Digital Photography Guide

The Fujifilm Finepix S2000HD one is a big surprise, with many attractive features — not least being the reasonable asking price of $399.

Basically, it’s a mini DSLR look-alike, nearly pocketable, with a 15x zoom lens, imaging to a CCD capable of acquiring 10.0 million pixels. In stills shooting, the camera uses an optical stabiliser; when shooting movies, a less desirable digital stabiliser is used.

Fujifilm Finepix S2000HD Features

Ten megapixels gives you access to a maximum image size of 3648×2736 pixels as well as 1920×1080 pixels for an HD ratio image; print sizes at these resolutions are, respectively, 41×31 cm and 22×12 cm at 225 dpi.

Then it gets really interesting, because this is the first Fujifilm camera with 16:9 HD video capability. Note: the video image is 1280×720 pixels at 30 fps, so it’s not Full High Def, but it’s still pretty impressive all the same to shoot big stills and HD video with the same stills camera. The only flaw in the picture is that the camera’s HD terminal is a proprietary one, so you have to buy an optional camera to component video cable to connect the TV set’s input.

The S2000HD has a continuous speed of up to 13.3 fps for a maximum run of 33 shots but only at the 2048×1536 pixel size; if you want 3648×2736 pictures, the burst rate falls to 1.1 fps for three images.

Like every camera on the market, or so it seems, the FinePix has a face detection mode which can detect up to 10 faces in the frame, adjusting focus and exposure, regardless of the background. The automatic red-eye removal feature then checks each detected face for red-eye and routinely corrects it.

There’s a new mode called zoom framing that should make the framing of a shot less of a nerve-racked challenge for the digital newbies. Tap the four way rocker and you’re presented with a series of cropping shapes; choose one and, when you fire the shot, the zoom automatically frames tighter. Just great!

Then there’s zoom bracketing: each time you hit the shutter the camera fires three shots at three differing image sizes. Should save you some image editing later.

And then the FinePix goes even further: it shoots two images in rapid succession — one with flash and one without — then saves both.

Surprisingly for such a camera in this price range, it shoots auto, Program AE, shutter priority as well as manual. There are also 13 scene modes, ranging from sport to fireworks to snow/beach.

Startup Time

In four seconds after power-up I was shooting my first shot, then follow-up shots were taken at about a second apart.

Distortion

There was noticeable barrel distortion at the wide end of the zoom but minimal pincushion distortion at the tele end. An excellent performance for a camera at this price level.

Comment

The camera takes SD or SDHC cards … is Fujifilm’s support for the xD-Picture card faltering?

Quality: I felt the camera recorded colours quite naturally and with an appreciable lack of noise.

In so many respects this is a phenomenal camera — image size, lens power and HD video capability.

Order the Fujifilm Finepix S2000HD at Amazon.

FUJIFILM FINEPIX S2000HD Specifications

• Type: Fully automatic, fixed lens digital compact camera.
• Lens: Fujinon f/3.5-5.4/5-75 mm (28-414 mm as 35 mm equivalent). 5.7x/3.0x digital zoom (stills/movies). (* 5-15 mm becomes 5-75 mm.*)
• Focusing Range: W/T 70/250 cm to infinity; macro 10 cm to 100 cm; super macro 1 cm to 30 cm.
• Shutter Speeds: 4-1/1000 second.
• Metering: Multi zone (256 segments), averaging, spot.
• Exposure Control: Auto, Program AE, shutter priority, manual.
• Sensitivity: ISO 100/200/400/800/1600/3200.
• Sensor: 11 mm CCD, 10.0 million pixels.
• Image Size: 3648×2736, 3648×2432, 3648×2056, 2592×1944, 2048×1536, 1920×1080, 1600×1200, 640×480.
• Continuous mode: 3 shots at 1.1 fps; other rates at smaller image sizes. Movies: 1280×720, 640×480, 320×240 at 30 fps.
• Formats: JPEG, WAV, MPEG4. PictBridge and DPOF compatible.
• Flash: Auto, red-eye reduction, forced off and on, slow synchronisation. Flash range (ISO Auto): W/T 50/ cm to 6.4/4.1 m, macro 70 cm to 3.0 m.
• Viewfinders: EVF (200,000 pixels) plus 6.9 cm colour LCD (230,000 pixels).
• Storage: Removable SD/SDHC memory card (none supplied), 55 MB internal memory.
• Interface: USB 2.0, PAL/NTSC AV, HD output, DC input.
• Power: 4 AA alkaline, lithium or NiMH batteries, optional AC adapter.
• Dimensions (WHD): 111×78.9×75.7 mm.
• Weight: 390 grams (without card, batteries).
• Price: $279.95 at Amazon.

