Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10 Compact Digital Camera Review

Although there are quite a few manufacturers out there, which have started launching ultra-compact DSLR cameras that are not particularly different, at least in terms of overall size and form factor, from compact digicams, others would rather equip their consumer-grade compacts with as many features as possible, making them a prime competitor for DSLRs, especially as far as people with little or no photographic knowledge are concerned.

 

 

Panasonic, however, has chosen a slightly different approach, by outing a series of ultra-compact DSLRs (the micro four thirds G1, G2 and GH1 models), as well as pushing to the max the capabilities of their compact cameras. And since we'll have to wait just a bit longer before we get to thoroughly test the G2 DSLR, we've decided to go for one of Panasonic's top of the line compact digicams, the Lumix DMC-TZ10.

Officially launched back in early 2010, the 12.1-megapixel TZ10 is the last iteration in a family of famous, multiple award-winning compact digital cameras from Panasonic. And, as far as we're concerned, the Lumix TZ10 really manages to rise up to the very high standards set by its predecessors and, to some extent, take them even higher, by offering certain features we didn't expect to see in a compact of this size.

Moreover, the TZ10 proves that Panasonic succeeded in keeping itself aware of everything that's going on in the world of photography, including here the increasingly popular geo-tagging trend. So, the tiny Lumix comes equipped with a GPS module, which is used for automatically associating geographical coordinates to photos and videos. We'll talk a bit later about the applications of such a technology, but one thing's for sure: they should be seriously taken into account.

Another interesting thing worth pointing out here is that the Lumix camera addresses the needs of mainstream consumers (especially via that enhanced iAuto mode), but also allows them to tinker extensively with the camera settings by offering quite a few manual modes (aperture/shutter priority and full manual), which is not something one normally expects to find on a consumer-grade product.

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Toshiba Camileo B10 Camcorder Portable with Full HD Video Recording

Toshiba Camileo B10 two-inch sized LCD integrates a fixed position, not the screen rotate at P100, while the USB connection allows the camera to be used as a webcam. B10 camcorder device is also smaller than the P100 and weighing only 108g.

CAMILEO P100 Specifications:

• Video resolution: up to Full HD 1920 x 1080 (30p)
• Still pictures up to 16 Megapixels
• 8 Megapixel CMOS image sensor
• Card slot: SD / SDHC / SDXC up to 64 GB
• 8x advanced optical zoom at Full HD mode, 16x digital zoom
• Weight incl. battery: 155g
• Size: 32mm x 68mm x 111mm
• LCD monitor: 7.6 cm (3’’) touch screen
• Icon based graphical user interface
• Pause button for smooth connections between scenes
• File formats: MP4 (video), JPG (still)
• Connectivity: Mini- HDMI®, Mini-USB 2.0
• CAMILEO Upload Button for easy upload to YouTubeTM, Facebook, Picasa™, Twitvid
• 10s self timer
• Face tracking, motion detection

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FujiFilm FinePix Z900EXR Digital Camera with Full HD Video Recording

FujiFilm FinePix Z900EXR digital camera as the successor of its predecessor, namely Z800EXR. The camera is equipped with the latest Z900EXR image sensor 16 EXR-Megapixel CMOS sensor combines the Back Side Illuminated (BSI) and the triple-layer array EXR. In addition, this camera also features a 5x optical zoom lens and 28x magnification and a large touch screen that is also classified as a 3.5-inch.

FujiFilm FinePix Z900EXR offer up to ISO 6400, CMOS Shift Image Stabilization, face detection, 1600%, the wide dynamic range, high-speed shooting 12fps, 360 degree panorama mode and the new EXR Auto mode with 27 scene. FinePix camera also supports video recording in Full HD 1080p format and offers MOVH.264 Mini HDMI output. This camera also has a 63MB internal memory and / accept SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card. Today, Fuji Film FinePix Z900EXR available in various colors, like black and brilliant, Pink, and a beautiful blue, red gloss.

