Photo Club

Fujifilm has added a new model to its FinePix Z series of ultracompact cameras. The 10-megapixel FinePix Z200fd offers an f/3.8-4.8, 33mm-165mm (35mm camera equivalent) 5x zoom lens and a 230,000-pixel, 2.7-inch LCD with a scratch-resistant coating. Its metal body also houses a single memory card slot that can conveniently accommodate xD-Picture Card, SD, or SDHC media.

The Z200fd is designed for easy automatic shooting, with 16 automatic scene modes and a programmed auto mode. The camera’s light sensitivity can be set as high as ISO 1600 and its shutter speeds range from 1/1000 to 4 seconds. The Z200fd offers Fuji’s new Couple Timer and Group Timer modes, which work with face detection to trip the shutter automatically when a couple or group is posed in front of the camera.

Other notable functions include Dual Image Stabilization, which combines sensor-based optical image stabilization with an ISO boost to reduce blurring due to both camera shake and subject movement; IrSimple connectivity for transferring images wirelessly to compatible devices; and an automatic redeye removal feature that works with the camera’s face-detection mode by evaluating every face detected in a shot and automatically removing redeye when it’s found. The Z200fd also offers Fuji’s i-Flash flash metering system to adjust flash intensity and reduce blown-out areas in flash photos, as well as a Dual Shot Mode that takes two images in quick succession, one with and one without the flash, then allows the photographer to save the best one. The camera provides three continuous-shooting modes, can capture smooth Motion JPEG video with sound at 640×480 resolution, and has a voice-annotation feature for stills.

The FinePix Z200fd will be available for $299.95 in September 2008. It will be sold in four finishes: black, pink, silver, and black with a red sliding lens cover panel.

Samsung SL310W : Samsung announces the launch of its feature packed Samsung SL310W. Ideal for the step-up shooter, the Samsung SL310W is highlighted by features commonly found on higher-end, more expensive digital cameras, including an impressive resolution of 13.6 megapixels, Dual Image Stabilization, and a 3.6x, 28mm wide-angle optical zoom lens which significantly improves the user’s ability to photograph more of a desired scene. The Samsung SL310W offers a number of user-friendly features, including 11 scene modes, auto red-eye fix and MPEG-4 video recording. The camera also features Self Portrait, Face Detection, Blink Detection, and Smile Shot technology, all of which help enhance the digital imaging experience for the shooter.

Samsung SL310W digital camera with Dual Image Stabilization
Dual Image Stabilization, which combines both Samsung’s advanced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Digital Image Stabilization (DIS), is a useful feature that helps reduce the blur found in images as a result of vibrations, hand shake or other unexpected movements at the moment of image capture. When selected, OIS and DIS work simultaneously to reduce the effects of unwanted movement and help shooters capture crisp, clear images. Thanks to the enhanced sensitivity of the Samsung SL310W’s imaging sensor, which features a maximum ISO of 1600, and the camera’s Dual Image Stabilization, users can rest assured that they’ll be able to capture images in low-light situations, especially when the use of a flash is not desired.

Samsung SL310W ideal for scenarios and landscape photography
Additionally, Samsung gives shooters the ability to capture more of a desired scene and fit it into the frame by including a high-quality 28mm wide-angle lens. Unlike a standard 35mm lens which is commonly found on compact digital cameras, the Samsung SL310W’s 28mm wide-angle lens gives consumers the ability to expand their creativity and take even more moving and emotional images. Ideal for a variety of scenarios, users can easily leverage the increased viewing angle of the Samsung SL310W’s wide-angle lens, especially when shooting landscapes or groups of family or friends.

28mm wide angle lens incorporated in Samsung SL310W
“The new Samsung SL310W sets a new standard for compact digital cameras in its class,” said Tony Sorice, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Digital Imaging, at Samsung Electronics America. “Typically, comparably priced digital cameras don’t offer a full suite of advanced features and functionalities like the more advanced point & shoots. With the Samsung SL310W, consumers have access to a number of advanced and helpful features, including Face Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Shot, as well as an impressive wide angle lens and Dual Image Stabilization. Compared to the competitive offerings in this category, the Samsung SL310W offers shooters MPEG-4 video, allowing them to record high-quality video clips while on the-go and an intelligent LCD screen that will automatically brighten or dim for easier viewing based on available lighting.”

