Expert Camera Reviews

The Kodak EasyShare Z710 is a trendy bridge-style camera with a 7.10 megapixel sensor, colossal 10x zoom lens covering 38-380mm, 2 inch LCD monitor and a complete range of creative shooting modes including a fully manual mode. Other features of the Z710 designed to appeal to the photographer include three types of exposure metering, ISO ranges from 64 to 800, a fast aperture at the wide-angle lens setting, an electronic viewfinder and 17 scene modes to help beginners achieve the results they’re looking for without the need to understand much of the operation techniques.

Pros about the Kodak Z710:

• Massive 10x optical zoom lens with very little distortion
• Can capture 2.5 frames per second irrespective of image size

Cons:

• No Image stabilization
• Noise noticeable and significant loss of detail at ISO 400
• Slow performance during start-ups and shots
• Small LCD screen

Specifications:
Megapixels – 7.10
Weight (oz.) – 10.0
Optical Zoom – 10x
LCD Size – 2 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 2 to 16.1 ft
Image stabilizer - No
Battery type – AA (x2) or Lithium CR-V3 (x1)
Special features – 32 MB built-in memory, MPEG4 movie format support,

Summary:
After viewing this camera’s slow performance and limited ISO ranges, it makes no sense to recommend it, considering that Kodak has better-performing models to offer in its own line, such as the Z612.

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The Olympus FE-200 features a 5x optical zoom lens with a useful 28mm to 140mm wide angle. The FE-200 couples this with a 6.0 megapixel imager and 2.5″ LCD display that has 150,000 pixels and is the only method of framing images in the absence of an optical viewfinder. Autofocus is provided via contrast detection, while ISO sensitivity ranges from 64 to 640 under automatic control. The FE-200 determines exposures with Olympus Digital ESP multi-pattern metering. The Olympus FE-200 has numerous scene presets that help you prepare the camera for different shooting conditions.

Pros:

• Excellent 28mm to 140 mm wide lens
• Automatically sets white balance and ISO

Cons:

• Settings beyond exposure compensation and image size cannot be changed
• It lacks the TruePic Turbo image processor found in less expensive models
• Very disappointing image quality at even low ISOs
• No manual exposure modes

Specifications:
Megapixels – 6.0
Weight (oz.) – 5.4
Optical Zoom – 5x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 0.7 to 8.2
Image stabilizer – Yes, digital
Battery type – Rechargeable Lithium Ion
Special features – 24 MB built-in memory and xD card compatible, USB 2.0 full speed connectivity, 12 second self timer

Summary:
Since the camera has hardly anything to offer even with its low price tag, Its extremely difficult to recommend this camera when for the same price, one could find much better models with better features like the Canon Powershot A530 or the Nikon Coolpix L2. The entire Olympus FE series is directly targeted at the entry-level user who is looking for an affordable, easy to use camera.

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ1 digital camera is based on a 5 megapixel imager coupled to a prism-folded 10x optical zoom lens with MEGA optical image stabilization technology. The Panasonic TZ1 is powered by the powerful Venus Engine III image processor. The TZ1 also offers infinite continuous shooting mode and a widescreen movie mode at 848 x 480 pixels. This camera is ideally for photographers who need a lot of zoom power.

Positive features:

• Good macro performance
• 10x Optical Leica zoom which ranges from 35-350 mm and maximum 50x digital zoom
• Dual-mode O.I.S which reduces camera shake in both long zoom and low zoom shooting
• Fast shot to shot cycle in continuous shooting mode
• Bright and beautiful motion pictures at 640 x 480 as well as 848 x 480
• Simultaneously record audio and still images

Negative features:

• Lots of noise in pictures taken at middle and high ISO levels
• Very little built-in memory
• Lacks manual exposure and Shutter/Aperture Priority modes
• Limited flash range
• No viewfinder of any kind

