Expert Camera Reviews

The second digital camera from Leica is the V-LUX 1, which is clearly based on Panasonic’s DMC-FZ50 technology. This camera has almost identical specifications to the DMC-FZ50 with a 10 megapixel CCD, a Leica branded 12x optically image stabilized lens, a tilting 2 inch LCD screen for optimum picture checking, electronic viewfinder, flash hot-shoe and full manual controls. The V-LUX 1 also comes with a 512 MB SD card. The V-LUX 1 has a 0.44″ color electronic viewfinder with 235,000 pixels for those who prefer to hold the camera to their eye.

Pros:

• ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 1600
• High Movie resolution at 848×480 pixels
• The large range of focal lengths offered eliminates the need of changing lens.
• Optical Image Stabilization which can be switched ON or OFF at any time
• The Picture Signal Processor (Venus Engine III) ensures quick picture signal processing

Cons:
• The V-LUX 1 is priced quite high at $800 compared to other models with the same features

Specifications:
Megapixels – 10.0
Weight (oz.) – 25.7
Optical Zoom – 12x
LCD Size – 2.0 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 1 to 22 ft
Image stabilizer – Yes
Battery type – Custom Lithium Ion
Special features – Support for SDHC Memory Cards, NTSC/PAL TV standards, USB 2.0 High speed support, High movie resolution at 848×480 pixels, JPEG, RAW and MOV file format supported

Summary:
The V-LUX 1 model is recommended due to the numerous positive features it has compared with its only drawback of being a bit highly priced which I guess most consumers will ignore.

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The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-N2 is an upgrade of the existing DSC-N1 model. The Sony N2 derives its higher ten megapixel resolution from a 1/1.7″ CCD imager coupled with the same Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar zoom lens, which offers a 3x optical zoom range equivalent to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera. Also included in the Sony N2 is a slideshow mode with a range of transitions including zooms, fades, pans, and wipes, all selected automatically by the camera. The feature that sets the DSC N2 apart from all other digital cameras is its big 3 inch LCD screen

Some positive features of the Sony N2 are:

• Fast response with a good shutter lag time and very good shot-to-shot speed
• Good color accuracy and contrast adjustments
• ISO sensitivity up to 1600
• Very good low-light shooting capabilities
• Very fast Multi-burst mode
• Image noise at ISO 200 and below is pretty good
• The touch screen LCD is wide, efficient and simple to navigate
• Stylus to keep fingers off the LCD screen

Drawbacks of the Sony N2 are:

• Slow continuous shooting speeds
• High chromatic aberration lens distortion which is noticeable at the edges in some images
• Image noise high at ISO 400 and up; at 800 and 1,000 images are almost unusable
• Auto white balance is unsuitable with household incandescent lighting

Specifications:
Megapixels – 10.0
Weight (oz.) – 6.5
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 3.0 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer - No
Battery type – Custom Lithium Ion
Special features – Email mode, In-camera editing and cleaning tools, Movie recording with sound, DPOF and PictBridge compatible, White balance adjustment with 6 options

Summary:
Though the higher ISO settings do produce a bit of noise while capturing images, the Sony N2 is still quite capable of capturing useable images under very bright or dark conditions. Not to forget that the touch control features allows you to alter images with the in-camera paint tools and pinpoint focus exactly where you want it as you shoot. The DSC-N2 offers a lot in its small package and we certainly feel it’s a deserving case to recommend.

Like its predecessor LX1, the Panasonic LX2 is clearly motivated by the swelling popularity of widescreen televisions. The LX2 employs a unique set of triple-wide features which are, 10.2 megapixels combined with a 28mm wide-angle Leica lens, a 16:9 wide CCD, and a 16:9 wide LCD. If you are someone who likes to have a high count of pixels, then the Panasonic LX2 is an ideal choice with a 10.2 megapixel CCD that uses the full resolution of the sensor when shooting at 16:9. The Panasonic LX2, includes many notable manual options, face detection, scene selection and Panasonic’s MEGA Optical Image Stabilization feature.

