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Sony Cybershot DSC-H20 Camera Review

Sony Cybershot DSC-H20 Overview

Sony Cybershot DSC-H20 is an intelligently designed super-zoom camera that has the caliber of any top class digi cam of the time. Sony cyber shot DSC H20 may be similar to its predecessor H10 but is smarter and sharper in operation.

The Lens Specs

Sony Cyber shot DSC H20 uses a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar zoom lens providing a 10x optical zoom and a focal length of 38-380mm on a 35mm camera that makes it a tough competitor for Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 and Casio EX-H10 , already available in the market. However, it has a better telephoto end than these super-zoom cameras. The lens does not have an iris diaphragm but has an incorporated neutral density filter.

Leaving the user with only two aperture settings regardless of the zoom range selected, there is no resultant effect on the depth of field. So if you want any adjustments then go for the alteration in focal length or your distance from the subject you are capturing.

Recording Modes

Supporting 720p HD movie recording, Sony Cybershot DSC-H20 has a host of options to suit your image capturing. Where Face Detection and smile Shutter functions are not new to the digital camera users, one would definitely appreciate functions such as Intelligent Scene Recognition which is especially designed for learners.

It has all the necessary technical settings pre-adjusted, so once you turn this option on, you only have to click to get a nice snap. The mode automatically adjusts all the settings according to the requirement of the situation. A wide range of Manual Exposure Modes, however targets those photographers who know well about the field and like to experiment at different exposure settings.

There are two Auto Modes available; Easy and Intelligent Auto Adjustment through which the camera analyzes the scene to be captured and uses the mode most suitable for the particular situation. But if you wish to choose the mode of your own choice, then go to the SCN setting provided on the Mode dial and select the scene mode from there.

Image Stabilization

In case you are capturing a moving body or the surrounding area is not well lit; in both cases a slower shutter speed is required which eventually requires the camera and the image to be steady. For this purpose, H20 has the function of SteadyShot which can be kept turned on all the time or only when the shutter button is half pressed (as in the cases described above). However, it is not recommended to keep the function on all the time since this consumes the battery faster. Also keep it off when mounting the camera on the tripod or it will make the stabilization system to cause motion blur to counteract the vibration.

Camera Exterior

Sony Cybershot DSC H20 has a nice big 3 inch LCD screen. Weighing 279g with accessories, it is quiet easily handled. Adding a nice touch to the camera, the right hand grip is rubberized and so is the thumb rest at the rear of the body. This results in nothing but an ease to hold the camera.

Sony H20 has certain changes in the controls and buttons as well; for e.g. the shutter release button is now surrounded by the zoom lever- similar to other compact cameras. Replacing the elongated Power button in H10, H20 has two round buttons; one for the Smile shutter and the other for the on/off function.

Verdict

With a smooth and simple camera operation, the Sony Cybershot DSC-H20 is a lovely and gratifying all rounder camera for both capturing still and motion images. Easy to fit in your trouser pocket and convenient to handle, you can take this point and shoot camera everywhere and anywhere you desire.

Sony Cybershot DSC H20 Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

Width (mm):107.3
Height (mm): 68.7
Depth (mm): 47.1
Weight (g): 250
Weight with Accessories (g): 279

Lens
Type: Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
Optical Zoom: 10x
Precision Digital Zoom Approx. 20x(Total)
Smart Zoom: up to 57x (with VGA)
Focal Length f= mm f=35mm conversion 6.3-63 38-380
Focus Preset (m) 1 / 3 / 7 / Unlimited distance
Shutter Speed Auto Mode (sec) 2″ – 1/2000
Exposure Control: +/- 2.0 EV, 1/ 3 EV step

Imaging

White Balance Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent1, Fluorescent2, Fluorescent3, Incandescent, Flash
Sharpness Setting: Plus / Minus 1step
ISO Sensitivity (REI): (Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200)
Scene Selection Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Twilight using a tripod, Backlight, Backlight Portrait, Landscape, Macro,
Portrait
Flash Mode: Auto, Forced Flash, Slow Syncro, No Flash
Red-eye Reduction: YES
Auto Daylight Synchronized Flash: YES
Image Sensory
CCD Type: Super HAD CCD
Size (Inches): 1/2.3

Power and Accessory supplies
Battery System: Lithium G
Supplied Battery: NP-BG1
Stamina (battery life) with the supplied battery(s) in normal shooting condition: 290 shots, 145min (CIPA standard with LCD screen on)
Battery for Clock: Manganese-Lithium (MS614SE)
Supplied Software: Picture Motion Browser Ver.4.2 (Windows only) + Music Transfer
Supplied Accessories: Rechargeable battery pack (NP-BG1), Battery Charger, Multi Connector Cable, Wrist Strap, CD-ROM, Lens Cap

Olympus Mju Tough 6000 Yellow Review

If you like bright funky colours and enjoy tough sports, then Olympus Mju Tough 6000-Yellow is the right camera for you. Evident from its name, the compact digital camera comes in a vibrant lemon-yellow colour with a strong and sturdy built. Unique in its outlook, the Olympus Mju Tough 6000-Yellow has also a lot to offer in its functions.