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Canon A3300 IS Digital Camera with 16Mp & 5x Optical Zoom

Canon Powershot A3300 IS is a Digital Still Camera 16.0 MP resolution with features Wide-Angle 5x Optical Zoom, ISO 80-1600, Record video with a resolution of 720p HD in H.264 format, Smart Automatic intelligent capable of choosing the settings of 32 shooting situations standard, Discreet Mode mute, flash and AF beam for use in a quiet area, and TFT Color LCD Monitor 3.0-inch.

Canon Powershot A3300 IS is slim and sleek and has used the DIGIC 4 image processor with Canon 28mm wide angle lens. Canon A3300 IS camera size is (W x H x D) 3.74 x 2.23 x 0.94 inches (95.1 x 56.7 x 23.9mm) and weighs Approx. 4.60 oz./130 g (Camera body weight only).

Canon PowerShot A3300 IS Spesifications :

• 16.0 Megapixels
• 28mm wide, 5x zoom lens
• Optical Image Stabilizer
• 7.5 cm (3.0″) LCD
• Smart Auto, Easy mode and Hints & Tips
• HD Movies (720p) with Dynamic IS
• Live View Control and Creative Filters
• Face Detection, Auto Red-Eye Correction
• DIGIC 4
• Li-ion battery
  premium gadget

Canon PowerShot A3300 IS Prices
Canon A3300 IS Price is 179 euro.

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Casio Exilim EX-ZR100 Digicam with 12.5x Optical Zoom

Casio Exilim EX-ZR100 Digicam - Casio announced the new Exilim EX-ZR100 digital camera with 12.5x optical zoom. As the older brother to the EX-ZR10, the new model offers more advanced features. The ZR100 features a 12.1 Megapixel back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and a 12.5x optical zoom lens with 24mm wide angle. With Multi Frame SR Zoom technology, the ZR100 is able to offer a 25x optical zoom range.




The Exilim EX-ZR100 packs Casio’s EXILIM ENGINE HS with dual core processors, capable handling .37 second shot-to-shot time, slow-motion video recording as well as high-speed burst shooting. The camera offers a 40fps high-speed burst shooting speed and can record fast-action events at a maximum speed of 1,000fps (224×64) for slow-motion playback. It includes CMOS-shift image stabilization for blur-free images, HDR function to capture high dynamic range images, Slide Panorama to capture 360-degree images, and the HDR-ART technology for users to create beautifully artistic photographs. The ZR100 supports Full HD 1080p video recording and offers users the ability leverage the camera’s full optical zoom and capture digital still images with high-speed burst shooting (10 megapixel), all while recording video.



The Casio EX-ZR100 comes with a 3-inch LCD display, built-in stereo microphone and HDMI output. It will be available in black and white in March for $299.99.

source: .itechnews.net

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HP Photosmart R937 Review: Big Touchscreen Camera

If you’re looking for a snapshot camera that stands out from the very large crowd of compact models currently on the market, check out the HP R937, What really sets this 8-megapixel camera apart is its unusual design: with a large, 3.6-inch touchscreen LCD covering the back, it hardly looks like a camera at all.

Almost all of the controls, other than power and shutter release, can be accessed on screen. I found the touch screen responsive, with well-organized buttons. In addition, the screen was visible in all but extreme light conditions, and it didn’t eat up too much battery life.

The R937 offers 11 automatic photo-capture modes, a video mode, and extensive help features. Beyond basic settings, there are just a few advanced tools for controlling exposure, including autobracketing and a spot meter. The HP Design Gallery allows you to make numerous in-camera edits, too, and to apply a wide variety of effect and borders. There are even tools for minimizing blemishes and a slimming effect.

The R937’s overall image quality is good but not outstanding. In the Labs, it resolved 1.725 lines on our resolution test, which is on low side for an 8MP camera. In both daylight and flash shots, however, images were generally well exposed and had realistic color. This camera does best with ample lighting and at low ISO settings. The R937 is a quick-enough shooter to handle candid shots and had very good boot-up and recycle speeds.

If you like big touch screens and value in-camera photo-editing and- sharing tools, put the R937 on your list.