Advanced technology features on the Samsung SL310W
Self Portrait mode is a unique function that takes the guessing out of taking a self portrait. When in Self Portrait mode, the Samsung SL310W automatically detects the user’s face, adjust focus and exposure, and will only allow a photo to be taken if the subject is centered in the frame. Face Detection technology makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap, as it detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Furthermore, Smile Shot automatically triggers the Samsung SL310W to take a photo only when the camera detects smiles on the subjects’ faces, and Blink Detection will prevent a photo from being taken if the camera recognizes that a subject’s eyes are closed – a useful feature as it’s often difficult to distinguish closed eyes when composing a shot on an LCD screen.

Red eye fix and Movie mode on the Samsung SL310
For enhanced versatility, shooters can remove red-eye during image playback, or for even greater convenience, set the camera to Auto Red Eye Fix to automatically detect and eliminate red-eye from their images as they are taken. The Samsung SL310W is also equipped with advanced movie modes. Featuring MPEG-4 video recording and in-camera editing controls, users can pause, and then resume filming of video clips without having to save the clips as individual files. Additionally, users can operate the camera’s 28mm wide-angle optical zoom and engage OIS and DIS while recording to compensate for unwanted movement and to reduce blur.

Function Description and Photo Help Guide features
To reduce the intimidation factor of the camera’s many elements, the Samsung SL 310W offers Function Description and a Photo Help Guide. Function Description automatically provides a brief and easy to understand description of each setting when scrolling through the camera’s menus, helping the end-user determine which setting is appropriate for their current shooting scenario. The camera’s Photo Help Guide is another intuitive component incorporated into the digital camera. Photo Help Guide offers the end-user a guided tour of how to take better images as well as easy-to-follow tips instructing them how to obtain excellent results.

Ricoh has introduced a successor to its GX100 pocket camera. The GX200 improves upon the earlier model with 12.1-megapixel resolution; Ricoh’s new Smooth Imaging Engine III image processor; and a 460,000-dot, 2.7-inch LCD. Ricoh says the camera’s f/2.5-4.4, 24mm-72mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens has also been enhanced to accommodate the higher resolution of the new sensor. The GX200 retains the optical image stabilization, removable electronic viewfinder (EVF), and advanced controls of its predecessor. The removable EVF attaches to the camera’s hotshoe to provide an eyepiece viewing option that offers a clear and accurate view when lens converters are used and in difficult lighting conditions. The hotshoe can alternatively accommodate an external flash unit.

The GX200 maintains compatibility with the optional DW-6 wide-angle lens converter that was first released with the GX100, and supports a new TC-1 telephoto lens converter and a hinged lens cap that opens and closes automatically when the lens extends and retracts. The DW-6 converter gives the lens a 19mm (35mm equivalent) wide angle and the TC-1 gives it a 135mm (35mm equivalent) reach. .

For anyone worrrying that the megapixel race was starting to run out of steam Sony has raced ahead with the annoucement today of a 13.6 megapixel compact digital camera, the Cyber-Shot DSC W300. The titanium-clad W300 also boasts a 2.7" LCD screen, HDTV output and all Sony’s clever new ‘intelligent’ technologies, such as ‘Smile Shutter’ and DRO.

Press Release:

NEW SONY CYBER-SHOT DIGITAL CAMERA IS A MEGAPIXEL POWERHOUSE

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 23, 2008 – Sony’s new Cyber-shot® DSC-W300 digital camera is expected to be among the industry’s most pocket-able, high-resolution point-and-shoot digital cameras featuring niche performance options.

The camera announced today integrates an ultra-high 13.6-megapixel CCD imager along with a Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD screen and an eye-level viewfinder in a compact size. With its ultra-hard titanium coating, the model offers a premium look and finish that is highly-resistant to scratches and messy fingerprints.

Enhanced Operation for Better Performance
The W300 camera newly features an “extra high-speed” burst mode that can shoot three-megapixel photos at five frames per second, ideal for fast-action shooting of sports, pets or children.

In addition to the blur-reducing effects of Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization, the camera also has a new “extra high sensitivity” mode (up to ISO 6400 in this mode only) to help minimize blurry photos when shooting in challenging lighting conditions, such as indoors or at twilight, even without a flash.