Design Build

If you are the adventurous type or have kids as wild as a cat, then straight away buy this camera! Olympus Mju Tough 6000-Yellowis resistant to shock to an extent that if your kids drop it from a height of 1.5m, it remains unscathed. And don’t worry about the weather; you can shoot all the wonderful moments whether you are on Christmas holidays or chilling out at beach with friends. The camera can work in the most adverse of the conditions being freeze proof to -10°C and water proof to 3m.

The body is meant for the outdoor activities; therefore it weighs only 149g and measures around 2.2x 6.3x 9.5cm (Dx Hx W)…. dimensions just appropriate to be carried along with you on trips.

The Lens and Focus

The Olympus Mju Tough 6000-Yellow comprises of a highly accurate 3.6x wide zoom aspherical lens that offers a focal length of about 28-102mm for a 35mm camera. The camera has a CCD Optical Sensor of 10 megapixels which allows close-up shots with marked efficiency and excellence and produces sharp and clearly focused poster size prints. The image stabilization is effected through a dual system that eliminates the chances of blurring in case you are shooting at maximum zoom or in low light.

The Display

A 2.7 inch HyperCrystal III LCD Screen in the Tough 6000 is the perfect feature that helps you get a better preview in the most extremes of conditions such as shooting under water. An LED illuminator is provided that makes within water or macro scenes visible. In bright sunlight and at the most difficult of viewing angles, the TFT activated 230,000 pixels LCD Screen gives its best to you.

Easy Operation

Just like its design, the camera operation also offers ultimate ease of use. Keeping in view the hard core adventure lovers, Olympus has incorporated a very different but useful feature; the TAP control menu. Through this menu you can operate the camera by tapping it and no need to adjust controls and settings in the midst of action packed fun. To aid the camera adjustments, there is the Intelligent Auto Mode that alters the camera settings all by itself suiting the situation and the scene.

Advanced Face Detection

The Advanced Face Detection function can detect and focus up to 16 faces with thorough exactness and also captures the other parts of the scene with the right exposure and focus. There is a whole range of White Balance modes to suit your setting and is highly appreciated since this camera is designed especially for outdoor shootings.

Tough 6000 can also record movies with a satisfying audio quality so that your precious memories are livelier and closer to the reality.

Other Key Specs

A shutter speed of 4 sec minimum and maximum 1/ 2000 sec, an installed RAM of 42MB and compatibility with the xD-Picture Card and microSD Card are the specs that make Olympus Mju Tough 6000-Yellow more likable by the fans. Powered by an external battery, the camera comes with a couple of accessories as well including a hand strap and microSD to XD adapter.
Price of this camera lies in the range of £175.00 – £234.00

Olympus Mju Tough 6000 Yellow Key Specs

Olympus Model: TOUGH-6000
Packaged Quantity: 1
Product Line: Olympus µ[MJU:]
Digital Camera Type: Compact
Dimensions & Weight: Depth 2.2 cm, Height 6.3 cm, Width 9.5 cm, Weight 149 g
Display (Projector): Diagonal Size 2.7 in
Display Form Factor: Built-in
Display Format: 230,000 pixels
Output Type: Colour Technology, TFT active matrix, LCD display
Exposure Compensation: ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
Lens System Element Qty: 10
Aspherical lens
Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera, 28 – 102mm
Focus Adjustment: Automatic
Group Qty: 8
Lens Aperture: F/3.5-5.1, Macro Focus Range 2cm, Max Focal Length 18.2 mm
Optical Zoom: 3.6
Optical Sensor: Effective Sensor Resolution, 10,000,000 pixels
Optical Sensor Size: 1/2.3″
Optical Sensor Type: CCD
Sensor Resolution: 10 Megapixel
Total Pixels: 10,300,000 pixels
Image Stabiliser: Optical
White Balance: Automatic
Presets:
White Balance Presets
Fluorescent light (cool white)
Fluorescent light (daylight)
Fluorescent light (warm white)
Overcast,Sunlight,Tungsten light
Power Device: Form Factor External Type Battery charger
RAM: 42 MB
Max Shutter Speed: 1/2000 sec
Min Shutter Speed: 4 sec
Miscellaneous
Colour:Lemon yellow
Included Accessories
Hand strap
microSD to XD adapter
Underwater Depth:Up to 3m Underwater Use
Built-in
Vista Certification
Certified for Windows Vista
Supported Flash Memory
xD-Picture Card