Some good features of the Panasonic LX2 are:
• Very fast all-around performance with no shutter lags during pre-focus
• Latest LSI Venus Engine III image processor which lowers overall noise
• Very high quality Leica lens which offer lower than average distortion, very low chromatic aberration and excellent sharpness in pictures
• Movie mode shoots in 16:9 widescreen and offers above average resolution.
• Long battery life
• Images with excellent white balance, exposure, and color saturation

Drawbacks are:
• Images shot at ISO 1600 and above are too noisy for printing
• HD movie clips are playable at only 15 frames per second
• Very small built-in memory of 13 MB
• Slow playback of full resolution images on LCD screen

Specifications:
Megapixels - 10.2
Weight (oz.) – 7.6
Optical Zoom - 4x
LCD Size - 2.8 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer - Yes, Optical
Battery type - Rechargeable Lithium Ion
Special features – RAW and JPEG recording modes, Venus Engine III Processor, Sensitivity upto ISO 3200, 13 MB built-in memory, support for SD memory cards

Summary:
As one can see from the long list of positive features and very short list of drawbacks above, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 has a lot going for it and is an ideal camera for novices to handle and expert photographers to have in their arsenal.

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Built with a colossal 12x optical zoom lens comparable to 36 - 432mm on a 35mm camera, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 is Sony’s current envoy in the ultra-zoom class of compact digital cameras. The DSC-H2 has a 6 megapixel sensor and features Sony’s Super Steady Shot image stabilisation system which ensures sharper results when hand-holding the camera at the longer focal lengths. Some other highlights of the Sony DSC-H2 are, it has a large 2 inch LCD monitor screen for easy composition of shots and playback, 7 different scene modes to select from for the beginner and artistic shutter-priority, aperture-priority and manual exposure modes for experienced photographers.

Strong features that make the Cyber-shot DSC-H2 an ideal choice are:

• Sony’s Clear RAW noise reduction technology minimizes picture noise, making it easier to shoot at faster shutter speeds. • The anti-blur features are an advantage when shooting in low-light conditions
• The zoom feature can be used either slowly or quickly, by changing the pressure applied to the buttons
• Very fast multi-burst mode
• Image noise at ISO 200 and below is pretty decent
• Very good battery life

Some negative features of this model are:

• Image noise high at ISO 400 and above, at ISO 800 and 1000 images are almost unusable
• Anti-noise processing trades away some subtle subject detail at all ISO levels
• Small 2.0 inch LCD screen compared to its predecessors

Specifications:
Megapixels – 6.0
Weight (oz.) – 20.7
Optical Zoom – 12x
LCD Size – 2.0 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer – Yes, Optical
Battery type – AA (x2)
Special features – 32 MB built-in memory, USB 2.0 support, Support for Mac and PC, MPEG Movie format with sound, Macro lens adjustment, Email mode

Summary:
Except for the disappointing high chromatic aberration and softness in the corners of telephotos, the Sony DSC-H2 is fairly fast among the others, with faster than average shutter response, a smooth and responsive zoom, and very good shot to shot cycle times. Optical quality is very good. The Sony DSC-H2 is ideal long-zoom camera for novices and experts to have.

The Olympus SP-510 UZ is coupled with a 7.1 megapixels and a 10x optical zoom lens that’s equivalent to 38-380mm in 35mm format. The SP-510 employs Olympus Bright-Capture technology for low-light photography and image reviewing with ISO sensitivity ranging from 50 to 4000, though at ISO 2500 and above the camera’s resolution drops to 3 megapixels. The SP-510 gives some amazing features that will help to take professional quality photos in nearly any situation. In fast-motion events digital image stabilization takes away the problems of blurred images. The camera is powered by 4 AA size batteries

Pros:
• Sleek design
• Great color, good dynamic range, and respectable sharpness in images shot in low-light conditions
• Comfortable handgrip
• Digital image stabilization provides better pictures in shaky and fast motion situations.

Cons:
• Excessive noise in images shot above ISO 400
• While taking pictures and during general operations it has a sluggish performance.
• Outdated menu system
• Inadequate resolution for a 2.5 inch LCD
• Only digital image stabilization for 10x zoom which increases noise and degrades quality

Specifications:
Megapixels - 7.1
Weight (oz.) - 10.6
Optical Zoom - 10x
LCD Size - 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) - 1.2 to 14.4
Image stabilizer - Yes
Battery type - AA (x4)
Special features - 21 scene modes, xD Picture card storage, Multi-language
menu, Bright-Capture technology,

Summary:
The Olympus SP-510 UZ is packed with cool features, but a few features such as the not wide enough lens, slow performance, failure to include optical image stabilization and noisy images could be deal breakers for many consumers. The Olympus SP-510 UZ would surely appeal to amateur photographers who desire ultra zoom features with a high degree of manual controls.