Price range
HP Photosmart R937: $299.99

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BenQ X725: Slimest in 7MP Class

Spectra Vertec DV12: Multifuncion but Average Image Quality

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BenQ X725: Slimest in 7MP Class

BenQ which initially famous with its peripheral product now is starts seriously to enter digital camera world. One of its new products is BenQ X725 which is 7MP digital camera equiped with newest technology. This 120 gram Camera came with 4 kinds of color that is black, grey, silver and red.

Main feature of this camera is the super slim design. Covered with stainless steel with 1,2 cm thickness, makes the camera as slimmest one in 7MP class. Besides its 7MP maximum resolution at camera mode, this camera also can produce video with 160x128, 320x240 and 640x480 resolutions with 30fps speed. Also added Shake-Free mode or anti shocks for minimize blur print result as because hand movement.

Besides smc Pentac lens usage, X725 performance is supported by sensor which its ISO can reach 1600 and 2,5 inchs LCD. As storage media provided internal memory equal to 12MB and it’s also supported with 4GB capacities Secure Digital type memory card. And if you want to print your photo directly it’s also available Pictbridge connection.

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Spectra Vertec DV12: Multifuncion but Average Image Quality

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Spectra Vertec DV12: Multifuncion but Average Image Quality

Another new Spectra minicam model attends through this Vertex DV12 series which is continuation from DV2 and DV11 series. As minicam, Vertex DV12 merges a mixture of multimedia usefulness starts from camera, camcorder, storage media, card reader (SD/MMC), TV recorder, MP3 player, and voice recorder. But there is some difference of this product; it’s as game console like Game Boy or Nintendo DS. Noted there are 20 games which will make you amused in spare time.

To support usage of minicam as game console, Vertex DV12 design it’s LCD which can be positioning parallel to eyesight. Additional key pad button on the left and right likely purposely designed so the user can be played comfortly. This key pad also can be used to apply preview function like Play or delete file. What a pity, the left side keypad is too tight and undersize so can cause your finger painful when used to play game.

As a camera, Vertex DV12 is too simple because only offers a few phpto feature. Besides its simple light setting, the manual setting is also minimal. Even has 5 Megapixel (can be interpolate to 10MP) sensor, the photo quality is still ordinary and noise and blur trouble very easy to met because its patch up optic and processor usage. Nevertheless common user will remain to like with foto/video quality which still better if compared to camera phone result.

To make easy the usage of Vertex DV12 without holding it, Spectra figures in the remote control in its package. This wireless control will assist you when will take foto/video object from certain distance without holds it direcly. For you know, camera body is small enough for held with one hands.

The feature which offers from this multi purpose minicam is complete and pleasing enough, particularly with entertainment feaure as MP3 player and portable game console. Its function as game console instead makes us too joyful until forgetting with its main function as a camera. Photo of video quality which offers surely can’t be said great, but with its fascinating price, of course very attract to have.
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Fuji FinePix Z5fd: Ultracompact With Awesome Auto Controls

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Nikon Coolpix S500: Full Automatic with Good Quality

From all new camera of compact class presented by Nikon in 2007 first quartal, almost all has similar feature. But, Nikon still give difference at some models like P5000 which having high enough specification and complete manual mode in compact class. But before this P series there are the S500 series which can say superior in some cases.

Coolpix S500 basically is not different with the S200 series looks from its specification. But S500 is rather thicker and heavy (132 grams) but basically still implement the same feature like Coolpix other S series like 7,1 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, and its photography technology. Difference also appears at selector button which besides can be push, now also can be turned around to choose menu or preview the picture.

However, S500 may be able to said superior in a few parts. Firstly, its internal memory reaching 26MB and ISO level is also upgraded reachs 2000 for night photograph with less light rate. Second, high speed of camera startup (only 0,8 seconds), same as the shutter time interval as long as you activates VR respone priority feature. This facility also would maximumlier if you using high-speed SD/MMC card.