Specifications:
Megapixels – 5.0
Weight (oz.) – 9.2
Optical Zoom – 10x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) - 1.0 to 12.1 ft
Image stabilizer – Yes, Optical
Battery type – Rechargeable CGA-S007A Lithium Ion
Special features – Venus Engine III image processor, AF illuminator, 3 Flash modes, 16 scene modes with help screens, USB 2.0 interface, PictBridge compatible, SD Memory card storage

Summary:
The Panasonic Lumix TZ1 is a pleasure to use with a 10x optically stabilized zoom lens, high ISO scene mode and a large LCD, but the significant lens flare from middle to long telephoto raises concerns. Another failure of the TZ1 is the weak flash and lack of some manual exposure options. It misses our recommendation by a very narrow margin.

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The Samsung NV7 OPS is a combination of a 7 megapixel CCD imager with a massive 7x optical zoom and image stabilization to boost its performance. The NV7 also includes Aperture priority, Shutter priority and manual mode, an automatic shake reduction, a high ISO setting mode, scene program, movie capture and playback features. A unique feature on the NV7 is the 13 “Smart Buttons” around the LCD to perform different functions like changing the ISO settings to high or low.

Strong Features:

• Unique Smart Touch user interface
• Full manual controls, including ability to set white balance by color temperature
• Excellent movie mode, optical zoom can be used during recording
• AF-assist lamp, provides very good low light focusing
• Large 2.5 inch LCD screen

Weak Features:

• No optical viewfinder
• Lacks proper red-eye removal quality
• Images are noisy even at low ISOs
• Poor battery life
• Optical Image Stabilization cannot be used in movie recording mode
• Mutes audio while zooming in video

Specifications:
Megapixels – 7.10
Weight (oz.) – 8.6
Optical Zoom – 7x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 0.6 to 19 ft
Image stabilizer – Yes, Optical
Battery type – Rechargeable custom Lithium Ion
Special features – USB 2.0 High Speed support, Unique Smart Touch buttons, Optical stabilization of images, MPEG-4 VGA movie mode, In-camera special effects, ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1000

Summary:
Although having some very user friendly interface, yet the Samsung NV7 OPS cannot be recommended just for an average performance and just above average photo quality.

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The Sony DSLR-A100K is one of the most commanding consumer-level digital cameras available, offering more than 10.2 megapixels of resolution and extremely quick response times. However at $1000 minus the add-ons which one would need to purchase, it is a bit expensive. The DSLR comes with a 18 – 70 mm lens and the DSLR-A100K can create professional-quality prints at sizes of 20×25 inches and larger. Image quality with this digital camera is outstanding under all conditions. This camera uses anti-dust coating on the image sensor, which prevents statically charged dust from clinging to the sensor while charging the lenses. The DSLR-A100K accepts Maxxum AF lenses, so for anyone with an existing collection of these lenses should be happy to use this camera

Features that work for the camera are:

• Offers very high image resolution
• In-camera image stabilization
• Easy to use although being a high-end camera
• Good add-on lens selection
• Very good response time

Features that work against the camera are:

• Large camera body
• Costly add-ons units such as lens and focus units
• Sensor based image stabilization

Specifications:
Megapixels – 10.2
Weight (oz.) – 16
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer - Yes
Battery type – Rechargeable Lithium Ion
Special features – Red-eye reduction technology, Compact flash I/II card slot, microdrive and FAT32 compatible, PictBridge compatible, Pentaprism viewfinder

Summary:
There are only two major factors, the high price and the body weight and size that work against this camera, else it is a very good high end DSLR camera for any photographer to have in his arsenal.

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The Nikon D80 digital SLR is the successor of the D70s. It is positioned between the entry-level D50 and semi-professional high budget D200, directly targeting photographic enthusiasts or those who simply want an extra boost but within their budget. The D80 has a combination of many features from both the D50 and D200. The Nikon D80 has the same 10.20 Megapixel resolutions, 2.5 inch LCD screen with user interface as that of the D200. The Nikon D80 spots an 18 -135mm DX kit lens; this makes it a killer photographic tool for amateur and intermediate photographer.

