Canon’s S95 was our favorite pocket camera. Um, it’s probably not anymore. Meet the S100. What’s new? Oh, Canon’s first Digic V processor. A wider 24mm zoom lens. A 12-megapixel CMOS sensor (up from a 10MP CCD). 1080p video. And GPS built-in. More »
We really like Fujifilm’s X100 — it’s a solidly-built camera, with an APS-C sensor, f/2 lens, and a rather unique hybrid optical / electronic viewfinder. But the X100 carries a $1,400 sticker price, and that 23mm lens — as sharp as it may be — is permanently fixed to the mount. That’s why we were rather exited when Fuji announced its X10 earlier this week. Would this be a much more capable (and affordable) replacement for the X100? Turns out it’s not — well, not exactly — though this latest model is certainly a better fit for the consumer market. We had a chance to go hands-on with an early prototype on display at the company’s IFA booth, and while some features (notably the pop-up flash) weren’t yet functional, we’re told it’s a rather accurate representation of what we’ll see when the X10 hits stores in late October, priced within the €499-599 range (about $715-860).
The first thing you’ll notice with the X10 is that, well, there’s nary a power button in sight. Instead, you’ll rotate the 28-112mm f/2-2.8 manual zoom lens to fire it up. There’s also no aperture ring, unlike its more powerful sibling, and manual focus is handled electronically, instead of directly on the lens. Upon closer inspection, you’ll find that the X100’s slick hybrid viewfinder has been replaced with a strictly electronic one. And what about image quality? We weren’t able to take away any sample pics, but with a much smaller 2/3-inch sensor, we haven’t a doubt that images won’t look nearly as good as those shot with Fuji’s better-equipped model. To compensate for that, the camera’s EXR mode can bump the resolution down from 12 megapixels to six, in turn capturing higher quality images in low light. We’re looking forward to checking out a production version sometime this fall, but in the meantime, thumb through the images below, or jump past the break for a video overview.
Gallery: Fujifilm X10 hands-on
Continue reading Fujifilm X10 hands-on (video)
Fujifilm X10 hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 12:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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There’s nothing all that exciting about most point-and-shoot cameras. You point, they shoot, end of story. But Samsung has been shaking things up as of late. First, the TL220 and TL225 added a second, 1.5-inch LCD to the front of the camera, making up the company’s 2009 lineup of DualView cams. We’ve never actually seen anyone using them on the street, but Samsung reps insist that they’ve been an absolute hit. Well alright then. This year, CES brought the company’s remote-shooting-enabled SH100, which lets you use a Samsung-branded Android smartphone to frame, zoom, and capture images over WiFi. A rather obnoxious delay doesn’t make this a blockbuster feature, but still, this is pretty imaginative stuff.
Now this week at IFA, the company just introduced yet another completely original (and practical) camera design with its MV800. The camera’s image quality isn’t much to speak of (though we’ve only had a chance to use a pre-production model), but its MultiView flip-up LCD is pretty darn fantastic — in concept, at least. The 16.1 megapixel cam’s entire 3-inch capacitive touchscreen flips from flush with the rear up to a 180-degree angle (and anything in between), making it possible to not only shoot perfectly framed self-portraits, but also to have a direct view of the display when shooting both below, and above eye level. We love to see manufacturers continue to push the envelope when it comes to innovation, but how did the $279 MV800 perform overall? Jump past the break for our impressions.
Gallery: Samsung MV800
Continue reading Samsung MV800 MultiView camera hands-on (video)
Samsung MV800 MultiView camera hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Retro designs seem to be the latest thing when it comes to high-end point-and-shoot cameras, and Fujifilm is helping to lead the pack with its rather limited (and pricey) X100. The company’s just-announced X10, however, appears to expand upon its well-received cousin with a mighty fast f/2-2.8, 28-112mm manual zoom lens with a proprietary “Electron Beam Coating” that promises excellent image quality, even at the edge of the frame. The camera features a black magnesium alloy housing — we have to admit, it’s a very elegant look. There’s also a 12 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor with sensitivity up to ISO 12,800, 1080p video, an optical viewfinder, 10 fps continuous shooting (7 fps at full res), a pop-up flash, and a full-size hot shoe. Advanced photogs will appreciate the shooting mode, focus mode and exposure compensation dials, along with dedicated buttons to adjust a variety of other settings, including activating RAW capture. Fuji is mum on price, but we’re certain to get an update before this hits stores in early November. Jump past the break for the full feature rundown.