The arrival on my desk of a beautiful, petite, glossy, black, metal-bodied snapper is something of an event … even though virtually the same camera is on retail shelves in the form of Panasonic’s FX37 (also known as the FX38 in some parts of the world) at significantly less price.

The Leica C-Lux 3 is palm-sized, dressed in black and satin chrome with the distinctive red dot signifying it’s top of the class. You can also buy the little Leica in gloss white but, for my money, the red Leica badge on black comes in trumps.

The CCD captures 10.1 million effective pixels, imaged by a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 5x optical zoom lens that equals a range of 25-125mm in SLR-speak. I have one carp about this lens: it has a maximum aperture of f2.8 at wide angle but this closes to a tiny f5.9 at the zooms tele end … that’s more than two stops lost.

Maximum image size is 3648×2736 pixels; from this you could make a sharp 41×31 cm print. There are options so you can shoot 16:9 wider screen ratio stills and run them on the home tele as a slide show. HD movies with sound can also be shot at the 1280×720 pixel size at 30 fps and played to a High Def TV via a component output.

Leica C-Lux 3 Features

The metering options are basic: just Program AE and metering is multi zone. However, a mountain of scene modes can take care of out-of-the-ordinary situations. These include night portraits, night scenery, shots of food, party scenes, babies, pets and a high sensitivity setting that ramps the ISO figure up to 6400!

Then there are attractive, experimental settings to enable you to replicate shots made with a pinhole camera or induce exaggerated grain (as when fast film is used).

The colour of images at the point of shooting can be tweaked to capture in standard, natural or vivid colour saturation or in B&W and sepia.

Panasonic/Leica’s well-regarded optical stabiliser can be used in either of two settings: mode 1 is always on; mode 2 is active only when the shutter button is pressed.

The face detection mode can determine correct exposure and focus on a number of faces in the shot.

Differences between the Leica C-Lux 3 and Panasonic FX37

So is the Leica C-Lux 3 superior to the Panasonic FX37 in the picture taking stakes? Hard to confirm, but there are some stories out there that suggest Leica lenses on Panasonic cameras are manufactured by Panasonic under license from Leitz, while those on Leica cameras are manufactured directly by Leitz.

Another rumour is that the chips in the Leica camera are programmed to match Leica parameters and that Leica’s camera has slightly better JPEG compression.

Want to research more? Go to http://forums.photographyreview.com/showthread.php?t=27483#

Startup Time

A moderately good set of figures: it took the camera three seconds from power on to first shot; following shots could be taken at intervals of two seconds.

Distortion

As with the Panasonic camera, the Leica showed negligible distortion of any kind at any zoom setting. A very good performance.

Comment

The pictures I took with the Leica were crisp and fully colour saturated.

If you’ve always wanted a Leica but lacked the courage — and the financial wherewithal — to pay the kilo-dollar price … this is your chance. You’ll be well ahead in the style stakes.

