Expert Camera Reviews

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3K (on Amazon.com link in new window)

The best of the recent lot of point-and-shoot cameras which offer the beauty of wide-angle photography and are less expensive is the 7.2 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ3K, which couples a 28mm wide-angle lens with built-in optical image stabilization, a wide three-inch LCD and a reasonable number of specialty modes.

To help stabilize your shots, the TZ3 offers three separate shooting modes, two of which utilize Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), along with a separate Intelligent ISO Control setting, which detects movement’s of the subject and automatically adjusts ISO and shutter speed to decrease blur. The wide-angle, high-zoom camera performs well and takes acceptable shots, though it’s hardly perfect. Its higher resolution, wider lens, and larger screen make it better than its predecessor in nearly all categories.

Strengths:
• Extremely fast and responsive with an excellent startup time
• Wide powerful lens with little distortion
• Mega Optical Image Stabilization
• Sharp Leica lens, producing crisp pictures with accurate color
• Large LCD screen with 230,000 pixels resolution
• Very good battery life

Weaknesses:
• No manual exposure controls
• No stop motion movie mode
• Large and heavy
• Tiny buttons

Specifications:
Megapixels – 7.2
Weight(oz) – 8.2
Optical Zoom – 10x
LCD Size – 3.0 inch
Flash range (ft) – 2 ft – 14 ft
Image Stabilizer – Yes, optical
Batter Type – 1 x Rechargeable Custom Lithium Ion
Special features - RAW and JPEG file format support, ISO 100 – 3200, storage MMC, SD, SDHC Card Slot, USB 2.0 support, 4x Digital Zoom, Dual Image display in playback, 12.7 MB Internal Memory

Summary:
Its higher resolution, wider lens, and larger screen make it better than its predecessor in nearly all categories. Unfortunately, it misses one of its predecessors most fun shooting modes, and it keeps some minor image issues which need to be improved. Overall, the DMC-TZ3K offers a lot of value for the money and easily trumps amongst other super zooms on size.

The Sony Cyber Shot DSC – W80 priced at around $250 is a midrange model in Sony’s W-series line of compact cameras. It has a number of step up features from other lower end models including image stabilization, a faster image processor, face detection, and component video output. The Sony Cyber-shot W80 incorporates a 7.2 effective megapixel CCD image sensor, 2.5 inch wide LCD screen and a 3x optical zoom lens with a focal length of 35 - 105mm

The Cyber-shot W80 includes Sony’s new face detection technology, capable of detecting up to eight faces simultaneously. The Sony Cybershot W80 supports PictBridge for direct printing without the need of having a computer. Another good feature which has been included on the DSC W80 is you can view a high definition slide shows with MP3 music support.

Strengths:
• In-camera red eye reduction
• High ISO 3200 settings that give faster shutter speeds
• Performs well in low light conditions
• Face detection
• Good continuous shooting mode features

Weaknesses:
• Noisy at ISO settings of 800 and higher
• Small buttons which are awkward to use

Specifications:
Megapixels – 7.2
Weight(oz) – 5.4
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash range (ft) – Built-in
Image Stabilizer – Yes, optical
Batter Type – 1 x Rechargeable Custom Lithium Ion
Special features - RAW and JPEG file format support, ISO 100 – 3200, PictBridge Support, Memory Stick Duo flash memory support, VGA movie mode, Slide show with MP3 music support

Summary:
The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W80 is currently the king of the Cyber-shot W-series. Although its the most expensive camera in the series but this factor is overlooked by the impressive features that have been packed into the camera. Its solid picture quality, fast speed and good features like face detection and red eye reduction make it a great choice for a small and reliable snapshot camera.

The Nikon D300 is a new digital SLR camera that is on the brink of once again transforming photography for professionals. This 12.3 megapixel Camera features Nikon’s new FX-format CMOS sensor, measuring 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. The D300 with the fastest startup time, shortest viewfinder blackout time, shortest shutter lag of any digital SLR camera as well as the capability to shoot up to 9 fps at full FX-format resolution is truly fits to be deemed as the world’s fastest Digital SLR camera in its class.

