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)

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

The COOLPIX S700 delivers photographic performance that exceeds expectations of the smallest body among competing compact digital cameras*. Imaging power begins with a full 12.1 effective megapixels of sharp resolution from the new 1/1.72-inch CCD image sensor and precision optics of a 3x Zoom-NIKKOR lens. Completing the set is a new digital image processing engine that not only delivers the high performance to reproduce these high-resolution images with clarity and true-to-life colour, but also to realise delightfully fast camera response.

The stylish contours and fine finish of the aluminum body reflects a true high performance camera. The COOLPIX S700 powers up within 0.9 seconds and its practically imperceptible shutter release time lag is 0.005 seconds or less.

Quality operation and controls receive as much attention. The 2.7-inch LCD monitor offers a bright and large image, even when out in the sun. The surrounding large control buttons and the user-friendly rotary multi selector are carefully positioned to provide intuitive operation.
*Among competing models with 10 effective megapixels or higher as of August 30, 2007 (according to research conducted by NIKON CORPORATION).

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

RRP: USD365

Sales start date: Autumn 2007

Nikon COOLPIX S700 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 6 cm (2.4 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
• USB connectivity for swift data transfer to computers and other peripherals
• PictBridge and ImageLink compatibility
• Distortion control

The COOLPIX S510 teams 8.1 effective megapixels of sharp resolution with the precision optics of its 3x Zoom-NIKKOR lens and a new digital image-processing engine that delivers a fast response and images that boast true-to-life colour. Extended light sensitivity up to ISO 2000 prevents blurred shots when shooting in lower light, or when capturing fast-moving subjects.

Quality materials and craftsmanship have created an elegant design housed in a stainless steel body. The solid metallic feel and a reassuringly firm hold immediately convey the functional beauty and classic camera appeal of the most compact digital camera among competing models*. The same dedication to engineering excellence is also found in the slim design of the Zoom- NIKKOR lens and its image-stabilising optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) unit. In some regions, the COOLPIX S510 will be available in a choice of Silver, Pink and Urban Black body colours.

The S510 delivers the world’s fastest response**, boasting a power-up time of 0.7 seconds**, a practically imperceptible shutter release time lag of 0.005 seconds or less** and high-speed auto focus performance. In addition, a new image processing engine actualises faster and greatly improved Face-Priority AF.
* Among competing models with optical vibration reduction as of August 30, 2007 (according to research conducted by NIKON CORPORATION).
** Among competing 8 effective megapixel class compact digital cameras equipped with optical vibration reduction as of August 30, 2007 (according to research conducted by NIKON CORPORATION), when set to “Response priority” mode.

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

RRP: USD280

Sales start date: Autumn 2007

Nikon COOLPIX S510 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 15 cm (5.9 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
• Approx. 52 MB of internal memory
• SDHC card compatibility
• USB connectivity
• PictBridge compatibility