Digital Cameras

PENTAX just announced two new Optio digital cameras. The Optio A40 is Pentax’s first ever 12 megapixel digital camera and features three types of Shake Reduction including mechanical, digital and movie. Each version helps deliver blur-free shots in action photography or in low light conditions. The Optio A model also features the newest Face Recognition technology including a Natural Skin Tone mode and a Half-length Portrait mode, which automatically takes a head and shoulder photograph of subjects. Read more

Sony recently announced two new cameras in its Cyber-shot line --the  DSC-T200 and DSC-T70 (both 8-megapixels). The cameras feature a new smile shutter function, which automatically detects a person smiling. The function can be turned off by pressing the shutter while in smile shutter scene mode (you know, for the disgruntled child in the portrait). Both feature a touch screen that allows you to select the subject you want to focus on (in shooting mode) and what you want to view or where you want to zoom (in playback mode). Read more

Nikon has further reinforced their digital SLR battle strategy with the 10 megapixel Nikon D40x, a fine digital SLR that's family friendly. This may be just the camera to swing you away from your tiny point and shoot camera to a larger DSLR that can take really good pictures.

The Nikon D40x is light and quick on the draw, easy to learn, and its controls aren’t too complicated, great for the uninitiated. Help screens will teach you the basics, but even seasoned photographers will feel at home with the Nikon D40x's quite complete selection of semi-auto and full manual exposure modes. The Nikon D40x is a superb digital camera and a great choice for families and hobbyists. Read more

Canon just announced a slew of new digital cameras…everything from two new Digital ELPH cameras, a 12.1-megapixel PoweShot G9, all the way to the highly anticipated prosumer EOS 40D Digital SLR. With prices starting as low as $249.99, there is a camera for everyone. Want to know more? Read on!

Canon Introduces Two New Digital ELPH Cameras 

The Wait is Over: Canon’s Highly Anticipated EOS 40D Digital SLR Arrives  Read more

The 8 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 has a versatile and image-stabilized 15x optical zoom lens, starting at a respectable 31mm (35mm-equivalent) wide angle and reaching out to 465mm. The Sony H9's broad feature set includes all forms of exposure controls -- from full manual to a set of standard scene modes -- so there's enough control for advanced users while novices won't get lost in the shuffle. Bonuses include Automatic Face Detection and Dynamic Range Optimization, along with in-camera redeye removal and Night Shot mode.

Versatile enough to capture a soccer goal at the far end of a field or close-ups of a raindrop on a leaf, the Sony H9 digital camera provides plenty of options in a compact and lightweight body. Combined, the H9's focal length versatility, performance and broad range of shooting features make for a promising profile. Read more

The new 8-megapixel HP Photosmart R937 Digital Camera has a 3.6-inch touchscreen display (the largest touchscreen LCD of any compact digital cam) for editing and organizing photos directly on the camera. Included within the touchscreen is a Microsoft Windows Vista-compatible tagging feature and a virtual keyboard, making photo organization easy when the camera is connected to a PC.

The R937 also features the latest generation of HP Design Gallery, which includes a slimming feature that can take up to 10 pounds off photographed subjects, HP pet-eye fix to correct glowing pet eyes and HP touch-up technology for removal of blemishes. The HP Photosmart R937 will be available in August for about $300. www.hp.com

Spring is the best time to buy a new digital camera as manufacturers introduce new models and discount them before summer. Samsung’s new NV series cameras are especially stylish and for quality feature world renowned Schneider Lenses. www.samsungcamera.com

 

For the more active set Olympus Stylus 770SW  is the world’s most durable pocket camera. It’s a shockproof , waterproof , freeze proof camera. You can drop it (from 5ft), dunk it (to 33ft), freeze it (-10°C/14°F) or even try to crush it (up to 220lb) and it will still take amazing photos you can literally compose, view and share your images underwater or in direct sunlight. $379.99 www.olympus.com

They say cameras add ten pounds, but this HP digital camera can help reverse that effect. The slimming feature can instantly trim off pounds from the subjects in your photos! The effect is subtle—subjects still look like themselves. The slimming feature can be adjusted for a more dramatic effect. See a before and after version of the photo and then, through the magic of digital photography, decide which picture is a keeper.

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For the third year running, digital cameras were among the hottest products of the season. One of our favorites to hit the market is the KodakEasyShare V705 Dual Lens Digital Camera. Don't let its small size fool you, this little 7.1 MP camera takes great photos, and is so easy to use you don't even need an instruction book. Read more

Norcent, a marketer of high-quality, value oriented home entertainment and digital products, is proving the consumer can “have it all” with the easy, fun and economical new DC-820 eight megapixel digital camera. The DC-820 is filled with a rich set of features, allowing users to output beautiful photographic prints, enlargements and posters. Most amazingly, it is now available at an unbelievable street price of only $179.

I spoke with Jennifer Long, CEO of Norcent who told me “The DC-820 combines great features, image quality and compact design with outstanding value. With both still and video capabilities as well as an array of popular, easy-to-use features, your readers won’t have to compromise on picture quality or versatility.” Read more