eK-gadgets info

Panasonic today pulled back the curtain on their new Lumix DMC-L10 digital SLR. This camera — their second D-SLR — has a number of unique features, including live view with autofocus (just like your compact camera), a rotating 2.5″ LCD display, and face detection. I had a chance to use the camera recently, and was quite impressed with it. It feels a lot like an FZ50, just with a removable lens.

It’ll be a while before I get my hands on one again, so in the meantime, check out the hands-on preview at DP Review.

Lumix DMC-L10

• 10.1 effective Megapixel Live MOS sensor (presumably the same one as on the Olympus E-410/E-510)
• Venus Engine III image processor
• FourThirds lens mount with 2X focal length conversion
• Includes an F3.8-5.6, 14 - 50 mm Leica D Vario-Elmar lens with optical image stabilization; this is NOT the same lens that came with the original DMC-L1 — it’s a lighter/smaller/slower version
• Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system (same as on the DMC-L1 and E-series SLRs)
• 2.5″ LCD display (207k pixels) can flip out to the side and rotate
• Live view lets you compose images on the LCD
  • Camera can autofocus without having to flip the mirror down first, though it’s a bit slower than what you may be used to on a compact camera
  • User can enlarge the live view to make sure subject is properly focused
  • Face detection (a first on a D-SLR, I believe) in live view mode
• Full manual controls; shutter speed range of 60 - 1/4000 sec; ISO range of 100 - 1600
• Shoots at up to 3 frames/second for three RAW or an unlimited number of JPEG photos
• Film Mode lets you select various color and sharpness settings; choose from Standard, Dynamic, Nature, Smooth, Nostalgic, Vibrant, Standard B&W, Dynamic B&W and Smooth B&W
• SD/SDHC/MMC memory card slot
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion battery; 450 shots per charge
• Shipping in October for $1299 (with lens)

Casio has a world’s first prototype shooter at IFA sporting what must be Sony’s 60fps 1/1.8-inch CMOS sensor. Right, bursting sixty 6 megapixel frames per second for what should be a resolution in the ballpark of 2921 x 2184. It’ll even go 300fps if you want to scale things back to VGA video. The prototype features a 12x optical zoom and 2.8-inch LCD in a beefy piece of kit measuring in at 127.5 x 79.5 x 130.0-mm / 650-grams. What’s also notable is what’s missing from the specs: the storage utilized by this cam. A pretty serious omission when you think about the transfer speeds required to move (and store) that much data.

Nokia 5610 XpressMusic is the upgraded version of the 5310 model, besides having higher specifications, it is also more expensive when comparing to the low-end version. As it happens with the 5310, it also has dedicated media buttons to make the usability easier for everyone, meaning that you don’t need to actually slide the cellphone to control the music – it is all controlled via a slider key.

The new 5610 comes with a 2.2-inch QVGA display, a 3.2 megapixel camera, Symbian Series 40, the usual FM radio, bluetooth, and a way to expand the storage capacity by using a microSD memory card, once again it has a maximum limit of 4GB.

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX P5100, the new flagship model in the Nikon COOLPIX lineup designed to satisfy photography enthusiasts. Built on a custom application of Nikon’s innovative EXPEED digital image processing concept and incorporating the precision optics of a NIKKOR lens, the COOLPIX P5100 is built to realise optimum performance and maximum image quality.

Class-leading imaging ability begins with a full 12.1 effective megapixels of sharp resolution and a new digital image processing engine that reproduce the finest details and subtlest tones with precision and clarity, even when taking advantage of sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200*. It also includes the compositional freedom of the 3.5x Zoom-NIKKOR lens and compatibility with various converter lenses that further extend wide-angle and telephoto reach.

In addition to a variety of automated and scene modes, four advanced exposure modes offer both enthusiasts and more advanced photographers greater personal control over the camera. The Mode dial provides easy access to these modes, reflecting the COOLPIX P5100’s logical design that works to simplify and streamline operation for the photographer.

Optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilisation counteracts the effects of camera shake in lower light or when shooting unsteady subjects to help achieve sharper results. Active full time also stabilises images displayed on the 2.5-inch high-resolution LCD monitor with wide 170-degree viewing angle for easier framing and more reassured shooting.

The quality-crafted body is made of solid magnesium alloy (Mg), featuring a quality finish, a comfortable grip covered in grid-pattern rubber, as well as an optical viewfinder to aid composition, particularly in brightly lit conditions. The built-in accessory shoe adds support for Nikon Speedlights and advanced i-TTL flash control.

*ISO 3200 is available only for image sizes of 5M (2592 x 1944) or smaller.

Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area

RRP: USD399

Sales start date: Autumn 2007

Nikon COOLPIX P5100 Other Features

• Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations
  • Face-priority AF with improved speed and efficiency
  • In-Camera Red-Eye Fix
  • D-Lighting
• Optimise image for shooting monochrome photographs using a choice of 4 different filters for creative effects, (yellow, orange, red and green)
• Continuous flash shooting helps capture the action by allowing a burst of consecutive flash shots without having to wait for the flash to recharge
• 1:1 size format allows photos to be shot using 1:1 (square) perspective
• Distortion control corrects for barrel distortion in images shot, and even displays the corrected image on the LCD in real time
• Macro shooting from as close as 4 cm (1.6 in.)
• 4x digital zoom extends compositional freedom
• Improved menu interface, available in a choice of 23 languages
• Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
• SDHC card compatibility
• Approx. 52 MB of internal memory
• PictBridge support

Nikon P50 is Combining 8.1 effective megapixels of resolution and a new digital image-processing engine for outstanding imaging performance, the COOLPIX P50 also features a 3.6x Zoom-NIKKOR lens with 28mm wide-angle capability that ably covers a range from panoramic landscapes to close-up portraits.

Electronic VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilisation compensates for camera shake or movement by unsteady subjects to achieve sharper results. Extended light sensitivity up to ISO 2000 further helps prevent blurred shots when shooting in lower light, or when capturing fast-moving subjects.

From its functional body design, with stable grip and rubber thumb rest, to the intuitive operation of its Mode dial, complete with a setting for Manual shooting mode, the COOLPIX P50 is extremely versatile. Its optical viewfinder enables accurate composition, even in bright sunlight, making it a handy complement to the bright 2.4-inch LCD monitor on the back of the body. Power is supplied by readily available AA-size batteries, which means the COOLPIX P50 can be used in virtually any location without worrying about recharging or running out of power. In some regions, the COOLPIX P50 will be available in a choice of Black or Silver body colours*.
*Colour availability may vary according to region.

Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.

RRP: USD260

Sales start date: Autumn 2007

Nikon COOLPIX P50 Other Features

• Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations
  • Face-priority AF with improved speed and efficiency
  • In-Camera Red-Eye Fix
  • D-Lighting
• Light weight with highly compact dimensions
• Macro shooting from as close as 5 cm (2 in.)
• 4x digital zoom extends compositional freedom
• Improved menu interface, available in a choice of 23 languages
• Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
• SDHC card compatibility
• Approx. 52 MB of internal memory
• PictBridge and ImageLink compatibility