Some very good features of the Nikon D80 are:

• The 0.94x viewfinder is unusually large for a DSLR and very bright due to the pentaprism optics used
• User can control high-ISO noise reduction
• LCD is large, bright and very clear
• Powerful in-camera color-filter capability
• Excellent range of custom settings
• Very good and attractive menu system with help screens

Drawbacks of the camera are:

• Maximum shutter speed is a low 1/4000 compared to 1/8000 of the D70’s
• Auto white balance mode provides poor handling of household incandescent lighting
• Contrast adjustment has limited range
• Kit lens is quite sharp but has more chromatic aberration on the images

Specifications:
Megapixels – 10.20
Weight (oz.) – 20.5
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 3 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer - No
Battery type – Lithium Ion
Special features - Image storage on SD and SDHC memory cards, USB 2.0 High speed support, User selectable White balance with 9 modes and manual fine tuning, bright viewfinder, NTSC video cable for playback on TV

Summary:
The Nikon D80 is solidly built and Nikon’s combination of build quality, image quality, extensive configurability, rich post-capture processing features, and excellent kit lens makes the D80 a genuine bargain camera. This is a camera that’s quite friendly for complete novices and also for the serious amateur with a range of creative control and sophisticated operating features.

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The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T50 is an update to the existing DSC-T30 model. The ultra-slim and stylish Cyber-shot DSC-T50 is equipped with a 7-megapixel Sony CCD image sensor, a 3x optical zoom lens, a large 3.0 inch Touch panel LCD display, VX Fine movie mode, and 56MB of internal memory. This camera is available in three different colors, red, black and silver. The camera is provided with elective options of either a 4 GB Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick PRO Duo media cards which allows play back of not less than 1100 high-resolution images in slide show mode.

Strengths of the camera:
A large LCD monitor usable in full sun and in surprisingly dim lighting too
A very good flash range for a compact camera
Excellent lens which provides sharp images
Excellent image stabilization for photos even in dim lighting
Excellent photo quality for 13×19 inch prints

Weaknesses:
Strong blues in images are oversaturated
Shots at High-ISO are very noisy
White balance performance under household incandescent lighting not good enough
Continuous shooting mode is slow
Touch screen interface requires more touches for many settings

Specifications:
Megapixels – 7.2
Weight (oz.) – 5.9
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 3.0 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 4 ft to 11.2 ft
Image stabilizer –Yes, optical
Battery type –lithium ion
Special features –Touch Screen User Interface, In-Camera slide show, white balance adjustments with six modes, Movie mode with MPEG VX option, DPOF and PictBridge compatible

Summary:
The Sony T50 looks like another winner. Apart from the touch screen awkwardness, the T50 looks like a great small digital camera, with a huge, beautiful LCD screen and great anti-shake technology built in. The slightly larger body also gives it better battery life and a very better flash range than other cameras in this category. The camera is great for indoor photography.

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The Fujifilm FinePix S6000fd belongs to the bridge cameras group whose primary features are live-preview on the digital cameras. It is an ultra zoom camera with a 6.3 Megapixel SuperCCD sensor that produces less noise than regular CCDs, and giving this camera the potential to be the low light king of its class. An interesting new face detection feature is available with this camera. The camera has a 10.71 x zoom and the 10.71x (28 – 300mm) lens is not separable, although it feels like a detachable lens with a rubber ring for full manual zoom control around the barrel.