Nikon Coolpix L100 Camera Review

Looking for an economical digital camera with an exceptional optical zoom and user friendly profile, Nikon Coolpix L100, is the answer to all your needs. Though it has certain short comings, Nikon Coolpix L100 is well suited for people who like to capture everything in “Automatic” mode.

Mega Zoom Lens

The Mega zoom lens unusual for a camera this size, (not small enough to fit in your pocket though) the L100 has a NIKKOR lens of 15x optical zoom that has a wide angle of 28-420mm focal length on a 35mm camera. One thing commendable about the lens is that in the Macromode, it is capable of focusing finer details up to 1cm close.

Shooting Speed

Being a mega zoom camera, one wouldn’t and shouldn’t expect a speedy operation-however, Nikon Coolpix L100 fares well in this area to our surprise. In good lighting conditions, shutter lag time is 0.7 seconds that increases up to just 1 second in case of low light. In sequence shooting, 2.1 seconds is the mean time which increases to 2.3 seconds in case the flash is turned on.

Nikon L100 compromises of two burst modes; one is the High speed mode that shoots at a rate of 13fps up to 30 frames and the second one is the Full resolution continuous shooting mode which allows up to 7 photos to be shot in one go but at a frustratingly slow rate of 0.4fps. Good news for sports fans is the feature Sports Continuous Mode that allows 13 frames per second. So, now you can capture each and every shot, move and cheer.

Recording Modes

Apart from the above mentioned features, Nikon Coolpix L100 has a host of other modes just for your convenience. Scene Auto Selector is one such mode. Just select this option and all the technical aspects such as ISO sensitivity, White balance, zoom, etc. are adjusted according to the scene to be selected. In case, you are capturing human subjects, don’t forget to turn on the Smile Mode and Blink Detection so that the desired person is smiling at his/her best with eyes wide open! The in camera Red Eye Fix that eliminates the annoying red eye effect and the 15 scene modes available in the camera are one of the several features making photography easy for you. The active zoom, D-Lighting and Motion Detection also help out a user in improving the image.

Anti Blur Feature

Capturing a fast moving object or shooting in low light, both lead to a blur and shaken picture. There are 4 Anti Blur features available including the Image Sensor Shift VR image stabilization. In case, you are shooting a football player, it’s highly important to keep your object in focus. The Motion Detection Option detects the moving object and camera shake and thereby automatically shifts to a higher ISO setting (e.g. 3200) and a faster shutter speed.

Short Comings In The Deal

The point and shooting cameras usually indicate the user when the flash is to be used. But in Nikon Coolpix L100, until the flash is raised (and that too manually), there is no indication. There is no view finder, just the LCD to preview your shots.
A much bigger problem is that it cannot be recharged with AA batteries. It requires the alkaline or lithium cells for its functioning.

Nikon Coolpix L100 is a compact user friendly camera with a large hand grip and easy to use buttons and controls. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor photography, Nikon Coolpix L100 is a gem.

Nikon Coolpix L100 Key Specs

Dimensions: 4.3 inches wide by 2.8 inches high by 3 inches deep
Weight(with battery and media): 15.8 ounces
Mega pixels, image sensor size, type 10 mega pixels, 1/ 2.3 inch CCD
LCD size, Resolution: 3 inch LCD, 230 K dots
Lens (zoom, aperture, focal length): 15x, f3.5-5.4, 28-420mm (35mm equivalent)
File Format (still/video): JPEG/AVI
Highest Resolution size (still/video): 3,648×2,736 pixels/ 640×480 at 30fps
Image Stabilization type: Mechanical and electronic
Battery type, rated life: AA alkaline (4), 350 shots
General Shooting options: Nikon Coolpix L100
ISO sensitivity (full resolution): Auto (80 to 800)
White Balance Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Manual, Flash
Recording Modes Auto, Easy Auto, Scene, Sport Continuous/High sensitivity/Smile, Movie
Focus Face Priority. Center Metering Matrix, Center-weighted, Spot
Color Effects Standard, Vivid, Black and White, Sepia, Cyanotype
Burst mode shot limit(full resolution): Seven Photos

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 Camera Review

Exclusively for point and shoot camera lovers, here’s another nice offer from Panasonic; Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40. It’s light, compact and highly competent. Looking at the product profile, one cannot simply ignore the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 standing out high and prominent amongst the thousands point and shoot cameras available in the market.