Noise reduction is now a user-selectable option, with high, low and standard settings, for greater control over the final look of images. For example, a low setting can help reduce noise without sacrificing resolution, making it ideal for landscapes and detailed subjects.

Smart Technology to Capture Better Photos Automatically
As the top-of-the-line model in the series, the W300 camera integrates the latest “intelligent” features that help users take better pictures more easily.

Sony’s Smile Shutter™ technology prioritizes the faces of children or adults so that the camera takes the photo at the moment the intended subject smiles. Improved face detection technology can also prioritize child or adult faces as the basis for the camera to apply focus, exposure, white balance and flash color controls for up to eight faces in the camera’s frame.

The model’s intelligent scene recognition technology automatically can detect five different types of scenes and optimize the camera settings for those conditions for a better photo. And advanced mode can take two shots almost immediately – one with standard automatic settings and the other with optimized settings.

Powerful Features for Outstanding Images
The W300 model has a number of features to maximize picture quality. Among them are five color modes, including “real” for less in-camera processing and more faithful color reproduction; 12 scene selection modes with a new “underwater” mode that adjusts white balance for more natural-looking photos; Sony’s new D-Range Optimizer Plus that process picture to improve detail in photos with harsh highlights or dark shadows; and an improved auto focus system that includes macro ranges.

Viewing and image management has also been enhanced with helpful date and calendar views, in-camera search by face or date, slide show with longer music files, and high-definition component output for viewing photos on a compatible HDTV set.

Price and Availability
The DSC-W300 camera and optional accessories will be available in May for about $350. All can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

Sony DSC-W300 specifications

Kodak EasyShare V1273 : Kodak used the CES 2008 show in Las Vegas to announce nine digital compact camera introductions. Unfortunately Kodak did not put a lot effort in providing full specifications or a decent press release, but for now we can give you the following information. The Kodak V1273 is a combination of 12 Megapixels and a 3x zoom lens with optical image stabilization. According to Kodak the camera incorporates an all-glass Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon lens which delivers high quality sharpness and remarkable precision. The optical image stabilization automatically minimizes camera shake to deliver sharper pictures. The Kodak EasyShare V1273 is available in February at $279.95.
Kodak V1273 camera – High Definition
The new Kodak V1273 features a large 3-inch format LCD touch screen. This large monitor puts viewing, editing and organizing pictures right at your fingertips. You can make editing and organizing simple with the touch screen display and the intuitive user interface. With the Kodak EasyShare V1273 you are able to capture HD picture quality in 16:9 format. Via the HD interface you can view your picture in High Definition on an HDTV or other HDTV devices.

Kodak EasyShare V1273 – MPEG-4 compression and HDTV dock
But it is not only capturing HD still images, the Kodak V1273 is also able to capture HD quality video with MPEG-4 compression. The compression is using less memory giving you a long video capture time. The optional Kodak EasyShare HDTV dock lets you view your photos on your HDTV and elevate your high definition experience. Connect to your KODAK HDTV Dock however you want; place your Kodak EasyShare V1273 camera on it, use an SD card, USB flash drive, or card reader attached to the USB port The camera can playback HD video at 720p and 1080i resolution.

Kodak EasyShare V1273 digital camera – Perfect Touch technology
When the perfect picture taking opportunity arises, Kodak make sure you’re ready – with features like smart capture, scene modes, face detection, Kodak Perfect Touch Technology and much more. And after you take the shot, do even more. Turn your pictures into a multimedia slideshow, complete with music and effects. Innovative smart capture adjusts camera settings for great pictures in just about any environment. Capture the details in low light conditions and fast action situations with high ISO (up to 3200).

Kodak EasyShare V1273 box content
• Kodak V1273
• Kodak Li-Ion battery
• USB Charging adapter and cable
• Carry strap
• Camera pouch
• Guide with EasyShare software
• Custom camera insert for optional Kodak EasyShare dock

EasyShare V1273 compact camera – Face detection and Organize
Create panoramic shots by combining up to three shots together into one large picture with panorama stitch mode. For great shots of friends and family, face detection technology locates faces and automatically adjusts camera settings. Add text or voice tags to your pictures, so you can easily find and organize them later.