Some very good features of the FinePix S6000fd are:
• Face detection technology is great for shooting pictures of people in groups
• Priced very low for the good quality lens and sensor it offers
• The camera is very light, has an excellent grip and resembles a dSLR camera.
• Manual zooming is simple and effective
• Supports the RAW file format
• High resolution LCD unit
• Excellent flash exposure

Some drawbacks of the camera are:
• No optical image stabilization provided, just picture stabilization mode which degrades image quality
• While capturing RAW images the shot-to-shot speed is quite slow
• The electronic viewfinder is hard to use
• Bulky in size

Specifications:
Megapixels – 7.2
Weight (oz.) – 5.9
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 3.0 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 4 ft to 11.2 ft
Image stabilizer – No
Battery type – Lithium Ion
Special features – Auto and Manual focus modes, new face detection technology, three continuous shooting modes, self-timer for delayed shutter release, DPOF and PictBridge compatible, Movie recording with sound

Summary:
The camera’s 6.3 megapixel image chip might not impress when there are models which boast up to 10 megapixels of resolution, but the images produced out of this camera are rich in color and impressively sharp, even in difficult shooting or low light conditions. The Fujifilm S6000fd can compete with many higher-resolution super zoom models and even over some digital SLRs.

The Canon EOS 30D has a perfect price and features that include excellent image quality to become a favorite Digital SLR camera for a lot of photographers. The EOS 30D shares many common features with its predecessor the 20D which include the same 8.2 MegaPixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC II Image processor, 5 frames per second fast continuous shooting mode, high precision 9 point Auto Focus system and a viewfinder. The 30D gives excellent photos especially at high ISO sensitivity settings.

Some very good features of the Canon 30D are:

• Interchangeable lenses can be used
• Red-eye reduction feature by built-in illuminator
• Supports 24 bit JPEG and 36 bit RAW data file formats
• Electronic self timer
• Operates in shooting priority mode to view pictures
• Ability to adjust ISO in 1/3 stop increments

A few Drawbacks of this SLR camera are:

• No memory card included with the 30D
• LCD not as bright or sharp as compared to other models

Specifications:
Megapixels – 8.2
Weight (oz.) – 24.7
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 43 to 102 ft
Battery type – Lithium-Ion
Special features – Spot metering options, Improved shutter with a 100,000 life cycle, Print/Share button, USB 2.0 high speed support, Supports JPEG and RAW recording format.

Summary:
If you are willing to spend a good amount for a compact Digital SLR which should have a fast frame rate and high grade build quality and a lot of additional features and performance like improved camera operation, large buffer, full manual controls, then the Canon EOS 30D is a good choice for you.

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The Canon PowerShot SD430 happens to be Canon’s first PowerShot with built-in Wi-Fi technology, which allows you to send photos to your Windows PC without touching a USB cable. The SD430 has a 35mm to 105mm lens with a relatively slow f/2.8 to f/4.9 maximum aperture, a 2 inch LCD screen, optical viewfinder and limited manual control, snappy shooting performance, but with impressive remote control capabilities. Using Canon’s RemoteCapture utility for Windows XP SP2 a PowerShot SD430 user can remotely control zoom, ISO speed, macro mode, white balance, color mode, metering mode, focus point, image size and compression level , autofocus type and flash mode

Positive features of the PowerShot SD430 are:

• Built-in wireless control, image transfer and printing
• With the ‘My Colors” features one can customize the photos while shooting
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
• Voice memos can be attached to still images
• Continuous shooting at 2 frames per second till memory permits
• Unlimited length of movie mode at 640×480 with sound

Negative features of the PowerShot SD430 are:

• The zoom and focus mechanisms are a little noisy
• WiFi transfers works only to Windows systems
• Shutter response at telephoto focal lengths is a little slow
• Inaccurate optical viewfinder
• Only white balance and EV compensation options in Manual mode
• Low battery life

Specifications:
Megapixels – 5.0
Weight (oz.) – 4.5
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 2.0 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 1.6 to 12 ft
Image stabilizer - No
Battery type – Rechargeable Lithium battery
Special features – Print/Share button for direct printing, 16 MB SD Memory, Customizable “My Camera” settings, Continuous shooting mode, Connect to Television

Summary:
The SD430 is attractively styled, but considering its poor battery life and noisy operation, and priced at $500, the SD430 is a bit on the expensive side for a 5-megapixel camera with wireless features. It’s $100 more than the Nikon P2, which also includes wireless.