A host of new Nikon technologies have been implemented in the Nikon D300 which includes a new precision Multi-CAM 3500DX 51-point AF system, a large 3.0 inch high resolution 920,000 pixel LCD display with Live View Mode, Nikon’s new Scene Recognition System and EXPEED image processing concept including picture control settings, support for the new WT-4 Wi-Fi transmitter, an integrated self cleaning sensor unit, in camera Retouch Menu and HDMI Video output support.

Strengths:
• Excellent startup time
• Large 3.0 inch LCD screen with Live View shooting modes
• Built-in face detection technology
• First Nikon DSLR to employ a Self-cleaning Sensor Unit for dust removal
• Active D-Lighting providing real-time highlight and shadow correction
• Very good battery life

Weaknesses:
• Noisy with the increase in resolution
• No movie mode

Specifications:
Megapixels – 12.3
Weight(oz) – 29.1
Optical Zoom – n/a
LCD Size – 3.0 inch
Flash range (ft) – Built-in
Image Stabilizer – No
Batter Type – Nikon Battery EN-EL3e and Custom Lithium Ion
Special features - RAW and JPEG file format support, ISO 100 – 6400, storage UDMA compact flash I/II , USB 2.0 support, Face recognition, Self-cleaning sensor unit, Active D-Lighting providing real-time highlight and shadow correction, Optional shooting info display on main LCD

Summary:
Nikon’s D300 with some very promising features like Live View, high resolution display, WiFi, and self-cleaning sensor unit is a superb camera with a sleek design. The D300’s new features will surely be welcomed by existing D200 owners and also by those looking to upgrade to a serious digital SLR. If noise is kept under control with the increase in resolution, the D300 should be a strong competitor against other models of the same class even at a higher price.

The HP Photosmart M627 includes a 7 megapixel CCD imager and an HP-branded 3x optical zoom lens. The presence of an 8x digital zoom will help you crop in on subjects even more tightly. For framing images, there is a 2.5 inch LCD display unit. Images are stored in 16MB of internal memory or on SD/MM Cards. Some other HP M627 features include in-camera red-eye removal and HP Design Gallery with artistic effects, borders and colors.

Pros:

• High 7 megapixels resolution compared to similar priced cameras
• HP real life technologies like in-camera red-eye removal and design gallery

Cons:

• No optical viewfinder
• ISO sensitivity only up to 400 and noisy at ISO 100

Specifications:
Megapixels – 7.0
Weight (oz.) – 5.9
Optical Zoom – 3.0x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer - No
Battery type – AA (x2)
Special features – 16MB onboard memory with SD/MMC card slot, PictBridge compatible, USB 1.1 PC connectivity, Auto ISO

Summary:
In view of its relatively inexpensive price, and packed with HP real life technologies, this digital camera has good features for the money and is targeted for the entry level users.

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The Fujifilm F31fd inherits its features from its predecessor, the award winning FinePix F30 camera. The Fuji FinePix F31fd is a stylish compact camera with an sharp Face Detection feature. The camera is built with a 6.3 megapixel CCD, 3x optical and 6x digital zoom and Picture Stabilisation mode, the Fuji FinePix F31fd gives a superb performance. At full resolution it has an ISO sensitivity of up to 3200. The camera also comes with some unique Fujifilm technologies such as Intelligent Flash

Strengths of the Fuji F31fd are:

• Built with Real Photo Processor II and new Super CCD HR VI
• Hardware-based Face Detection Technology built-in to the camera’s processor
• Fast response time to shots, 0.01 second shutter lag and 1.5 second start-up time
• Long-life battery which lasts for about 600 shots
• Aperture and shutter priority modes
• Very good response to low-light shooting conditions

Weaknesses are:

• 6.3 megapixel is very little compared to the 8 to 12 megapixels available
• Image qualities are not that sharp

Specifications:
Megapixels – 6.3
Weight (oz.) – 5.5
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 2.0 to 21.3 ft
Image stabilizer - Yes
Battery type – Rechargeable NP95 Lithium Ion
Special features – 26 MB built-in memory, xD card compatible, AVI Movie file format, USB 2.0 High Speed, Direct Printing compatible

Summary:
The combination of Fuji’s latest technologies, manual controls and easy functionality makes the Fujifilm FinePix F31fd a promising digital camera for novices and experts. It is a solid, low prices, all-round compact camera for general photography and low-light shooting conditions.