Lens and Focal Specs

Offering an exceptional 5X optical zoom lens with a focal range of 25-125mm (for a 35mm camera) that is a rather unusual feature for a tiny camera measuring 3.75X2.08X0.85 inches. Apart from the lens specifications, another feature of DMC-FX40, breaking the norms is the ability to shoot video clips at a high definition of 1280X720p at the rate of 30fps- also found in the previous model FX37, but relatively new feature for this class of cameras.

The Screen

The standard features are still present such as the 2.5 inch LCD screen. Though no touch screen or any sophisticated feature in this area, the screen is fair with auto-adjustment to brightness and 230K dot resolution. At 4:3 ratio, the displays gives vibrant results and at 16:9 ratio for the movies, black bars appear at the top and bottom of the screen to give a cinematic feel and to indicate the resultant image in a better manner.

User friendly, as always has been the specialty of Panasonic cameras, DMC-FX40 is also so designed. The on-screen menus and options are easy to understand and use. A “Display” button is provided to access the screen information and the famous “Rule of Thirds” through the nine zone grid.

ISO Setting

Having a 12.1 mega pixel sensor, DMC-FX40 has a range of ISO settings. Where image noise gets noticeable from ISO 400 onwards, the image is still bearable up to ISO 800 but at ISO 1600, the overall noise makes it difficult to have a cleaner and clearer picture.

Performance and Price

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 compromises of a Venus Engine V processor that gives warm and beautiful colors in your snaps and videos. Improving the overall image quality are the options such as Auto Face Recognition, Auto Face Detection and Red Eye Reduction. The various Scene Modes and White Balance options also make it easier for amateur photographers to create movies and photo with ease and excellence. The astounding “extra” optical zoom is suitable to portraits and landscapes both though the resolution would drop to 3MP.

All these wonderful features are within your reach in just £259 which is the official list price and for a camera of this caliber, it is quite appropriate.

Design

Available in red, black and silver colors in UK, and similar in looks to FX550, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 adorns a plastic and metallic casing. Weighing only 150g (with card and battery included) the camera fit well in your palm and as well as in your pocket! The metallic lens is susceptible to scratches and marks, never the less, being light weight in the reason one would like to take this camera on adventures.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 Camera Specs

Camera effective pixels
12.1 mega pixels
Sensor size/ Total pixels/ Filter
1/2.33 inch/ 12.7 total mega pixels/ Primary Color Filter

Aperture
F2.8-5.9/ Iris Diaphragm (F2.8-8 (W)/ F5.9-8 (T))

Optical Zoom
5X

Focal Length
F=4.4-22.0mm (25-125mm in 35mm equiv.)
Extra Optical Zoom (EZ)
6.1X (4:3 / 8M), 7.8X (4:3 / 5M), 9.8X (under 3 M)

Lens
LEICA DC VARIO –ELEMARIT / 7 elements in 6 groups / (4 Spherical Lenses / 6 Spherical surfaces, 1 EA lens)

Optical Image Stabilizer
MEGA O.I.S (Auto / Mode1 / Mode2)

Shutter Speed
8-1/2000 seconds Selectable minimum shutter speed) / Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60 seconds

File Format
Still Image: JPEG (DCF / Exif2.21) / Image with Audio: Jpeg (DCF / Exif2.21) +Quick Time / Motion Picture: Quick Time Motion JPEG

Recording
Self Timer
2sec / 10sec

Focus Icon Select
Yes (in Face Recognition Only)

OSD language
Japanese, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish

Travel Date / World Time
Yes / Yes

LCD Monitor
2.5 inch TFT Screen LCD Display (230k dots) / Field of View: approx. 100% Wide Viewing Angle / Auto Power LCD mode, Power LCD Mode

Built in memory
Approx. 40MB

Microphone / Speaker
Mono / Yes
Interface
HD Component Output, AV Output (NTSC/PAL or NTSC only) / USB2.0 high speed, DC input (requires optional DC Coupler)

Power
ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 940mAh) (included) / AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC) (optional)

Battery Life (Approx)
350 pictures (CIPA Standard)

Dimensions (WXHXD)
95.3X52.9X21.5mm (3.75X2.08X0.85 in)

Weight
Approx. 128g (0.28 lb) approx. 150g with battery and SD Memory Card (0.33 lb)

Others
Recording
Face Recognition
Optical Image Stabilizer
Photo and Movie
Intelligent ISO control
Face Detection
Intelligent Scene Selector
Photo (Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Macro)
Intelligent Exposure
AF Tracking
Digital Red Eye Correction

Canon PowerShot A2100 IS Review

Another exciting offer from the house of Canon; Canon PowerShot A2100 IS is a superb combination of cool features at a reasonable price. Canon PowerShot A2100 IS looks exactly like it’s former family member the PowerShot A200 IS but with a better built and quality.

