Ricoh CX2 has 10.7x optical zoom, CX1 pedigree

Ah, the cruelty of rapid refresh cycles. It was only six months ago that the well reviewed CX1 hit the scene, but already Ricoh is trotting out its replacement in the form of the CX2. You needn’t fret though, as the new shooter retains its predecessor’s winning features while adding a few goodies of its own. The zoom has gone from 7.1x to 10.7x, taking it comfortably into the superzoom category, continuous shooting gets upgraded from 4 to 5 fps, and face detection and AF have been enhanced. The latter features should make the new cam easier to use for novices, but when you add up the whole package — including the already competent 9 megapixel CMOS sensor and HDR imaging capabilities inherited from the CX1 — you have to wonder if this camera isn’t too good for the point and shoot moniker. Suggested UK price is £299.99 ($495), and it should be available in early September.

[Via Akihabara News]

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Ricoh CX2 has 10.7x optical zoom, CX1 pedigree originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canon outs new PowerShots: G11, S90, SX20 IS, SX120 IS, SD980 IS and SD940 IS

Looks like that PowerShot G11 we spotted this morning was indeed the real deal, and it’s being followed by five other compatriots announced by Canon this fine morning. Starting with the big boy, you’re looking at a 10 megapixel sensor, 2.8-inch vari-angle LCD, 5x optical zoom, RAW support, a hotshoe and an MSRP of $499.99 when it lands in October. Moving on, we’ve got the $429.99 PowerShot S90, an all-business point-and-shoot model with a 3-inch LCD, 10 megapixel sensor, DIGIC 4 processing engine, RAW support and a 3.8x optical zoomer. Moving right along, there’s the SX20 IS megazoom ($399.99), which packs a 12.1 megapixel sensor, 720p (30fps) video mode, an HDMI output, 20x zoomer and a 2.5-inch vari-angle display. The SX120 IS is a simpler beast (albeit bulkier), sporting a 10 megapixel sensor, 3-inch LCD, 10x optical zoom and AA battery support for $249.99, while the $329.99 SD980 IS Digital ELPH snags a 12.1 megapixel sensor, 3-inch touchscreen, 720p movie mode, 5x optical zoom lens and four different colors (silver, blue, gold and purple). Finally, the $299.99 SD940 IS offers up most of the SD980’s amenities save for the LCD and zoom, which is replaced by a non-touch 2.7-inch version and a 4x lens. The full specifications are there in the read link.

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Canon outs new PowerShots: G11, S90, SX20 IS, SX120 IS, SD980 IS and SD940 IS originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canon PowerShot G11 leaks out, looks promising

Canon’s PowerShot G10 has lived a long, fruitful life, but after being on the market for right around a year now, it’s time for a proper successor to step in and take things over. The slick little bugger you see above purports to be that very device, with the predictably titled PowerShot G11 supposedly boasting a swiveling LCD, 10 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom lens, optical image stabilization, SD / SDHC card slot and full manual controls with RAW support and a hotshoe. We’re told that it’ll be available this fall for an undisclosed sum, and we get the feeling this will all become a lot more official in a matter of days / hours / minutes.

[Thanks, Reznov]

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Canon PowerShot G11 leaks out, looks promising originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Casio’s Exilim EX-Z450, EX-Z280 and EX-Z90 compacts invoke more Zzzs

The EX-Z450 above is Casio’s new Exilim Zoom flagship model, but you’ll be forgiven for confusing it for its predecessor the Z400. Their spec sheets are almost identical: both come with 4x optical zoom, 12 megapixel sensor, 720p / 24 fps video, and Exilim Engine 4.0 — hell, even the max ISO setting is identical at 3200, and you can upgrade that ‘for free’ since nobody expects your highest settings to be usable anyway. What’s new? An autofocus for the ages, apparently, as the sole difference is a new Intelligent AF feature that automatically adjusts focus and exposure for photographic subjects, human or otherwise. The Z90 shrinks those innards into a more portable package, but drops to 3x zoom in the process. The two cameras are expected in early October for $199 and $149, respectively. They’ll be joined by the unpriced Z280 shooter that misses out on the auto-detect magic, but gains a wide-angle 26mm lens. Full frontal shots of each camera after the break.

[Via Impress]

Read – Exilim Zoom EX-Z450
Read – Exilim Zoom EX-Z280
Read – Exilim Zoom EX-Z90

Continue reading Casio’s Exilim EX-Z450, EX-Z280 and EX-Z90 compacts invoke more Zzzs

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Casio’s Exilim EX-Z450, EX-Z280 and EX-Z90 compacts invoke more Zzzs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DigiDude camera mount shows Joby what style’s all about

Oh sure, Joby may have reinvented the camera mount with its now-iconic Gorillapod lineup, but we’re giving DigiDude the edge on personality and pizazz. From the same Quirky Community that brought us the delightful Split Stick comes this, a zany new camera mount that’s easily portable (via keyring, y’all) and even easier to love. Users simply yank their Dude’s head off, tug on the retractable legs and find something of a surface to sit him on. At least initially, a fivesome of guys will be available, all of which pack more character that you’re used to dealing with when it comes to camera accessories. Feel free to select from Pinky Scorsese, Snot Buster, iChomp, G-bling-Money-Son, and BoltBot, all of whom are available right now for $19.99 apiece. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading DigiDude camera mount shows Joby what style’s all about

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DigiDude camera mount shows Joby what style’s all about originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung crams WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth 2.0 into well-specced CL65 point-and-shoot

If you’re anything like us (and let’s face it, you’re exactly like us), you’ve been counting down the nanoseconds until Samsung finally revealed what its ‘Tap and Take‘ campaign was all about. This, folks, is it. As many of you sharp folks surmised, Samsung is delving deep into the intelligent camera arena, equipping its luscious CL65 (no, not that CL65) with a 12.2 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, 720p (30fps) movie mode, an HDMI output, and a 3.5-inch touchscreen that utilizes a Smart Gesture user interface. Furthermore, the camera can access certain features when simply tilted, and the built-in Bluetooth 2.0 module enables users to easily share images with other BT-equipped devices.