Get the Leica C-Lux 3 at Amazon

Leica C-Lux 3 Specs

• Type: Fully automatic, fixed lens digital compact camera.
• Lens: Leica DC Vario-Elmarit f/2.8-5.9/4.4-22 mm (25-125mm as 35mm equivalent). 4x digital zoom.
• Focusing Range: W/T 50 cm/1.0 m to infinity; macro W/T 5 cm/1.0 m cm to infinity.
• Shutter Speeds: 60, 30, 15, 8-1/2000 second.
• Metering: Multi zone.
• Exposure Control: Program AE.
• Sensitivity: Auto, ISO 100/200/400/800/1600/6400.
• Sensor: 11 mm CCD, 10.1 million pixels.
• Image Size: 3648×2736, 3648×2432, 3648×2056, 3072×2304, 3072×2048, 3072×1728, 2560×1920, 2560×1712, 2048×1536, 2048×1360, 1920×1080, 1600×1200, 640×480. Continuous mode: three full, size shots at 2.5 fps or unlimited shots at 2 fps.
• Movies: 1280×720, 848×480, 640×480, 320×240 at 30/10 fps.
• Formats: JPEG, Motion JPEG. PictBridge and DPOF compatible.
• Flash: Auto, red-eye reduction, forced off and on, slow synchronisation. Flash range (ISO Auto): 60 cm to 6.9 m.
• Viewfinder: 6.4 cm colour LCD (230,000 pixels).
• Storage: Removable SD/SDHC/MMC memory card (none supplied), 50 MB internal memory.
• Interface: USB 2.0, PAL/NTSC AV, DC input.
• Power: Rechargeable lithium battery, optional AC adapter.
• Dimensions (WHD): 95.8×51.9×22 mm.
• Weight: 126 grams (without card, battery).
• Price: $549 USD at Amazon.

A couple of weeks back we saw the OLympus Tough launched, then a few days ago we had Panasonic release the Lumix DMC-TS1. I mentioned in that post that I was pretty sure that we would see an offering from either Canon or Nikon along the same lines in the coming weeks, and, sure enough - here it is!

The Canon Powershot D10.

The Powershot D10 is a 12.1mp compact camera, it takes advantage of Canon’s new Digic4 processor and has all the features you would expect to find in a “tough” camera. Including being waterproof to 10m, shockproof when dropped from 1.22m, (I had to ask myself, what happens at 1.23m?!)  freeze-proof down to -10°C and dust-proof… Just you try and break it!

Canon PowerShot D10

Here’s what the press release says;

Designed for adventure: Canon’s first digital waterproof camera

Canon today launches its first waterproof digital compact camera: the 12.1 Megapixel PowerShot D10.

Engineered for those with an adventurous, active lifestyle, the PowerShot D10 combines take-anywhere levels of toughness with exceptional image quality. Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor delivers ultra-responsive performance and outstanding, richly detailed images, while a new Smart Auto mode uses Scene Detection technology to deliver effortlessly great shots.

For the ultimate in hands-free, take-anywhere operability, the PowerShot D10 also offers compatibility with an extensive accessories system.

Goes where others can’t
From surfing to snorkelling, skiing to mountaineering, the PowerShot D10 is designed to accompany users on every adventure – it’s waterproof to 10m IEC/JIS IP Protection Rating IPX8 equivalent, can withstand the shock of a drop onto a hard surface from 1.22m, is dustproof IEC/JIS IP Protection Rating IPX6 equivalent and will function at temperatures as low as -10oC.

A range of protective accessories are available to keep the camera safe in challenging environments, including soft case, shoulder, neck and carabiner straps See Additional Information document. Thanks to an innovative connection system on the corners of the camera’s body, a secure and convenient set-up can be tailored for different activities. Users can also customise their camera’s appearance with an optional coloured Front Cover Set, and protect it from knocks and scuffs with a soft case.

Exceptional quality
Incredible 12.1 Megapixel resolution is captured by the camera’s sensor, allowing the freedom to crop or enlarge images while retaining outstanding image detail. The 3x zoom lens offers a range of versatile framing options, with Image Stabilizer preventing camera-shake from causing unwanted blur. This is particularly useful when participating in the high-movement activities for which the camera is designed.

Easy to use
To ensure that users stay focused on the action, DIGIC 4 powers a host of intelligent features that make great photos effortless. A new Smart Auto mode uses Scene Detection Technology to analyse the shooting scene in detail – checking subject brightness, contrast, distance and overall hue. The camera then selects the optimum mode from 18 possible choices, ensuring perfect settings for the scene.

Even the most active situations can be photographed blur-free thanks to Canon’s Motion Detection Technology, which detects both camera and subject movement and adjusts settings accordingly. Naturally great people shots are assured by Face Detection Technology, which now also includes new Blink Detection, to avoid the disappointment of mistimed people shots. Canon’s i-Contrast brightens dark areas in an image without blowing out lighter areas.