Built and Design

The Canon PowerShot A2100 IS adorns a beautiful matt-black plastic body that is slimmer than the A200 model and easier to hold and carry around as when turned off, its only 3cms thick. This digital camera weighs only 185g thus making it a nice companion for your outdoor activities.

Another remarkable up gradation in its built is the centrally positioned metal mount given for the tripod stand in contrast to the previous models which used to have a plastic mount located on the extreme bottom left of the camera.

However, one thing will disappoint the users a little; lack of a rubberized grip that was a comfy component found in Canon models. Instead, a smooth and flat surface with the ‘Canon” logo imprinted on it welcomes your grip. This makes it highly difficult to hold the camera properly. Nonetheless, the situation is still bearable, thanks to the raised mouldings on the rear end of the camera.

Controls and Buttons

Being a simple camera, the PowerShot A2100 IS has few external controls; 11 to be exact. For beginners, this camera is splendid since it offers easy shooting with Easy and new Smart Auto modes but for those, who are well into the business, the camera may seem to be a little humble.

On the top of the A2100 IS, the Power button, Mode Dial, Zoom Lever and Shutter button are located whereas the bottom side bears the tripod mount and battery compartment and a slot for the SD Memory Card. Through the large 3 inch LCD screen, you can directly approach the focus and the flash function by just clicking the left and right on the navigational pad. Clicking upwards and downwards would set the exposure and timer features respectively.

Though there is no individual button for ISO Speed setting, the Function/Set button in the center of the navigational pad takes you to a sub menu which permits you to not only set the ISO Speed but also the white balance, colours, metering, continuous shooting and image size/quality settings.

All the buttons and control are easy to operate and extremely user compliant. The Mode dial action is rigid in this model in order to prevent any unintentional changes in the mode when kept in a pocket or a bag.

Image Quality

A 12.1 megapixel point and shoot camera with 6x optical zoom, a DIGIC 4 Processor, and an Anti Shake system- IS Mode; that’s all you need to know about the image production and quality which, if you haven’t got the hint is astounding. The blur effect is taken care of in case you are shooting at a lower shutter speed or in unstable position.

A wide ISO setting (80-800) enables the user to get rid of the Noise problem. ISO 80 and 100 gives Noise free images, at 200 it starts appearing and at 400 it is quiet noticeable 800 and 1600 are out of question!

The Auto Face Detection, Auto Face Recognition and Red Eye Effect are some of the features that make image production easier and enjoyable. Chromatic aberrations are seen but they are limited to the purple fringing effect that is observed in high contrast regions only. At night time, shutter speed increases to 15 sec that allows the user to capture maximum light. In the Macro mode, you can focus something to as close as 1cm though the image is soft and requires more sharpening which can be done by Adobe Photoshop.

Price

For UK customers, price lies between £199 and £249 which is fair since the whole market is struggling to survive the credit crunch.

Verdict

Perfect for amateurs and those who are looking for a simple point and shoot digital camera, Canon PowerShot A2100 IS is easy to handle and operate. However, one should not be expecting something exceptionally new in it. The camera has average image production in low light conditions and is not highly sophisticated but taking in account, the feasibility and compliance it offers to the user, it is highly recommended for family use.

Canon PowerShot A2100 IS Specifications

Lens:6x optical zoom, 36-216mm focal length
Image Sensor: 12.1 megapixel sensor
Processor: DIGIC 4 Processor
ISO Range: ISO 80-800
Display: 3” LCD Screen,Resolution: 230,000 pixels
Speed: 1.5 sec to capture a photo and 0.5 sec for recording,3 sec to zoom from the widest focal length to the longest
Continuous Shooting Speed: 1.1 fps
Modes: 18 shooting modes; Smart Auto, Easy modes with Scene
Detection Technology, Face Detection, Face Select
Track, i-Contrast, Motion Detection and Auto Red-Eye
Correction
Available Colour: Black
Battery: Supplied LR6-AA Alkaline batteries
150 shots allowed when Anti shake system is turned on
Price: £259.00