The Fuji Finepix A500 is a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens. It has some easy to use features to be found on most basic digital cameras. In terms of price the Finepix A500 finds itself towards the cheaper end of the market. Therefore this camera is likely to appeal to anyone who is on a budget shopping spree. Unfortunately, the camera’s low price comes at a cost in the form of a limited 3X zoom range, a tiny 1.8 inch LCD screen, no manual controls and just 4 scene modes. Beyond 320×240 pixels it has no burst capabilities at all.

Strengths of the A500:

Good quality lens with low distortion and decent sharpness
Simple and easy user interface
Auto white balance handles a wide range of lighting quite well
ISO settings in all modes

Drawbacks:

No Continuous shooting mode
Small, low-resolution LCD screen which is hard to use in daylight
Slow shot-to-shot and playback performance
Contrast is a little high, tends to lose details such as highlight and shadow

Specifications:
Megapixels – 5
Weight (oz.) – 6.0
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 1.8 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 2.0 to 10.2 ft
Image stabilizer - No
Battery type – AA (x2)
Special features – Movie mode without sound, PictBridge and DPOF compatible, Macro lens settings, ISO from 100 to 400, Real image optical viewfinder

Summary:
If a low price camera to provide just basic image quality are your only demands, then the Fujifilm FinePix A500 might be the right choice for you. Priced in the $200 list, the A500 offers apparently a good shot for the buck with a solid 5.1-megapixel Super CCD HR image sensor, a 3x optical zoom, some basic scene modes, and the rich color image quality for which Fujifilm is well known.

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The Kodak EasyShare One is the first digital camera to integrate 802.11b wireless (WiFi) connectivity that allows people to share and print their images, lets you email pictures from the camera wirelessly. The camera has a 3X Schneider-Kreuznach optical zoom lens, a huge 3-inch LCD display with touchscreen technology, a 4 Megapixel CCD and comes built-in with 256 MB of memory capable of storing 1500 photos internally. One can print up to 20 x 30″ these images displayed on the large 3″ high-resolution LCD Monitor.

Strengths of the Kodak EasyShare One are:

• WiFi connectivity for uploading images onto the Web wirelessly and send emails directly from the camera
• Print pictures wirelessly
• Excellent shutter response at wide angle settings
• Very large touch sensitivity LCD screen

Weaknesses are:

• Battery life gets drained due to the LCD screen and WiFi
• Flash extremely weak
• Very poor low light performance
• Very slow start-up and shot to shot speed

Specifications:
Megapixels – 4.0
Weight (oz.) – 7.9
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 3 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer - No
Battery type - Rechargeable Lithium batteries
Special features – 256 MB built-in memory, Wi-Fi Connectivity, Built-in flash with red-eye reduction, 640 x 480 and 30 frames per seconds movies, The camera comes with 2 battery packs

Summary:
If your dreams are to have a camera with Wi-Fi connectivity, the Kodak EasyShare One is designed and indeed a camera for taking pictures easily and sharing them with fun. With a WiFi connection, there’s no need to wait to get home and share the photos. Photos can be printed, emailed and shared over wireless connection with utmost ease.