Kodak EasyShare V1273 digicam – Share and Internal memory
The Kodak V1273 is part of the Kodak EasyShare System, so sharing your pictures is amazingly simple. Just press Share. Sharing starts right on the back of the camera. Have a picture you want to share? Tag it using the exclusive on-camera Share button and it will be ready to print or e-mail later. Use the Favorites feature to keep your special pictures close without filling up your internal memory.

The Samsung NV40 is a 10.5 megapixel digital camera (CCD) with a 3x Schneider-Kreuznach Varioplan branded 3x optical zoom lens.

The NV40 features a lens with built in optical image stabilization as well as software based anti-shake technology (for both movie and still images).

The camera features self portrait mode, face detection technology the ability to shoot at up to 3200 ISO.

Movies can be recorded at 640×480 pixels at 30 frames per second.

The Samsung NV40 has a 2.5 inch LCD with 230,000 pixels, 20 megabytes of internal memory and it will have a retail price of $329.00 USD when it hits stores in March 2007.

Samsung NV40 News Release Samsung Broadens Award-Winning NV-Series With Two New Models

NV30 and NV40 Represent the Evolution of Samsung’s Celebrated NV-Series

Las Vegas, NV (January 7, 2008) – Samsung is proud to introduce two new additions to its award-winning NV-Series of advanced point and shoot digital cameras – the 8.1 mega-pixel NV30 and 10 mega-pixel NV40. In addition to featuring elite NV-Series technology, such as the revolutionary Smart Touch user interface, the NV30 and NV40 also incorporate a new DRIM Engine image processor, for enhanced image quality and speed.

Combined with the cameras’ premium 3x optical zoom Schneider lenses, the new DRIM Engine yields outstanding image quality, producing some of the sharpest, most clear and color accurate images available today. The highest performing imaging sensor found in Samsung’s extensive array of digital cameras, the DRIM Engine also boasts a drastically improved shutter lag, shot-to-shot time and processing speed.

The NV30’s and NV40’s Dual Image Stabilization also adds to the shooting experience. Dual Image Stabilization combines both Samsung’s improved Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) modes. When selected, OIS and DIS work simultaneously to provide blur-free images, no matter how shaky the user’s hand may be.

“This is the next generation of Samsung’s award-winning NV series of digital cameras,” said Stewart Henderson, Vice President Marketing, Samsung Opto-Electronics America. “NV stands for New Vision, and the NV30 and NV40 are representative of the evolution of what has become our highly-successful, flagship line. At Samsung, we strive to deliver the most advanced, digital imaging solutions to consumers in products that not only offer a stylish design but also deliver images of incomparable quality.

Samsung’s NV-Series raises the bar among the key players in this industry and is sure to continue to be a formidable challenger to such photographic brands’ competitive offerings,” concluded Mr. Henderson.

In keeping with the NV-Series’ philosophy of encouraging users to get the most out of their camera’s robust functionality, Samsung has included a new, secondary Photo Style Selector (PSS) dial. Located on top of the cameras, opposite the standard mode dial, which allows users to set the NV30 and NV40 to a designated shooting mode, the new PSS dial represents a revolution in both design and functionality. Empowering the shooter’s thumb, the PSS dial brings a host of creative effects to the fingertip, allowing the user effortless access to seven types of color profiles, including Soft, Vivid, Forest, Retro, Cool, Calm and Classic.

On the back of the cameras’ brushed black, stainless steel bodies, lies Samsung’s Smart Touch user interface. Smart Touch enables easy navigation of the cameras’ comprehensive feature sets by simply sliding a finger across the control buttons positioned around the cameras’ 2.5” LCD screens, which will automatically brighten or dim depending on the current lighting situation. For reviewing and sharing images with others, the NV30 and NV40 also feature an intuitive Multi-Slide Show. With Multi-Slide Show, end-users can playback their images using five different slide transitions and can also have their images set to scroll to the cameras’ preloaded music or their own favorite MP3 files.

