Hasta La Gadget!

We’ll admit — compared to the ketchup-colored K-x, these two just seem lackluster. And, perhaps they are. But there’s still some merit to Pentax introducing a new pair of point-and-shoots, with both the M85 and E85 sporting 12 megapixel CCD sensors and relatively slim bodies. The former can also shoot 720p video and features a 3-inch touchscreen, shake reduction and face detection, while the lower end E85 gets saddled with a 2.7-inch LCD, a VGA movie mode and an awkward feeling of incompetence. Both should be available in Euroland next month for €179 ($263) and €129 ($186), respectively.

[Via Engadget German]

Continue reading Pentax debuts 12 megapixel duo: Optio M85 and E85 point-and-shoots

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Pentax debuts 12 megapixel duo: Optio M85 and E85 point-and-shoots originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 12.5-megapixel HZ25W combines the compact size of a pocket camera with the larger zooms more common to DSLRs: a 26mm wide-angled lens with 24x optical zoom, in this case. It can also shoot 720p HD video in H.264 format.

There’s no HD output, though. On the upside, the HZ25W (aka WB5000 in Europe) can handle uncompressed RAW images, in addition to standard JPEG files.

Aside from manual controls, aided modes include optical and digital image stabilization, smart face recognition, blink detection, and automatic adjustments to accommodate the color, brightness and movement of what you’re shooting.

Update: The HZ25W is scheduled to hit U.S. shops in October at $400. [Samsung]

Akihabara News’ early review of the Fujifilm W1 3D Camera pretty much laid everything out from the get-go with its headline, “The worst camera ever made: the review.” It assuredly caused more than a few raised eyebrows, not the least of which from Fujifilm itself. In an interesting and welcoming move, the company invited the publication to a face-to-face meeting — not for some physical redemption, mind you, but to address all the points of disappointment. There isn’t a lot said to alleviate concerns, and the common thread among all replies is pretty much that this is a new field that currently caters to a very small niche, and there’s gonna be speed bumps for time to come — in other words, better luck next time. Still, it’s somewhat refreshing to see a major company tackle the subject head-on and in public view — now if only we could make this an industry-wide trend.

Read – W1 3D camera review
Read – Fujifilm’s response

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D W1 slammed in early review, company responds point-by-point originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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]

Filed under: Digital Cameras

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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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

Filed under: Digital Cameras

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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