Hasta La Gadget!

Remember that patent for a manual-and-electronically-zooming Nikon lens? The rumor mill thinks it knows where it belongs: in Nikon’s unannounced CoolPix P500, an update to the company’s already-ludicrously-lengthy P100 that adds a 36x optical magnifying glass and bumps the backside-illuminated sensor to a full 12 megapixels of resolution. That camera will reportedly bow in February, but April is when Nikon will allegedly bring out the big guns — the EVIL, market-molding monster of a mirrorless camera it’s been teasing since last summer. Hit up our source links for all the scuttlebutt you need.

Nikon rumor mill spins tales of manual superzooms this February and EVIL in April originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 02:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’ve yet to snap a single photograph with Fujifilm’s FinePix X100, but we don’t let little things like substantive testing get in the way of love — it’s destiny that we and this gorgeous camera be together, no matter the cost. Of course, considering that cost is presently $1,200 at Adorama, where the 12.3 megapixel APS-C shooter just appeared for pre-sales, you may not feel the same way. That’s just fine. You’ll probably have until March to longingly gaze upon that F2 Fujinon lens, hybrid viewfinder and gorgeous magnesium curves before you make up your troubled mind.

Fujifilm FinePix X100 pre-orders begin, retro beauty is yours for $1,200 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 10:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Lumix goodness? You betcha. Hot on the heels of Panasonic’s CES unveiling of the FP5, FP7, FH5 and FH2 ultraslim compact camera comes this: even more Lumix compacts. Per usual, we’ll tell you exactly what you need to know below, and those hungry for more can peek the full releases after the break.

• Up first we have two new folks joining the S series: the DMC-S3 and DMC-S1. Both of these are designed for up-and-comers looking for ease of use, with the S3 having a 14.1 megapixel sensor and the S1 dipping to a 12.1 megapixel sensor. Both of ’em tout a 720p movie mode, refreshed designs and a 4x optical zoom lens. Panny admits that they’re both “entry-level,” though you’ll still find optical image stabilization, face detection, an intelligent scene selector and the Venus Engine VI image processor. There’s a 2.7-inch LCD on the rear of each unit, and while the S3 will ship in blue, red, black and violet, the S1 will arrive in black, gold, blue, pink and silver. Mum’s the word on a price and release date, sadly.
• The DMC-FH27 and DMC-FH25 point-and-shoots are both aimed at the fashionistas in the crowd, with the pair touting a 16.1 megapixel sensor, 8x optical zoom lens and a 720p movie mode. There’s also an advanced Intelligent Auto mode for those who detest fiddling with settings, and the Venus Engine VI image processor promises to speed up just about everything dealing with operation. Face detection, optical image stabilization and an intelligent scene selector are all present, though the FH27’s 3-inch rear LCD one-ups the 2.7-inch panel that’s on the FH25. Per usual, Panny’s keeping its trap shut when it comes to a price and release date.

Continue reading Panasonic intros Lumix DMC-S3, DMC-S1, DMC-FH25 and DMC-FH27 compact cameras

Panasonic intros Lumix DMC-S3, DMC-S1, DMC-FH25 and DMC-FH27 compact cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung, taking it easy at CES? Not a chance. Hot on the heels of a smorgasbord of new HD gear comes a five-pack of new cameras. Three of ’em are situated in the company’s growing DualView line, which places a display on the front that makes self-portraits entirely easier to snap. The ST700 point-and-shoot includes a 16.1 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, dual image stabilization, a 3-inch touchscreen on the rear, a 1.8-inch screen on the front, 720p movie mode, an ISO range that tops out at 3200 and a $279.99 retail price. The PL170 ($199.99) is also equipped with a 16.1 megapixel sensor and a 5x optical zoom, but the screen on the front is stepped down to 1.5-inches and the feature set is scaled back. The PL120 is the lowest-end of the new DualViews, with a downsized 2.7-inch rear LCD and a $149.99 price point.

In related news, the WB210 (shown above) and PL210 are also debuting today, with the former touting a 12x zoom lens, a 22.4mm thick body and a 14 megapixel sensor. The PL210 goes with a 10x optical zoom, 27mm wide-angle lens, a 3-inch rear LCD and a 14 megapixel sensor. These are slated to go on sale next month for $279.99 and $199.99 in order of mention, and the full releases are waiting for your eyes just after the break.

Continue reading Samsung’s CES 2011 camera lineup: DualView ST700, PL170 and PL120 / WB210 and PL210

Samsung’s CES 2011 camera lineup: DualView ST700, PL170 and PL120 / WB210 and PL210 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fujifilm’s rugged Finepix XP30 just a bit too rough around the edges for you? If so, we’d recommend grabbing a cup of joe and diving into the outfit’s CES 2011 line of point-and-shoot cameras. The company’s holding nothing back with this year’s barrage of new shooters, so let’s get to it, shall we?

• The Finepix Z90 (shown above) is a sleek, svelte new compact with a three-inch resistive touchpanel, 14 megapixel CCD sensor, Fujinon 5x wide-angle optical zoom lens and automatic upload to both YouTube and Facebook. There’s also a new ‘Dual Direction GUI’ (which splits the rear screen in various ways to view multiple images at once) digital image stabilization, face detection / red-eye removal, a 720p movie mode and a chassis that’s just 17.5mm thick. It’ll go on sale in around a fortnight for $169.95.
• The Finepix AV200, AX300 and JV200 are aimed at the bargain consumer, with all three boasting a 720p movie mode, face detection and a relatively understated design. The AV200 and JV200 are outfitted witha 14 megapixel CCD sensor and a 3x optical zoom lens, while the AX300 steps up to a 5x optical zoomer. The trio packs a 2.7-inch rear LCD, digital image stabilization and automatic red-eye removal. The AV200 and AX300 get powered by a pair of AA batteries, whereas the JV200 is equipped with a rechargeable Li-ion. The whole lot will go on sale in the US next month, with pricing set at $89.95, $99.95 and $109.95 in order of mention.
• For those looking to step up a bit, there’s the new JX series. The JX300 and JX350 include 5x optical zoomers and a 720p movie mode, not to mention a 2.7-inch rear LCD, metal body and Li-ion rechargeable battery. The JX300 is blessed with a 14 megapicel CCD sensor , while the JX350 packs a 16 megapixel CCD sensor. Fuji plans to hawk the 300 in silver, whereas the 350 will be available in brushed metal or black. Other features include an easy YouTube / Facebook upload, smile / face detection and red-eye removal. The JX300 will go on sale next month for $129.95, with the JX350 coming in April for $159.95.
• Wrapping things up, we’ve got the T200 and T300, both of which are equipped with 10x Fujinon optical zoom lenses (28mm to 280mm) and a 720p movie mode. These check in at just 18.5mm thick and include sensor shift image stabilization and a 14 megapixel CCD sensor. The T300 ups the ante with a 3-inch high-res display, while the T200 gets saddled with a 3.7-inch display. We’re told that the T300 will be available in black, while the T200 gets wrapped in a gunmetal finish. The T300 will ship in April for $199.95, and the T200 will go on sale this March for $20 less.

Continue reading Fujifilm’s CES 2011 point-and-shoot lineup: Finepix Z90, AV200, AX300, JV200, JX and T series

Fujifilm’s CES 2011 point-and-shoot lineup: Finepix Z90, AV200, AX300, JV200, JX and T series originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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