Users can also take advantage of advanced features such as Face Detection and Self Portrait mode. Face Detection technology makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap, as it detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Self Portrait mode is a unique functionality that takes the guessing out of taking a self portrait. By utilizing Face Detection technology, the NV30 and NV40 automatically detect the user’s face, adjusts focus and exposure, and will only allow a photo to be taken if the subject is centered in the frame. Additionally, with the ability to shoot at ISO 3200 and 14 scene modes to choose from, including Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-Up, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Café, Food, and Self Portrait, shooters can effortlessly adjust the NV30 and NV40 and capture the best image possible in any setting.

The NV30 and NV40 also boast a Function Description feature. Designed to reduce the intimidation factor of the cameras’ various modes, the Function Description automatically provides a brief and easy to understand description of each setting when scrolling through the cameras’ menus, helping the end-user determine which setting is appropriate for their current shooting scenario.

These new NV cameras also have the ability to record at VGA resolution (640×480) at a maximum frame rate of 30fps. Shooters can also take advantage of the cameras’ movie stabilizers and 3x optical zooms while recording video and with Samsung’s Successive Recording mode, can pause, and then resume filming without having to save the clips as individual files.

NV30: $279 MSRP – Available February 2008 NV40: $329 MSRP – Available March 2008

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The 10.1 megapixel Casio Exilim EX-Z200 has a suggested price of $329.99. Click the photo to launch a slideshow of the new Casio cameras announced at CES 2008.

Casio unveiled four new Exilim point-and-shoot cameras at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV. The 10.1-megapixel Exilim Card EX-S10 and 8.1-megapixel Exilim Zoom EX-Z80 emphasize slim, stylish design, while the 10.1-megapixel Exilim Zoom EX-Z100 and EX-Z200 stand out for their wide f/2.6-5.8, 28-112mm 4x zoom lenses. The main difference between the EX-Z100 and EX-Z200 is that the latter incorporates sensor-shift optical image stabilization. The EX-S10 and EX-Z80 feature more standard 3x zooms, with an f/2.8-5.3, 36-108mm range and an f/3.1-5.3, 38-114mm range, respectively. The EX-S10, EX-Z200, and EX-Z100 sport a 230,160 dot, 2.7-inch LCD with a wide viewing angle, while the EX-Z80 makes do with a 114,960-dot, 2.6-inch screen.

All four of the new Exilims offer programmed automatic shooting and a raft of Casio’s Best Shot scene modes. They also share an Auto Shutter function that takes the difficult task of deciding when to take a picture out of the photographer’s hands. To pick the right moment, it uses face-detection technology to tell when subjects are smiling and sensors to ascertain when camera movement is at a minimum. Then it releases the shutter all by itself. Other notable features on the new cameras include manual focus, spot and tracking autofocus modes, and spot metering. The EX-Z200 and EX-Z100 also have an Auto Best Shot mode that takes a look at your subject and automatically picks one of six scene modes that it thinks will work best.

All four cameras record 30fps H.264 video with sound at resolutions up to a widescreen 848×480. The EX-S10 and EX-Z80 save audio for videos in the AAC format so that the videos can be played with sound on iPods and other portable players. The new cameras are also equipped with a Movie Button that can be pressed to start video recording while the camera is in photo mode, and they provide a separate voice recording mode.

The EX-S10 will be available in red, blue, silver, and black finishes in February 2008 for $249.99. The $199.99 EX-Z80 will come in pale pink, vivid pink, green, blue, black, and silver, and be available in March. Also in March, the EX-Z100 will hit the market at $279.99 and the EX-Z200 at $329.99.

Popular Photography reviews the Canon PowerShot SD950 IS where they write – ‘I really had a blast shooting with this camera. Even with good lighting conditions at the beach town of Cape May, the camera’s image stabilization came in handy when shooting at longer focal lengths, as the maximum aperture at the camera’s longest focal length of 133mm (35mm equivalent) is f/5.8, just over two stops higher than the overall maximum aperture of f/2.8. Images were crisp and generally well exposed, and while the housing feels nearly as durable as a solid piece of metal, the lightweight pocket cam didn’t weigh me down. The LCD was visible even in bright sunlight and focus was fast in all situations with a negligible shutter delay after focus was established. When using the flash, shot-to-shot time was a bit sluggish, but not painfully slow. The battery never showed any signs of wearing down despite hours of shooting and review with the built-in LCD. The camera has a CIPA rating of 240 shots with the LCD on and 580 shots when you keep it off. Overall, Canon hit the mark with their SD950 IS, providing optical image stabilization, 12.1-megapixels, and overall good performance in a slim, rugged, pocket-sized package.’