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The Coolpix S10 is a swivel-body digital camera from Nikon. The S10 is an update to the Nikon’s existing Coolpix S4 model, adding a couple of very useful features such as a 6 megapixel CCD, a big 10x optical zoom lens, a 2.5 inch LCD monitor, 800 ISO sensitivity and all latest technical gizmos which include face detection, image stabilization and vibration reduction. Nikon’s best shot selection mode which automatically chooses the sharpest from a series of images is also included in the S10.

Positives features of the CoolPix S10:

• 2.5 inch LCD with 170 degree viewing angle
• Vibration reduction technology
• Face detection auto-focus in Portrait mode
• Fix red-eye in-camera
• D-Lighting to lighten underexposed subjects
• View in-camera slide shows
• Sensitivity up to ISO 800
• Joystick for menu navigation

Negatives features of the S10 are:

• Not much space for the right hand to grip the camera due to the swivel design
• Vertical flash next to lens on swivel design
• Small zoom lever
• No Manual, Aperture Priority, or Shutter Priority mode
• Awkward lens cover
• EV adjustment hidden in menu system
• No USB 2.0 High Speed support
• No optical or electronic viewfinder

Specifications:
Megapixels - 6.0
Weight (oz.) - 7.7
Optical Zoom - 10x
LCD Size - 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) - 3.3 to 17.7
Image stabilizer - Yes
Battery type - Lithium Ion
Special features – Built-in flash strobe, macro mode with focus up to 1.6 inch, recording
movies at VGA resolution with sound, seven white balance modes, SD cards for storage,

Summary:
The S10 priced at $400 is quite expensive compared to other consumer oriented super-zoom cameras such as the Kodak Z650 or Fuji S5600 after taking into consideration the amount of drawbacks this camera has.

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The Fujifilm FinePix E900 features a 9-megapixel and a fifth generation super CCD high resolution sensor. The compact and lightweight FinePix E900 is the current flagship of Fujifilm’s E-series. The fully automatic features of the E900 provide point and shoot simplicity, while manual and customizable feature settings provide additional control particularly when combined with the power of optional lenses. The E900 delivers some impressive images even at ISO 800. The high speed USB port connectivity can be used for direct printing with any PictBridge compatible photo printer.

The selling points of the FinePix E900 are:
• Produces very good high quality photos
• Good high ISO performance although its a non-SLR camera
• Full manual controls
• Support for conversion lenses
• Batteries rechargeable
• Fast startup, focusing, shot-to-shot speeds
• Useful Natural Light mode
• High shutter speeds to minimize blurriness in photos
• USB 2.0 high speed support

Drawbacks of the FinePix E900 are:
• Slow performance in RAW recording and playback mode
• LCD can be difficult to see in low light; screen is low resolution as well
• No focus distance on LCD in manual focus mode
• No AF-assist lamp; poor low light focusing
• Lens locked at wide-angle in macro mode
• Full shutter speed range only available in manual mode
• Small memory card of 16 MB

Specifications:
Megapixels - 9.0
Weight (oz.) - 7.0
Optical Zoom - 4x
LCD Size - 2.0 inch
Battery type - AA (x2)
Special features - RAW images file format, Voice memos for still images, USB
2.0 connectivity, DPOF and PictBridge compatible, Standard, Chrome and Black and white color modes, JPEG and RAW image format support.

Summary:
From usability point of view, the FinePix E900 covers a range which includes beginners to sophisticated photographer. This makes it a great choice for multiple-users and also a good choice for someone who is looking for a camera that’s easy to use to get started with initially, but has additional features to offer as one becomes more experienced. The E900’s print quality is with no doubts very impressing especially in a point and shoot mode to deliver suitable 13×19 images even at ISO 800.

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The Fujifilm FinePix S5200 is a 5.1 megapixel with a 10x optical zoom, which is well-designed and a well-built camera with very good image quality and performance. While smaller than any digital SLR, yet it is too big for someone with casual shooting needs, but it’s the perfect size for a long-lens enthusiast’s camera. The S5200 has a comfortable and well-balanced body that fits nicely in the hands, and a high-speed sensor that provides usable natural and low-light images at sensitivities up to ISO 1600.