Some great feature of Nikon still added at S500 like BSS (Best Shot Selector) system to choose best photo from routine shot process and repair of photo quality through D-Lighting function. This D-Lighting button also can be functioned as face-priority button which good for maximizing portrait photo with man face composition. Beside of this button it’s also put down the anti shocks (hand-shake) button to lessen blur effect because hands shake when makes a picture.
Photography system offers from Coolpix S500 of course so useful to people which always wishs to do easiest way but want to get best photo result. Support from 15 scenes program in camera also very assists even this means minimization of manual control which usualy selected by more considerate user. This camera of course addressed as compact camera with heavy feature, even we are not too sees more advantage from its high ISO feature.

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Nikon Coolpix P5000: Compact Camera with Control

Casio Exilim EX-Z1200: 12 Megapixel from Casio

Canon ixus 960IS: Now with Image Stabilizer

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Casio Exilim EX-Z1200: 12 Megapixel from Casio

Slow but sure, Casio is start to joining with above 10 megapixel camera lines through Exilim Z1200 series. At this compact camera class planted with 2, 8 inch LCD screens which almost full filled the back panel display. Unhappily, this combination makes limited the control space. The buttons felt so small and full, a few complicating for you which having big thumb. The good thing of it, menu display at user-firendly screen is easy to be accessed.

Beside 12MP sensor, Exilim EX-Z1200 is also equiped with some advantage, for example it the picture stabilization system and face-detection mode. Besides, this silver and black camera also supports with some options for you which more experienced like aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposures. Although its not 100 % produce best picture, but very plenty in the capacities as user friendly camera.

For camera setting, enough steps into system menu by press the button menu. Available choices will give you pleasing feature. All of it added to give you pleasure in your photography activity.

As pocket camera, Exilim EX-Z1200 can present photo with good and clear picture at low ISO. Noise spot seen at ISO 400, but this are the classic problem often we meet in compact class. Face-detection mode will functions good if object facing the camera and not move. By press BS (best shot) button will come up 34 choices scheme according your requirement.

When applied for outdoor photograph in rain condition, main object looks sharp and detail. Photo quality seen well during enough light is received by lens. We also try to makes a face picture in portrait mode. At AP setting, face texture and coloration at model seen natural. While at BS setting, skin texture is seen softer with minimum detail. You must learn suitable the correct photo configuration to get the result as your desire.

With 12MP sensor as main feature, Exilim EX-Z1200 offers spectacular thing in pocket camera class. Good photo result and various setting choices including the manual, makes it as pleasing pocket camera. For daily user purpose, the weakness of pocket camera is not felt too significant.

Price range
Casio Exilim EX-Z1200: $287.68 - $455.29

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Canon ixus 960IS: Now with Image Stabilizer

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Canon ixus 960IS: Now with Image Stabilizer

OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) feature is becomes standard facility in supercompact camera, especially for camera which offering lengths enough optic zoom. Because the shake effect / hand wobble which causing picture looks blur easier to happen in this kind of cameras, especially when you operated it only with one hands.

Because of its, ISO feature which planted at Canon ixus 960IS becomes goods news. Moreover when compared to its previous product, ixus 900 Ti, ixus 960IS zoom ability is rather higher, that is 3,7x. There is not only the zoom ability which increase, but also the picture resolution. This supercompact camera which its body made from titanium now offers 12 megapixel resolutions.

Equipped with LCD Purecolor 2,5" in the backside plus the optical viewfinder, ixus 960IS has carried Canon Face Detection technology which can detect until four face which facing forwards so that the faces seen clearer. The face is automatically selected through algorithm with Intelligent Scene Analysis (iSAPS), technology from Canon, to get focus, get exposure and had optimal blitz. Meanwhile, red eye can be corrected via Red Eye Correction feature.

Processor support from DIGIC III is claimed by Canon causing the camera which able to receive SD/SDHC/MMC card is has quick response, not only when startup, but also is autofocus and shutter respond, plus saving more the battery power. ISO Auto Shift also has been planted, so you when press the button will cause camera automatically increases the ISO speed. Besides at 960IS, almost similar feature can find on ixus 860IS which has 8 megapixel resolutions.