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Kodak today announced three new EASYSHARE digital cameras along with an HDTV-capable EASYSHARE Dock. The V1253 and V1233 share 12 megapixel sensors and 3x SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH lenses with the V1253 getting a larger 3.1" screen versus the V1233′s 2.5". Both shoot 720p video and 16:9 stills and feature face-detection and digital image-stabilization. The Z812 IS meanwhile has optical image-stabilization to go with its 8 megapixels and 12x zoom range. Kodaks new HDTV Dock explains itself really. The cameras will be available from September 2007 with the dock following a month later in October.

Press release (EU):

Kodak Looks Beyond The Click Kodak expands the post capture experience with new suite of HD products – three new KODAK EASYSHARE High Definition Digital Cameras and KODAK EASYSHARE HDTV Dock

BERLIN, GERMANY August 30 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today unveiled a raft of new products aimed at giving consumers even more opportunities to see their pictures differently and do more with them. With this new range, Kodak is delivering an easy solution for consumers to capture and display High Definition (HD) pictures on vibrant, wide-screen HDTVs making the viewing and sharing of images in the home more seamless and enjoyable than ever before.

Harnessing the latest digital technology, Kodak has developed three new digital cameras with HD still and video capabilities, the KODAK EASYSHARE V1233, V1253 and Z812 IS models and the intuitive KODAK EASYSHARE HDTV dock which will enable consumers to display HD images on an HD television.

Demand for display
The phenomenal growth of photo sharing services, such as Kodak Gallery, social networking sites and instant messenger applications has created a massive appetite for displaying photography. Combined with this, the emergence of trends such as citizen photography has prompted consumers to look for other avenues to display their pictures and videos. With the introduction of HD to its digital capture and display devices, Kodak is enabling people to display personal photos and videos with incredible image clarity and sharpness anywhere in the home – whether on HDTVs or digital picture frames.

“At Kodak, we see that consumers are embracing the photography experience, capturing, sharing and displaying, like never before. From printing to personalizing gifts to sharing pictures and videos online, consumers are increasingly inventive with their images and the growth of digital media has fed a sense of pride in our photography – we want to show it off,” said John O’Grady, Kodak’s Managing Director, Consumer Businesses, European, African & Middle Eastern Region. “The products announced today represent an important step in helping progress how images can be taken, viewed and shared, and Kodak is dedicated to supporting innovation that will continue to bring intelligent, easy-to-use HD solutions to the market.”

KODAK EASYSHARE V1253 and V1233 Zoom Digital Cameras

The KODAK EASYSHARE V1253 and V1233 zoom digital cameras allow consumers to capture HD still images (16:9 aspect ratio) and video (720p at 30fps), while offering a sleek design and simple-to-use controls. Equipped with 12MP resolution, a 3X SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH optical zoom lens and KODAK PERFECT TOUCH technology, these cameras provide exceptional image quality for every shot.

Both the V1253 and V1233 models boast Face Detection Technology, which automatically adjusts the camera’s settings for outstanding portrait shots, and Digital Image Stabilization to reduce blur caused by camera shake or subject movement. Images can be instantly viewed in 16:9 aspect ratio on the large 3.1-inch LCD screen of V1253 and the 2.5-inch LCD screen on the V1233.

KODAK EASYSHARE Z812 IS Zoom Digital Camera

The high-zoom KODAK EASYSHARE Z812 IS Camera has an impressive feature set and intuitive controls, perfect for the aspiring photographer who wants an easy-to-use camera that delivers great pictures with every shot. With 8MP resolution and an incredible SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH 12x optical zoom lens, the Z812 IS captures HD still images (16:9 aspect ratio) and video (720p at 30fps), as well as the ability to extract still images from videos. The camera’s click-to-capture (.23), auto-focus accuracy, Optical Image Stabilization and High ISO settings (up to 3200) allow consumers to capture brighter, clearer shots in low-light or fast-action situations.