The good points about this camera are:

• Record movies at two resolutions, 640×480 or 320×240 at 30 frames per second
• High quality 10x zoom lens
• Solid image quality at high ISO speeds
• Attractive designs
• Special natural lights and anti-blur modes
• Stores images on xD picture cards
• Electronic color viewfinder
• Voice memos can be attached to still images
• Long battery life

Drawbacks of the S5200 are:

• Can record movies only with monaural sound and no zoom
• Bulky size and shape
• No image stabilization
• Noise at low ISO settings
• Small LCD screen
• Manual focusing is awkward to use

Specifications:
Megapixels - 5.1
Weight (oz.) - 16.6
Optical Zoom - 10x
LCD Size - 1.8 inch
Flash Range (ft) - Built-in manual popup multi-mode flash
Image stabilizer - No
Battery type - AA (x4)
Special features - USB 2.0 Connectivity, Self timer, Supports RAW format, Red
Eye reduction mode, comfortable handgrip

Summary:
The Fujifilm FinePix S5200 is a well-designed, well-built camera with very good performance. Its large size, absence of an image stabilizer and artifacts in its photos may turn off some photographers.

The Canon Powershot S3 IS is an update to the very popular PowerShot S2 ultra zoom, Image stabilized camera. In the S3, the upgrades are fairly minor for most of the parts. The basic specifications apart from the sensor are pretty the same as the S2. Just like the S2, the S3 has a 12x optical zoom with image stabilization, flip and twist LCD viewfinder, tons of photographic control modes and advanced movie mode with stereo sound. There are also some new scene modes in the S3 which are, color accent and color swap.

The good points about this camera are:
• Comfortable design
• Response to action is quite fast
• Good color accuracy
• Very good battery life
• Auto Hi and ISO 800 settings
• Stills can be captured while recording movies
• Powerful built-in flash
• Fast file downloads via high speed USB 2.0 port

The drawbacks for the Canon S3 Powershot S3 IS are:
• Fast shutter speeds not available at all lens apertures
• No support for Raw file
• Movie files are restricted to 1 GB in size
• The AVI movie format is not as compact as MPEG-4
• Small LCD
• Fake wide screen

Specifications:
Megapixels - 6.0
Weight (oz.) - 14.5
Optical Zoom - 12x
LCD Size - 2 inch
Flash Range (ft) - 1.6 to 17ft
Image stabilizer - Optical
Battery type - 2 x AA
Special features – 10 custom photo effects, USB cable to connect to PC, DPOF
and PictBridge compatibility, NTSC and PAL compatible, sound caption recording, USB 2.0 High Speed Port.

Summary:
The long-zoom digital camera market is pretty crowded these days and competition is growing day by day, so it takes a lot for a product to really stand out. Despite the stiff competition from others, the Canon PowerShot S3 is indeed a standout and highly recommended product to buy.

Canon’s A710 is a 7.1 megapixel camera with a powerful 6x optical zoom, and Canon’s Image Stabilizer Technology that will keep your photos clear and sharp at every point in the zoom and even in low light. It has an easy high-tech operability and a load of creative shooting modes. The A710’s sensor yields an ISO range equivalent to 80 to 800, while shutter speeds from 1/2000 to 15 seconds are possible. Canon has packed a good range of controls and features into the Powershot A710 including manual exposure controls which is suitable for anyone who is looking for a step up from the typical auto cameras.

Some good features which are worth mentioning about the A710 are:

• Excellent lens, sharp corners and low chromatic aberration.
• Macro mode to capture a very small area
• Excellent low light shooting capability
• Full manual control
• Startup and shutdown are quick and menu options are available quickly
• Unlimited burst length in continuous mode with a fast SD card
• High ISO capability
• The camera body has vibrant and appealing colors

Negatives points are:

• Slow flash recycling
• LCD screen is big and bright but not as sharp as others
• Video recording is limited to 1 GB file size
• The 16 MB card which is included in the camera is very small in size
• The camera struggles when the ISO settings are increased

Specifications:
Megapixels - 7.1
Weight (oz.) - 7.41
Optical Zoom - 6x
LCD Size - 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) - 1.8 to 11 ft
Image stabilizer - Yes
Battery type - AA Alkaline (x 2) and Rechargeable AA Ni-MH (x2)
Special features - Image stabilization, Continuous Shooting and a variable delay
Self-Timer mode, USB cable for PC connection, DPOF compatible, White balance with seven modes

Summary:
The Canon A710 has enough megapixels for excellent enlargements without risking much image noise. The A710’s excellent 6x optical zoom is remarkable and is a great case to pick a slightly larger camera over those slim cameras with great corner sharpness and very little chromatic aberration.