Price range
Canon ixus 960IS: $499.40 - $758.00

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Fuji FinePix Z5fd: Ultracompact With Awesome Auto Controls

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Fuji FinePix Z5fd: Ultracompact With Awesome Auto Controls

A sturdy build, quick performance, and useful advanced automatic features give this Fuji 6.3-megapixel ultracompact a big competitive edge.

Stylish and available in four colors, the Z5fd has a sliding front cover that acts as the power switch and also protects the lens and built-in fl ash. Geared toward auto-shooting, the camera features 12 scene modes, as well as a mode that takes a quick pair of shots—one with fl ash and one without—and lets you save the one you prefer. Its 3X zoom lens has a focal length of 36mm to 108mm, with a maximum aperture of f/3.5 on the wide end and f/4.2 when zoomed in. The Z5fd’s 2.5-inch LCD is flexible in that you can adjust its brightness and refresh rate.

In both daylight and flash shots, images were well exposed and exhibited realistic color. One serious problem, however, was the heavy processing that left visible noise in my images. At the camera’s maximum ISO setting (1600), this noise made images look more like pastel drawings than like photographs. But when it came to performance, the Z5fd excelled, with a boot-up time of 2.7 seconds, a 2.3-second recycle time, and a 1-second shutter lag.

Despite its image problems, the well-crafted Fuji Z5fd is a good buy with a set of features typically found in more expensive models.

Price
Fuji FinePix Z5fd: $199.99 list

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Nikon Coolpix P5000: Compact Camera with Control

With a wide range of exposure controls and a comfortable and efficient design, the 10-megapixel Coolpix P5000 is an ideal everyday companion for experienced photographers.

The P5000has a nice selection of modes, including High ISO and Anti Shake, either of which can be used to reduce blur in low-light or action shots. You get a lot of flexibility when shooting at the wide end of the camera's zoom range – 36mm – with ten aperture settings. This combined with the P5000’s effective lens-based optical image stabilization and its maximum ISO of 2000, make it a versatile low-light photographic tool. The camera includes a hot shoe and a variety of flash settings as well. Whatever the lighting situation you're dealing with, you’ll appreciate the P5000’s high-quality LCD- particularly its wide viewing angle.

In testing, I found that colors were realistic, and the automatic white balance didn't produce any color casts. Video quality was quite good for a compact camera, although audio quality was less than ideal.

This camera shares some of the shortcomings of its competitors, including noticeable image noise at higher ISO settings and less-than-optimal shooting speed. Its appeal lies in its combination of advanced features- including the external flash support - and its pocketable, comfortable design.

Price
Nikon Coolpix P5000: $399.95

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Canon PowerShot SD750: Stylish Simplicity

Like the PowerShot SD1000, our current Editors' Choice for compact cameras, the SD750 features 7-megapixel resolution and a 3X optical zoom, and it has a similar “box and circle” design. The differences between the two models are subtle: For example, the SD750 lacks the optical viewfinder found on the SD1000. In addition, the SD750 is a bit bigger and sports a more contoured, stylized design plus a larger, 3-inch LCD.

On my tests, color was excellent and vibrant, though not quite as sharp as on the SD1000, and there was just a small amount of fringing. Otherwise, the camera had very good dynamic range, with good contrast and a strong flash that didn't blowout highlights. When recording video, the SD750 showed pleasing color and good contrast too, picked up sound well, and adjusted quickly to different lighting situations. It also performed well, registering a very speedy 1.6- second boot-up time and virtually no shutter lag. In burst made, the came can shoot continuously to the capacity of the card. I also liked the included face-detection feature.

Canon PowerShots are definitely the compact cameras to beat. The SD750 is an excellent device, particularly if you're looking for a large display and a stylish design.

Canon PowerShot SD750: $250

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Panasonic Lumic DMC-FZ8: A Super-Versatile Superzoom

With a 12X optical zoom, full manual controls, and a cool new Intelligent ISO mode, this superzoom has a lot to offer. But although the 7.2-megapixel Lumix DMC-FZ8 takes pretty good pictures and performs well, it lacks a feature we think important: wide-angle capability.

