mm equivalent lenses for the longest time, Panasonic and their cameras pushing for HD videos, easy-to-use auto scene modes, and lenses that start wider (28mm and wider is not uncommon) just looked way more interesting. Looking good did not hurt either, and unlike most manufacturers, Panasonic did not restrict good looks to the top end of the range. Canon using the "HS" sensors is a good move. Now the only thing left is, will consumers be interested in the better quality of images over camera phones?

Images of the other cameras after the break.

Canon Powershot SX230 HS

Canon Powershot ELPH 500 HS/IXUS 310 HS

Canon Powershot ELPH 300 HS/IXUS 220 HS

Canon Powershot ELPH 100 HS/IXUS 115 HS

Read more...


Friday, February 4, 2011

Nikon Rumors Compares Nikon S8100 with Canon S95 in One-sided Fight

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 02:00 PM

http://nikonrumors.com/2011/02/02/n...act-camera.aspx

"I am very particular when it comes to small (pocketable) cameras and I wanted to find out how good (or bad) the top of the line Coolpix S8100 really is. I ignored the P7000 because it is in a different category - I wanted to see what a "real" point and shoot Nikon camera is all about. A natural choice for my comparison was the Canon S95 which is the top of the line compact camera currently offered by Canon. I know this is not fair fight since the Canon S95 can shoot RAW, has manual mode and costs $100 more."

Not fair indeed - NikonRumors.com has decided to pit a S8100 against the S95, a camera designed for more serious use (the sensor on the S95 is already better on paper). I think stating the outcome is unnecessary, but the statement on Nikon needing to put out something more serious than their recent (or last seven years) compact cameras is quite a bit more debatable. Given the squeeze between phones with cameras and mirrorless large sensor compacts, as well as the competitors (Panasonic, Canon, Samsung, Olympus), I wonder if there is still space in the market for another entrant. There is only brand-name recognition for Nikon to rely on as an advantage here, as there will be little system compatibility with the F-mount system.

Nikon also has to take some of the blame here in getting into this situation in the first place. They are now far behind in the game with Panasonic's LX series on its 4th iteration, and even when attempting to compete, the P7000's execution left quite a bit to be desired. What is frustrating is that Nikon can do it. See the D3 and D300 launch as proof that Nikon can do it at a higher level.

If you are still interested in the S8100, here's another review.


Thursday, January 6, 2011

Canon's Budget Cameras Announced

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 06:00 AM

http://www.dcresource.com/news/news...tem.php?id=4233

I woke up this morning and found a bunch of new camera announcements, so let's get to it. Starting off, we have four budget cameras from Canon; an update of the lowest entry-level A-series camera, and a trio of 4-digit A-series cameras. I guess the IXUS/ELPH cameras will come later.

First up, we have the Powershot A3300 IS, the most expensive of the lot at about US$180. As implied in the name, there is image stabilisation accompanying its 5x 28-140mm equivalent f/2.8-5.9 zoom lens. The camera comes with a 16 megapixel CCD, 3" LCD, and the ability to record 720P videos.

Next up is the Powershot A2200 at about US$140, which has a 4x 28-140mm equivalent f/2.8-5.9 zoom lens, a 14 megapixel LCD, and the ability to record 720p video. Its little brother, the A1200, features similar specs, but has a 12 megapixel CCD, and a less attractive looking body (though there is an optical viewfinder). It also records 720p video; not a bad feat for something that costs about US$110.

Finally the cheapie of the bunch, the A800, continues the tradition of the budget Powershot having a very un-wide lens, from 37mm to 122mm equivalent at f/3.0-5.8. a tiny grainy LCD (by today's standards) of 2.5", and VGA movie mode (at least it's VGA with sound this time). At about US$90, the A1200 is far better value. The cameras will be available come February. More photos at the source link.


Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Digital Photography Review's Premium Compact Roundup

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 04:54 PM

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q42...ndcompactgroup/

"It wasn't so long ago that DSLRs were out of financial reach for most enthusiast photographers. Back before DSLRs fell below the magic sub-$1000 mark, the only way for most people to 'go digital' was to invest in a high-quality compact, offering SLR-like control, but without the expensive extras - the large sensor and interchangeable lens mount."

Well, here is another look at a trio of compact cameras; this time the Canon S95 is present instead of the G12; I wonder where is the Samsung EX-1 though? It pretty much has the same conclusion as the last one I posted: Image quality is not an issue with modern compacts, and one should choose based on their needs and wants instead. Want something wider? Pick the LX5. Want something small? Pick the S95. Want something fast and works like a professional-grade camera? Don't pick the P7000. Hit the link for the full article.


Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Premium Compact Shootout: Nikon vs Canon vs Panasonic

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 12:00 PM

http://bythom.com/compactHQ1.htm

"We're now almost two decades into the competent digital compact camera era, but many things remain the same. The big issue has been and remains the small size of the image sensor in these cameras. While there has been a strong increase in image quality over the years, the small sensor sized used just doesn't allow the high-end compact camera to produce DSLR-like results in dynamic range or high ISO shooting."

Thom Hogan has compared three premium compacts, the Nikon P7000, the Canon G12, and the Panasonic LX5. While I am certain they all are decent (Nikon surprises me somewhat), I still like the Panasonic's combination of size, focal length, and looks. It is a very charming camera, the LX5. On another note: The Nikon looks way too much like a Canon; Thom Hogan even notes that the operation is more Canon than Nikon-like. If so, what is the appeal of buying a P7000 when there is a G12? Nikon really should have worked harder on differentiating the product (plus a compact that works like a Nikon DSLR is worth extra points in my book).


Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Digital Camera Resource Page Reviews the Canon Powershot G12

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 07:00 AM

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/c...shot_g12-review

"The PowerShot G12 ($499) is the latest model in Canon's flagship G-series of digital cameras. It's a relatively minor update to the PowerShot G11..."

The Canon G12 is an incremental update, but I do like the addition of a proper command dial to it. I do wish the lens was a bit faster though! Digital Camera Resource Page has a good review, and it doesn't disappoint if you're looking for this class of camera.


Thursday, October 14, 2010

Canon Powershot SX30 IS Reviewed by PhotographyBLOG

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 09:00 AM

http://www.photographyblog.com/revi..._sx30is_review/

"The Canon PowerShot SX30 IS is a brand new super-zoom camera sporting an incredible 35x zoom lens equivalent to a focal length of 24-840mm. The lens construction comprises multiple special lens elements including an Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) element as well as a Hi-UD element, compensating for light aberrations while maintaining high image quality across the entire zoom range."

PhotographyBLOG reviews the latest superzoom from Canon, the SX30 IS. As I mentioned during its introduction, the 35x lens begins at a 24mm equivalent, so it does not necessary mean it has the longest reach among superzooms. Starting at 24mm gives it more flexibility though. PhotographyBLOG were not as impressed with it though (modern- day interpretation of ratings: 3/5 bad, 4/5 average, 4.5/5 good, 5/5 great). I suppose for now, these cameras are just about the end of their evolution stage till some better tech trickles down to this price level.


Thursday, September 30, 2010

Panasonic LX5 and Canon S95 Reviewed

Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 08:30 AM

Digital Camera Resource Page has just reviewed the two latest premium compacts on the market currently; the Panasonic LX5 and the Canon S95. The two cameras feature large aperture lenses at the wide end, cleaner high ISO claims, and manual controls with dedicated customisable controls; the S95 features the same lens ring control as the S90, while the LX5 now features a rear command dial and three buttons that can be user-defined. While the S95 is a small update, adding 720p video, both remain very capable cameras if you don't mind small sensor cameras. To find out how they faired, hit the review links and find out!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 Review

Canon Powershot S95 Review


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