Considering that you’re probably still not impressed, how’s about a little more on the cutting-edge front? The point-and-shoot also includes WiFi (much like Sony’s disappointing DSC-G3 and Panny’s Lumix DMC-TZ50), giving users the ability to upload directly to Facebook, Picasa and YouTube. Unfortunately, all photos uploaded via WiFi will be reduced to a resolution of two megapixels, and while we understand the reasoning, we figure an option for full / reduced res would’ve been a much better compromise. At any rate, the device also includes DLNA support for streaming to HDTVs and the like, while the integrated GPS chip handles the geotagging. The cam, which is admittedly bursting at the seams with features, will land next month in the US for $399.99. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading Samsung crams WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth 2.0 into well-specced CL65 point-and-shoot

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Samsung crams WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth 2.0 into well-specced CL65 point-and-shoot originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AgfaPhoto intros beginner-friendly Optima 1, 100 and 102 cameras

AgfaPhoto might want you to believe that its Optima range of cams is “perfect for the ambitious photographer,” but in truth they’re entry-level shooters with a slant toward helping the less technically gifted. The new cameras come with 28 automated functions, such as a ‘beauty mode’ that masks skin imperfections, and a quirky 1920 x 1080 picture format for making widescreen photos that match your 1080p display. The Optima 1 and 102 (pictured) share a 12 megapixel sensor, but diverge on optical zoom (5x versus 3x) and LCD size (2.7 inches versus 3 inches), while the 100 is essentially a 102 scaled down to 10 megapixels. Shaping up as a decent proposition for the often overlooked untrained photographer, the trio will be available in Europe come September at prices between €129 and €179 ($186-$258) [Warning: PDF read link].

[Via ZDNet]

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AgfaPhoto intros beginner-friendly Optima 1, 100 and 102 cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 05:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shoots

Not turned on by Pentax‘s recently released Optio W80? How’s about a colorful variant for $50 less? This fine evening, the waterproof Optio WS80 is being unveiled alongside two other entirely less enchanting point-and-shoots. The $249.95 WS80 (shown above) looks about as natural as a waterproof camera can, arriving this September in “his-and-her designs” with a 10 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, a sub-1-inch thick body, 2.7-inch LCD and the ability to withstand depths of up to five feet (lackluster, we know). Still, the ability to snag underwater video at 720p is a real boon, and there’s even face detection, shake reduction and sensitivity modes as high as ISO 6400.

As for the other guys, the Optio P80 gets things going with a 12.1 megapixel CCD, 2.7-inch LCD, 720p (30fps) movie mode, face detection, shake reduction, a 4x wide-angle optical zoom lens (equivalent to 27.5 – 110mm focal length) and support for AA batteries. It’s expected to ship this September for $199.95 in black, pearl and mint hues. Finally, the low-end E80 is pretty much the same as the P80 save for its 10 megapixel sensor, 15fps 720p movie mode and 3x optical zoom lens with a focal length equivalent to 32 – 96mm. It should also ship in September for $129.95. Check the full releases and specification sheets after the break… if you dare.

Continue reading Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shoots

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Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shoots originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung’s ‘Tap and Take’ teaser hints at revolutionary, unicorn-approved Smart Cameras

Samsung sure has been milking this whole “teaser” thing for all it’s worth of late, with the newest mystery coming to us in the form of its fresh ‘Tap and Take’ campaign. From now until August 12th, users can give the read link a visit in order to ingest clues about the outfit’s upcoming line of Smart Cameras. These wildly intelligent shooters will purportedly “transform the way consumers take pictures,” and they just might provide each and every American with free health care, solve world hunger and put the mighty Hubble to shame. The whole thing will be revealed in full on August 13th, but for now, why not drop a comment below as to what you think will be so revolutionary about the forthcoming point-and-shoot range?

[Via Korea Newswire]

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Samsung’s ‘Tap and Take’ teaser hints at revolutionary, unicorn-approved Smart Cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: Best starter DSLR?

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Adam, who is finally looking to make the leap into the money pit known as “the DSLR world.”

“I’m pretty much a complete noob when it comes to camera stuff. My wife loves to take pictures, though. So much so that she literally wore out her first point and shoot camera, and the Kodak Z712 I bought for her less than two years ago is starting to act up as well. To compound the matter, we are expecting our first born sometime next year. I fear the Kodak just isn’t going to cut it any longer. What would be the best starter DSLR to get? She hates missing photo opportunities due to camera ‘lag’ so speed would definitely be at the top of the list. Photo quality and features would be next. Price should be no more than $800 or so. Also, I’m not interested in video capabilities as I would probably get a dedicated device for that.”

Aw, we’ve got love for the noobs, Adam! With Nikon’s D3000 just announced, we figured this was about as good a time as any to get an updated list of responses for this always-popular inquiry. Be sure to let him know if your entry-level DSLR is doing you right, and feel free to drop those congrats / condolences on the kid while you’re at it.

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Ask Engadget: Best starter DSLR? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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