Because of its 36mm lens, the FZ8 doesn't unseat our current Editors' Choice, the Lumix DMC-TZ3. The TZ3 allows less zoom (1OX), but its 28mm lens can capture more of a particular scene, whether a sweeping landscape or a group shot, without your having to stitch the shots together afterward.

The TZ8 has full manual modes-something The TZ3 lacks. With manual modes, you can compose creative shots by playing around with aperture and shutter speed setting. For example, you can freeze action shots or blur background objects.

Like the TZ3, the FZ8 has an Intelligent ISO mode, which automatically increases the camera’s ISO Setting so as to decrease blur in action shots. When the ISO is raised, say from 100 to 400, the sensitivity of the camera sensor increases, allowing you to shoot with a faster shutter speed. I found Intelligent ISO to work much better in bright light, when it boosted the ISO to 1250 for moving objects and dropped it down to 400 for stationary ones, than in low-light situations. You can specify the maximum ISO yourself (400, 800, or 1250) to avoid excessive noise in the image.

In the lab, my test images had excellent color saturation, good color matching, and very little noise. My only complaint was that some pictures had a bit too much contrast, which caused a loss of detail in shadowy areas. On the plus side, I found that the camera's flash provided just the right amount of illumination. You can fiddle with the flash settings, too, adjusting illumination and exposure.

For video, the camera records motion JPEGs at 30 frames per second to the capacity of the card. The camera adjusted well to various light conditions, but the highlights in the video seemed blown out. Another feature I liked was that you could easily switch between 4:3 and 16:93 aspect ratios.

The FZ8 excelled in performance, improving on its predecessor, the Lumix DMC-FZ7, in all areas. Boot-up time was just over 3 seconds, and recycle time was 1.4 seconds. Shutter lag was negligible.

This is a fine camera for those who like the flexibility that manual modes offer. If you enjoy taking panoramic images, though, and don't want to have to stitch your shots together after the fact, the TZ3 makes a better choice-and it also has a more compact, stylish design. But all things considered, the FZ8 is a capable camera offering lots of features at a good price.

Panasonic Lumic DMC-FZ8: $349.95

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HP PHOTOSMART R837: SHOOT WITH SUPPORT

Robust menus are a hallmark of hp cameras, featuring plenty of advice to help consumers take a good picture, and this model is no exception. Even so, I was disappointed with the performance and video quality of this ultra compact.

The affordable Photosmart R837 has a 7.2- megapixel CCD sensor and features a typical 3X optical zoom lens. Nicely designed and relatively small, it still has room for a 3-inch LCD that’s both sharp and clear. Best of all, though, is the R837s easy-to-use interface and “Camera Help” menu section. There you’ll find tips and tutorials for learning the camera, its features and controls.

Video, though, is captured at 24 fps and not at the smoother 30 fps found in other cameras, so action shots tended to be choppy. Still-picture quality was better. I took pretty clean shots that featured vibrant, accurate color. Still, with the flash, I saw some noncolored noise and blown-out highlights. I noticed shutter lag, too, which can cause you to miss impromptu snaps. I love the Photosmart R837s built-in assistance and how simple it is to operate. But its performance and movie mode just don’t measure up, and leave me wanting more.

HP Photosmart R837: $299.99

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CANON POWERSHOT A460: PRETTY PLEASING PICTURES

Canons new budget powershot should please the average picture taker. More discerning shooters, however, will find the device lacking in few areas. The camera comes equipped with a 4X optical zoom lens with a 5.4mm to 21.6mm range. It has a 5-megapixel sensor and a 2-inch LCD for framing your shots. Nonetheless, a wider angle (like 28mm) at the end of the zoom range would have been nice.

I also wish the camera could capture VGA videos at 30 fps instead of a choppy 10 fps. But I was impressed by the burst mode, which, though not super fast, was very steady. The included glass eyepiece comes in handy under bright light conditions.

During testing, my simulated daylight test shot had a touch of noise, and flash shots exhibited even more noncolored noise throughout. Even so, color was very vibrant and accurate. The camera did very well on the resolution test, averaging 1,500 lineshigh for a 5MP camera. Sadly, I measured a 3.3-second boot-up time that’s acceptable but not super quick, and the cameras 7.2-second recycle time was incredibly slow. On a positive note, I found very little shutter lag.