The PowerShot D10 also features a special 2.5” PureColor LCD II, which has been specially modified for better outdoor performance. Protected by a 2mm protective shield, it offers double the brightness of a normal PureColor LCD II – allowing easy framing or image review in virtually any environment.

From the beach to the ski-slopes, a wide range of shooting modes and Special Scene modes – including dedicated Underwater, Snow and Beach modes - delivers instant fingertip access to the correct settings. FaceSelf-Timer simplifies group shots by waiting until the user enters the frame before shooting.

“The PowerShot D10 is a boundary-breaking camera,” commented Rainer Fuehres, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “It brings the hallmarks of the PowerShot range – exceptional imaging and ease of use – to places where many other cameras simply cannot go.”

Pricing & Availability

The PowerShot D10 is available from end of April 2009 priced at $329.00

Canon Powershot D10 Key features:

* Waterproof (to 10m), shockproof (1.22m), freeze-proof (-10°C), dust-proof digital camera
* 12.1 Megapixels
* 3.0x optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer
* Smart Auto mode with Scene Detection Technology
* DIGIC 4 for ultra-fast response, superb image quality and intelligent
* Exceptionally bright 2.5” PureColor LCD II with 2mm protective shield
* Combats blur with IS and Motion Detection Technology
* People shots made easy with Face Detection Technology, Face Select & Track and Blink Detection - plus Face Self-Timer and Auto Red-Eye Correction technologies
* Optional accessory system includes Shoulder & Neck Strap Set and Carabiner Strap Optional straps are not designed for use under water plus Front Cover Set
* Range of shooting modes and Special Scene modes
* 30fps VGA movies

Canon today announced 8 new digital cameras and released 2 new ones for the US market that were previously available in other countries.

The two cameras new to the US market are:

• Canon Powershot SX1 IS (pictured right) - the first CMOS sensor powershot camera from Canon. 10 megapixel image sensor, 20x Optical Zoom, 2.8 inch LCD, 4 frames per second still image shooting and the ability to shoot 1080p movies at 30 frames per second - $599.99 USD.
• Canon Powershot A480 - 3.3x optical zoom, 10 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD display, 15 scene modes and powered by AA batteries - $130 USD.

The new digital cameras from Canon are:

• Canon PowerShot A1100 IS - 12.1 megapixel image sensor, 4x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, powered by AA batteries - $199.95 USD.
• Canon PowerShot A2100 IS - 12.1 megapixel image sensor, 6x optical zoom lens (36 to 216mm equivalent), 3.0 inch LCD (no optical viewfinder) and powered by AA batteries - $249.99 USD.
• Canon PowerShot SX200 IS - (pictured right) 12.1 megapixels and an impressive 12x optical zoom lens (from a wide 28mm through to 336mm). It features optical image stabilization, 3.0 inch LCD, 720p high definition movie recording and powered by a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. $349.95 USD.
• Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Digital ELPH - 10 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens (35-105mm), optical image stabilization, 2.5 inch LCD and powered by a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery - $229.95 USD.
• Canon PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH - 12.1 megapixel image sensor, 3x optical zoom and a 2.5 inch LCD. Slim body and powerd by a Lithium Ion battery. This one is priced at $279.95 USD.
• Canon PowerShot SD960 IS Digital ELPH - another 12.1 megapixel image sensor, 4x optical zoom (a wide 28mm at its widest) and 2.8 inch LCD. $329.95 USD.
• Canon PowerShot SD970 IS Digital ELPH - 12.1 megapixel image sensor with a 5x optical zoom lens (37-185mm equivalent) and a 3.0 inch LCD (no optical viewfinder). This one is $379.95 USD.
• Canon PowerShot D10 (pictured right) - 12.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD and a body that is designed for ‘rugged’ use. It can be used at depths of up to 33 feet underwater, is shockproof to a drop of up to 4 feet and freeze proof to 14 degrees fahrenheit. It costs $329.95 USD.