Fujifilm announces X10 camera with 12 megapixel CMOS sensor, optical viewfinder, f/2 lens originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 01:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Last month, Panasonic’s Lumix FZ47 made some (rather subtle) waves with its full manual video mode, lettering you control aperture and shutter speed while capturing in 1080i. Now, the company just announced its higher-end FZ150, which replaces last year’s FZ100, adding 1080p AVCHD capture, a stereo mic with noise cancellation, and a 12 fps burst mode. Image-related improvements include a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 25-600mm (24x) f/2.8-5.2 Leica lens with nano surface coating, faster autofocus, a new Venus Engine FHD Pro processor, and sensitivity up to ISO 3200. The FZ150 retains its predecessor’s 3-inch LCD and 0.2-inch EVF — both also present on the FZ47. There’s also a new side-lever control, letting you adjust zoom and focus with secondary levers positioned just to the left of the lens. Panasonic’s latest superzoom cam will ship in late September with a $500 sticker price. PR after the break.
Gallery: Panasonic Lumix FZ150
Continue reading Panasonic Lumix FZ150 builds on FZ47 superzoom, adds CMOS sensor, 1080p video
Panasonic Lumix FZ150 builds on FZ47 superzoom, adds CMOS sensor, 1080p video originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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It’s not every day that we see a new camera hit the market — it only feels like it is. And today it’s Canon’s turn in the spotlight. Beefing up its point-and-shoot lineup with a trio of PowerShots, the company just announced its SX150 IS, ELPH 310 HS, and ELPH 510 HS — that last one is billed as the thinnest camera to include a 12x optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle. All three models include a new IS system, Smart Auto with 32 shooting scenes, high-speed burst, and HD video capture. Photographers looking for manual control may want to focus on the $250 14.1 megapixel SX150, which includes aperture- and shutter-priority modes, a discrete-shooting mode, and a 3-inch LCD, but uses a CCD sensor. If you don’t mind sacrificing manual control in favor of a slimmer body design, the $260 ELPH 310 HS and $350 ELPH 510 HS both include 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensors with improved performance in low light, and 8x and 12x optical zoom lenses, respectively. Both ELPH models will ship in early October, while the SX150 is slated to hit stores in the beginning of September. Canon is also announcing a new flash — the $150 HF-DC2 — scheduled to ship just in time to capture bright holiday pics this December.
Continue reading Canon announces PowerShot SX150 IS, ELPH 310 / 510 HS point-and-shoot cams
Canon announces PowerShot SX150 IS, ELPH 310 / 510 HS point-and-shoot cams originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 04:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Tilt-shift photography has been a buzzy little internet thing for quite a while—but it always requires a mobile app filter, some Photoshop muckery, or an extremely expensive lens. Not anymore! This tiny cam instantly creates the real thing. More »
Sony announcing three NEX lenses on August 24th? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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When the Lumix GF1 was released less than a year after Micro Four Thirds first made its debut, it made a huge splash for its size, image quality, and versatility. Problem is, Panasonic set the bar very high for future GF-series models, and has sadly come up short with its latest update, positioning the GF3 ($600 with 14-42mm kit lens) as an upgrade for compact camera owners while leaving enthusiasts longing for much more. DPReview took the GF3 to task, publishing a very comprehensive review while finding that while Panasonic’s latest ILC is a good fit for some photographers, more advanced users will likely be disappointed — especially if they’re expecting a rangefinder-like successor to the GF1. We spent a few hours with a pre-production GF3 earlier this summer, and weren’t blown away by its performance. When testing against the class-leading Sony NEX-C3, we found the Sony camera to offer faster focusing, better high-ISO performance, more accurate white balance, and better image quality overall. So unless you’re really gunning to save 50 bucks on an ILC with a kit zoom (or you already have a collection of Micro Four Thirds lenses), the $650 C3 is definitely the better bet.
Panasonic GF3 reviewed: aging 12 MP sensor, good upgrade for current compact users originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Welcome to Engadget’s Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we’re here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we’ve got our optical viewfinders set firmly on digital cameras — and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they’re added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back — at the end of the month we’ll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides — and hit up the hub page right here!
Welcome to Digital Cameras 101. This single-lecture class will feature a handful of top cams for every budget, and since you’re just getting back from a summer of wild shooting, we’ll try to keep things brief this time around, giving you one last chance to enjoy that crisp natural light. There won’t be a pop quiz, but if you’re feeling lucky and don’t mind following our simple instructions, we may just be able to send you home with your very own Sony NEX-C3. So wipe off the glasses, grab your clicker, and get ready to jump past the break for a top-level overview of this year’s picks for back to school.
Continue reading Engadget’s back to school guide 2011: digital cameras
Engadget’s back to school guide 2011: digital cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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