The Z812 IS also features Face Detection Technology, and its Smart Scene Mode will automatically adjust the camera’s settings depending on the type of scene it detects. For consumers who wish to have more control over the composition of their shots, aperture and shutter speed can be manually selected and the electronic viewfinder can be activated instead of the 2.5-inch LCD screen. The KODAK EASYSHARE Z812 IS Camera features KODAK PERFECT TOUCH technology so every image can look its best.

KODAK EASYSHARE HDTV Dock

The KODAK EASYSHARE HDTV Dock connects to your HDTV to process pictures from KODAK HD-enabled digital cameras, SD memory cards or USB drives to deliver an outstanding visual experience to share with family and friends. The launch of the HDTV Dock, not only makes viewing images in HD possible, but also makes it easy.

Using the remote control feature on the HDTV Dock enables consumers to manage their digital pictures while relaxing on the living room sofa. The HDTV Dock makes it effortless to enjoy a full HD-quality slideshow, edit individual images, transfer images to a USB drive, or even print images to a connected printer. Along with being backward compatible with many KODAK EASYSHARE digital cameras, the HDTV Dock automatically charges the rechargeable battery so the camera is ready whenever needed.

Pricing and Availability

The KODAK EASYSHARE V1253 (€299), V1233 (€249), and Z812 IS Cameras (€299) will be available from September 2007. The KODAK EASYSHARE HDTV Dock will be available from October 2007 for €99.

Not wanting to be left out of the spate of new camera announcements this week, Olympus has unleashed a small horde of new cameras designed to appeal to a wide range of entry-level and mid-range camera buyers looking for high megapixel counts and strong performance.

First up, the Olympus FE-280, FE-290, and FE-300 are meant to appeal to casual photographers, with the FE-300 offering a 12 megapixel resolution and face detection, the FE-290 opting for 7.1 megapixels with a 3-inch LCD viewfinder and a 4× optical zoom, and the slim FE-280s offering 8 megapixels of resolution and face detection technology. The FE-280s also cater to the fashion conscious, and will be available in red, blue, black, and silver. All three cameras feature digital image stabilization and store images to xD media cards. All three models should be available in August, with the FE-280s carrying a suggested price of $199.99, with the FE-290 and FE-300 going for $249.99 and $299.99, respectively.

Next, Olympus has announced the Stylus 820, Stylus 830, and Stylus 1200 which notch things up a bit with improved features and performance. All three cameras feature face detection technology, shadow adjustment, “Perfect Shot Preview” (which offers thumbnails of photo effects on the preview screen before snapping a shot), image stabilization, and a number of preset shooting modes. The Stylus 1200 offers a 12 megapixel resolution and a 2.7-inch LCD; meanwhile, the Stylus 830 offers both digital and optical image stabilization, a 5× zoom, a smaller 2.5-inch LCD, an 8 megapixel resolution, and a heap of color choices, while the Stylus 820 drops the optical image stabilization, ramps back up to a 2.7-inch LCD, and offers a selection of red, blue, black, and silver chassis. All three stylus models offer an all-weather design which should withstand the elements, and the 820 and 1200 offer a built-in panorama mode for capturing landscapes. Expect to see the 820 in August with the 830 and 1200 following in October; suggested prices will be $249.99, $329.99, and $349.99, respectively.

Olympus is also adding the Stylus 790SW to the Stylus line—SW stands for “Shock and Waterpoof,” but the hardy little cameras are also dustproof and freezeproof, within limts. The 790SW can be used up to 10 feet underwater—no special casing required!—and even offers four special underwater modes to make sure you capture that special shot. The camera is also good to 14°F (-10°C), and offers face detection technology, a 2.5-inch LCD display, sensitivity down to ISO 1600, and a 7.1 megapixel resolution. Expect to see it in September for $299.99.

Last but not least, Olympus has also unveiled the SP-560 Ultra Zoom, boasting an 8 megapixel resolution, an astonishing 18× optical zoom, both optical and digital image stabilization, and face detection technology. The camera also features 33 shooting modes—plus our favorite, a full manual mode—and a 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder. Olympus is also offering an underwater housing and accessor lenses for the SP-560 UZ, letting users take the camera up to 130 feet underwater and offering up to a 30× optical zoom. The SP-560 UZ should hit the streets in October at a suggested price of $449.99.