Phew….. that’s quite the list. We’ll produce pages for each camera and link to them from this page at some point in the coming weeks. Each of these cameras is due for release in the next month or three (March-May 2009) and all are available for ordering at Amazon (I’ve linked to their pages there for each camera).

Another camera from Fujifilm announced today is the ‘life proof’ Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP.

The Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP is a a sleek looking camera that comes with a 3x optical zoom, 10 megapixel image sensor and 2.7 inch LCD. It is designed for use in water to a depth of 3 meters (which I guess is why it is ‘life proof).

The Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP has an ISO range of up to 1600, face detection, auto red eye removal, captures VGA video (one touch video button), is powered by a lithium Ion rechargeable battery, comes i black, green and pink and will hit stores in March with a retail price of $199.95 USD.

Also announced by Fujifilm today was the Fujifilm Finepix S1500fd.

Fufifilm FinePix Z33WP News Release

Fujifilm Launches Waterproof FinePix Z33WP For Active Families

‘Life-Proof’ FinePix Z33WP Captures Treasured Moments Anytime, Anywhere and in Any Conditions

Expanding the popular Z-series digital cameras for young-at-heart, trend-savvy consumers, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. delivers flexible functionality and form to active and hip users with the launch of the FinePix Z33WP digital camera. Perfect for budding photographers who want to experience life to the fullest, the FinePix Z33WP enables users to capture those precious moments, regardless of the conditions and share them easily with their extended network of friends and family members.

Life-Proof
The 10-Megapixel FinePix Z33WP is available in three striking colors – green, pink and black – and is ready for any adventure including underwater activity up to approximately 10 feet (3M)! A 2.7”, 230,000 dots resolution LCD screen – the largest of any Z-series camera yet – and Fujinon 3x Optical Zoom lens allows for a clearer view of those not-to-be-missed moments on the beach, on the ski slopes, hiking in the mountains or boating at the lake. It’s also perfect for everyday activities in the rain, the pool or any other place you might think twice about taking a conventional digital camera.

Intelligent Scene Recognition
Adding ease to outdoor navigation, the FinePix Z33WP is equipped with a new SR Auto (Automatic Scene Recognition) mode that enables the camera to intelligently recognize six types of scenes automatically. For each picture taken in this mode, the Z33WP will optimize the ideal exposure, focus, white balance and ISO for the scene to ensure the best quality picture is captured with ease. In addition, Fujifilm’s Picture Stabilization is powered by high sensitivity for faster shutter and operational speeds to help reduce camera shake, keeping real life moments as true to form as possible.

Easy Sharing
The family-friendly Z33WPalso features Fujifilm’s handy Blog Mode which allows for easier sharing with friends and family members. The Blog mode automatically resizes a photo to a standard 640×480 pixels (VGA) or 320×240 pixels (QVGA) image size and enables 12 in-camera editing features such as Zooming, Miniature effect, Illustration and Painting, cutting the need for extra time with home editing.

In addition to these innovations, the FinePix Z33WP is loaded with the following handy features:

• Face Detection Technology: Operating in tandem with automatic red-eye removal, the FinePix Z33WP identifies up to 10 human faces in a scene, and sets the correct focus and exposure, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame.
• Automatic Red Eye Removal accents the aforementioned features by lending an extra touch to that group shot. The Z33WP automatically checks for red eye and self-corrects it in each and every person in the photo, saving time on post-editing.
• Couple and Group Timer Modes: Working in conjunction with Face Detection technology, detects two faces in ‘Couple Timer Mode’ and up to four faces in ‘Group Timer Mode’ in a frame.
• One Touch MOVIE Button: Capture VGA quality movie clips at 30 frames per second with sound to capture all of those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
• Battery Life: The long-life rechargeable Li-ion battery (up to 200 shots) allows for extended use without worrying if the camera is going to last for the duration of the trip.

“With the success of the FinePix Z20fd for the Gen Y crowd, it is only a natural progression for Fujifilm to provide active, technology-savvy families with the unparalleled style and function that everyone demands in the 21st century,” said David Troy, marketing manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. “Today’s users not only want to experience everything life has to offer, but they also want their camera to be able to experience and capture it with them.”

The FinePix Z33WP will debut in late March at a retail price of $199.95.