Though video and nimble performance aren’t the PowerShot A460s strengths, on the whole it’s a very good buy.

CANON POWERSHOT A460: $ 149.95

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Nikon Coolpix S50C: A Wireless Wonder

This new and advanced Coolpix is the perfect illustration of Nikon's innovation in wireless digital cameras. Boasting a wonderful iPod-like scroll wheel, which also activates a beautiful menu system, the compact, 7.2-megapixel S50c has a 3-inch LCD and a non-telescoping lens.

The "c" in the S50c's name stands for the Coolpix Connect service. The camera has a built-in 802.11b/g chip that can transfer picture in one of two ways: via e-mail (the Picture Mail feature) or to storage on a Nikon-run server (the Picture Bank feature). Picture Mail worked very well, but I ran into a few minor snags while setting up the Picture Bank service because each S50c must be registered first. That aside, the service provided a pretty clean interface and pleasant user experience.

Overall, image quality was decent, but performance was slow and shutter lag significant. The S50c scored 1,600 lines on our resolution test, average for a 7.2MP camera. I clocked a very slow 4.9-second boot-up time and a respectable but not extraordinary 3.7-second recycle time. Still-life images had excellent color, although they had just a bit of fringing. Daylight and flash shots, on the other hand, displayed excellent exposures.

The Coolpix S50c won't win any awards for swift performance or outstanding image quality, but it is currently the best wireless camera on the market.
Nikon Coolpix S50C: $349.95

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Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T100: Precious but Pricey

Sony's point-and-shoot cameras generally have three things in common: exquisite product design, excellent picture quality, and a high price. This new 8.1-megapixel Cyber-Shot is no exception. With a 3-inch LCD and a 5X optical zoom lens, the gorgeously crafted Cyber-Shot DSC-T100 certainly stands out.

In my lab tests, the T100 wasn't flawless, but it produced solid results. There was a little noise in the daylight shot, but much more in my flash shot. Overall, though, the image was very good. Color was vibrant, if just a tad warm. In many realworld test shots, the T100 produced very good exposures. It also has excellent flash for such a tiny device.

Resolution averaged 1,900 lines, superb for an 8.1MP camera, and boot up time was 2.3 seconds, also excellent. The 3.6-second recycle time was decent, but not exceptional. There was very little shutter lag. It's nice to see that Sony includes mechanical image stabilization in the T100, too. In both low light and bright light, Sony's Super SteadyShot IS worked reasonably well.

Sadly, at a steep $400, the Sony DSC-T100 costs $100 more than competing ultracompact cameras, including the excellent Canon PowerShot SD1000. The T100 gives you more optical zoom power, but most users will find the SD1000 a better buy.
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T100: $399.99

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Olympus Stylus 770SW: Submersible for Shutterbugs

This specialty point-and-shoot is pricey for an ultra compact, but it'll let you take pictures in a place that few other cameras can go: underwater. The Olympus Stylus 770 SW is submersible to a depth of 33 feet and will withstand temperatures as low as 14"F. It's pretty rugged, too: It can be dropped from a height of 5 feet, which I confirmed in my testing, and is designed to shrug off 220 pounds of direct force.

A 7.1-megapixel point-and-shoot camera, the Stylus 770 SW comes equipped with a 2.5-inch LCD and 3X optical-zoom lens. Overall, I was impressed by its performance. My still-life test shots displayed good exposures, although they were just a tad overexposed and showed some colored noise.

When I tested the camera's performance in the lab, I found that it had 1,650 lines of resolution, a boot up time of 2.4 seconds, and a recycle time of 3.8 seconds. That's not bad but not outstanding, and I did notice some shutter lag. Unfortunately, burst mode was sluggish and images on land were just passable. Underwater photos were not bad overall but were a little dark because the lighting of my indoor pool wasn't as bright as daylight.

The Stylus 770SW is pretty steeply priced, but in its specialty niche it's got little competition.
Olympus Stylus 770SW: $375

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