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The Fujifilm F31fd inherits its features from its predecessor, the award winning FinePix F30 camera. The Fuji FinePix F31fd is a stylish compact camera with an sharp Face Detection feature. The camera is built with a 6.3 megapixel CCD, 3x optical and 6x digital zoom and Picture Stabilisation mode, the Fuji FinePix F31fd gives a superb performance. At full resolution it has an ISO sensitivity of up to 3200. The camera also comes with some unique Fujifilm technologies such as Intelligent Flash

Strengths of the Fuji F31fd are:

• Built with Real Photo Processor II and new Super CCD HR VI
• Hardware-based Face Detection Technology built-in to the camera’s processor
• Fast response time to shots, 0.01 second shutter lag and 1.5 second start-up time
• Long-life battery which lasts for about 600 shots
• Aperture and shutter priority modes
• Very good response to low-light shooting conditions

Weaknesses are:

• 6.3 megapixel is very little compared to the 8 to 12 megapixels available
• Image qualities are not that sharp

Specifications:
Megapixels – 6.3
Weight (oz.) – 5.5
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 2.0 to 21.3 ft
Image stabilizer - Yes
Battery type – Rechargeable NP95 Lithium Ion
Special features – 26 MB built-in memory, xD card compatible, AVI Movie file format, USB 2.0 High Speed, Direct Printing compatible

Summary:
The combination of Fuji’s latest technologies, manual controls and easy functionality makes the Fujifilm FinePix F31fd a promising digital camera for novices and experts. It is a solid, low prices, all-round compact camera for general photography and low-light shooting conditions.

Olympus Stylus 1000 is a compact, all-weather camera which can go anywhere anytime. It is has TruePic TURBO™ Image Processor along with a 10-megapixel image sensor which produces high-quality, curt photos. It has the additional feature of recording VGA-quality videos with sound aided with QuickTime® Movie Mode. It can be easily connected to a computer via USB cable. Digital Image Stabilization Mode allows enhancing ISO sensitivity and shuttering speed for capturing lucid pictures which are free from the blur originated from shaking of camera or moving subjects.

Strengths of the Stylus 1000 are:

• · Trendy and ultra-compact design
• · Provided with high resolution 2.5 inch LCD
• · Weather resistant with all-weather seals and gaskets
• · Menus and guide for photo editing
• · High-quality LCD resolution and superior corner sharpness
• · Built in features for red-eye, blur and under exposure editing

Weaknesses of the Stylus 1000 are:

• Inability of LCD to read outdoors
• Absence of auto focus lamp
• Affinity towards oversaturated color, poor equilibrium in highlights and shadows resulting in dark skin tones
• Auto ISO and flash are not in synchronization
• Flash is weak at telephoto
• Unclear Menus
• Short Battery Life
• Takes much time for processing

Specifications:
Megapixels – 10x
Weight (oz.) – 4.9
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 10.5 to 17.1 ft
Image stabilizer – Yes
Battery type - LI-12B Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Special features – High ISO sensitivities of 3,200, and 6,400, Digital Image Stabilization, Bright Capture technology to boost LCD brightness in dim scenes, TruePic TURBO image processor for quick start-up and fast shutter response, Perfect Fix in-camera image editing

Summary:
Although this model has 10 megapixels but this is only accessed in favorable brightness and while not using many of the other features. With high resolution the ISO cannot be enhanced and a few scene modes can only be used. This camera is highly priced with the ineptitude of accessing the complete resolution at all times.

The HP Photosmart M527 camera comes with a 6 megapixel CCD, a 2-inch LCD, a 3x optical zoom lens and a number of features which allow in-camera editing of images prior to printing or publishing on the HP Snapfish website. The M527 also offers an immense number of in-camera help features. Though there are limited manual controls available, this is mostly an automatic model. There is no optical viewfinder, so the 2 inch LCD screen is used for framing images.

Strengths of the HP M527 are:

• High 6 megapixels resolution compared to similar priced cameras
• HP real life technologies like in-camera red-eye removal and design gallery
• HP Photosmart Express makes sharing, printing and saving digital photos easy

Drawbacks are:

• No optical viewfinder
• ISO sensitivity only up to 400 and noisy at ISO 100

Specifications:
Megapixels – 6.0
Weight (oz.) – 5.3
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 2 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer - No
Battery type - AA (x2)
Special features - 16MB onboard memory with SD/MMC card slot, PictBridge compatible, USB 1.1 PC connectivity, Auto ISO, 90 days warranty

Summary:
In view of its relatively inexpensive price, and packed with HP real life technologies, this digital camera has good features for the money and is targeted for the entry level users.

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