eK-gadgets info

Panasonic introduced four new Lumix cameras today, and the most interesting one (to me, at least) is the DMC-LX3. Those of you who remember the “good old days” of cameras with fast lenses will be pleased to see these specs:

Lumix DMC-LX3

• 10.1 effective Megapixel CCD (which, at 1/1.63″, is fairly large for a compact camera)
• F2.0-2.8, 2.5X optical zoom, equivalent to 24 - 60 mm; camera can produce 24 mm photos at any aspect ratio (4:3, 3:2, or 16:9)
• Optical image stabilization
• Venus IV image processor
• 3-inch LCD with 460,000 pixels; optional optical viewfinder attaches to hot shoe
• Full manual controls + Intelligent Auto Mode (which features AF tracking, redeye removal, auto scene selection, face detection, and more)
• RAW image format supported
• Records movies at 1280 x 720 (24 fps) with sound
• Support for conversion lenses, filters, and an external flash
• 50MB onboard memory + SD/SDHC/MMC card slot
• Uses CGA-S005 li-ion battery; 380 shots per charge
• Ships in August for $499; available in silver and black

Next up is the Lumix DMC-FZ28 super zoom camera. This is a relatively minor upgrade to the DMC-FZ18 — nothing groundbreaking here. The specs follow:

Lumix DMC-FZ28 

• 10.1 effective Megapixel CCD (up from 8MP on the FZ18)
• F2.8-4.4, 18X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 27 - 486 mm (FZ18 was 28 - 504 mm)
• Optical image stabilization
• Venus IV image processor (the FZ18 used the Venus III)
• 2.7″ LCD display with 230,000 pixels + electronic viewfinder (201k pixels)
• Full manual controls + Intelligent Auto Mode
• RAW image format supported
• Automatic image leveling tool
• Records movies at 1280 x 720 (30 fps) with sound
• Support for conversion lenses, filters, and HD video output
• 50MB onboard memory + SD/SDHC/MMC card slot
• Uses CGR-S006 li-ion battery; 460 shots per charge
• Ships in August for $399; available in silver and black

The last two new Panasonics are ultra-compact models in their FX series. The DMC-FX37 and DMC-FX150 are replacements for the FX35 and FX100, respectively. Here are their specs:

Lumix DMC-FX37 

• 10.1 effective Megapixel CCD
• F2.8-5.9, 5X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 25 - 150 mm (up from 4X on the FX35)
• Optical image stabilization
• Ultra-compact body comes in silver, black, blue, pink, white, and brown
• Venus IV image processor (same as before)
• 2.5″ LCD display with 230,000 pixels
• Point-and-shoot operation, with latest revision of the Intelligent Auto Mode
• Automatic image leveling tool
• Records movies at 1280 x 720 (30 fps) with sound
• 50MB onboard memory + SD/SDHC/MMC card slot
• Optional HD video output cable
• Uses DMW-BCE10 li-ion battery; 310 shots per charge
• Ships in September for $349

Lumix DMC-FX150 :

• 14.7 effective Megapixel CCD (sigh)
• F2.8-5.6, 3.6X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28 - 100 mm
• 2.7″ LCD display with 230,000 pixels
• Limited manual controls; RAW image format supported
• 720p movie mode has a 24 fps frame rate
• Uses CGA-S005 battery; 330 shots per charge
• Comes in silver and black only
• Ships in August for $399

I’ve seen two different sources indicate the coming of an updated Nikon 70-200mm VR lens at Photokina. Nikon Rumors published a story yesterday regarding word from a Nikon VP. Additionally, I recently read a quote from Graham Watson (renowned Tour de France photographer and Nikon shooter) as he spoke in a matter of fact way that a replacement 70-200mm lens was coming from Nikon.

Dell is certainly keeping us busy! They have a new laptop, an Inspiron one to be more precise. It’s a 13 inch laptop with a price tag of $699. Is it a possible MacBook competitor? It might be sure. For now it will be available only at Wal-Mart locations for now and it will hit Dell’s online store later on this year.

This Dell will offer you a 13 inch LCD, touch-sensitive media buttons, 8-in-1 card reader and a slot-loading DVD drive. There’s also built-in broadband wireless networking, built-in webcam and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity. All that enclosed in a glossy Pacific blue case with a black trim.

I’d like to configure one online so I’d have to wait it out.