Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Pentax Optio P80 and E80

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Pentax Optio P80

The Pentax Optio P80 and E80 are point and shoot cameras featuring 12.1-megapixel and 10-megapixel sensors, respectively.  The P80 offers a 4x optical zoom and captures 720p HD video at 30 fps, while the E80 offers a 3x optical zoom and captures 720p HD video at only 15 fps.  Both cameras feature a 2.7-inch LCD with 230k dot resolution.

The Pentax Optio P80 and E80 should be available in September 2009 at an initial retail price of $199.95 and $129.95, respectively.

Check availability for these two cameras:

Pentax Optio P80 at Amazon.com

Pentax Optio E80 at Amazon.com

Pentax Optio E80

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

 

Pentax Optio WS80 Reviews and Resources

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Pentax Optio WS80

The Pentax Optio WS80 is a waterproof (up to 5 feet) point and shoot camera that features a 10-megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom.  It also offers a 2.7″ LCD and is capable of capturing 720p HD video at 30 fps.

The Pentax Optio WS80 should be available in September 2009 at an initial retail price of $249.95.

Check availability on Amazon.com.

Pentax Optio WS80

Pentax Optio WS80 Reviews

PhotographyBLOG

The prime reason that you should consider the WS80 is its budget price – £230 / $250 is not too much to ask for an easy-to-use camera that should survive most family holidays, with even cheaper online bargains sweetening the deal.

Pentax Optio WS80 Press Release

Pentax Optio WS80

GOLDEN, CO. (August 5, 2009)…A bold, new waterproof digital camera jumped into the swimming pool today. PENTAX Imaging Company announced the Optio WS80, the newest contender in the durable, affordable digital camera category.

Available in two bold, his-and-her’s designs, the water and dustproof Optio WS80 is a perfect choice for travel, outdoor activities and families. Featuring a 10 megapixel CCD and a 5X internal optical zoom housed in a slim, palm-sized body that is less than an inch thick, the Optio WS80 has a large 2.7 inch LCD with 230,000 dot resolution for easy composition. With waterproof construction that can withstand depths up to five feet (1.5 meters), the Optio WS80 captures underwater photos and video including high resolution, widescreen, HD video up to 720p at a full-speed 30 frames per second. Other features include:

• Fast Face Detection technology sees up to 32 faces in as little as 0.03 of a second for easy portrait photography.
• Smile Capture automatically releases the shutter when a subject smiles and Blink Detection alerts the photographer if the subject’s eyes are closed during the exposure.
• PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) technology features Pixel Track SR, Digital SR, and Movie SR, stabilizing your images and video for beautiful, blur-free results.
• PENTAX Auto Picture mode automatically selects from eight shooting modes for beautiful images in any setting.
• Sensitivity up to ISO 6400 boosts shutter speeds to freeze subject movement for blur-free images even in low lighting.

Available in two eye-catching color options, black with orange accents or white with purple accents, the PENTAX Optio WS80 will ship in September 2009 for $249.95 USD.

Nikon S1000pj Hands-On at Pocket-Lint

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Nikon S1000pj

Pocket-Lint got some hands-on time with the new projector point and shoot camera from Nikon, the Coolpix S1000pj.

At the moment we can’t see a killer selling point other than “Wow! That’s so cool!”.

I couldn’t agree more…

Also, check out Pocket-Lint’s gallery of images showing off the new camera.

For more on the S1000pj, see Photography Bay’s Nikon Coolpix S1000pj Reviews and Resources.

EOSInfo – Check Your Canon DSLR Shutter Count (and more)

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If you’ve ever been curious about your camera’s shutter count (or maybe you bought a used camera), then the EOSInfo utility might be something you are interested in.

Check it out here.

There’s a few caveats like it only works with DIGIC III and IV DSLRs, 1D series cameras don’t work with it, etc.  Read the fine print and disclaimers before you jump head first into this stuff.

(h/t to Canon Rumors)

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj Reviews and Resources

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Nikon Coolpix S1000pj

The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj is a 12.1 megapixel point and shoot camera, which includes a built-in projector for displaying images directly from the camera.  The projector can produce images and video up to 40-inches in size.  The S100opj also features a 5x optical zoom, Nikon’s VR Image Stabilization System and an ISO range of 64-6400.

The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj should be available in September 2009 at an initial retail price of $429.95.

Check availability on Amazon.com.

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj Reviews

PhotographyBLOG

In use, the projector does not really disappoint, although its modest VGA resolution and dull colours mean it’s no match for a traditional slide show created using a good old 35mm slide projector.

Cameras.co.uk

The picture quality should not be too much of an issue with smaller prints or indeed if you are planning to set up a slideshow, but larger sized prints may begin to highlight one or two problems.

DP Interface

I was pretty surprised at how well Nikon implemented a mini-projector into the Coolpix S1000pj.

Buy-n-Shoot

Despite the naysayers opinion of the S1000pj as a mere novelty, Buy-n-Shoot rate this unit as a breath of fresh air within a saturated compact camera market.

Pocket-Lint (hands-on review)

At the moment we can’t see a killer selling point other than “Wow! That’s so cool!”.

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj

More details in the press release below.

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj Press Release

NEW COOLPIX S1000pj FEATURES WORLD’S FIRST BUILT-IN PROJECTOR, YOUR PERSONAL THEATER ON THE GO

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj

Providing consumers with new exciting ways to share images, the COOLPIX S1000pj transforms photo-sharing into a multimedia experience. With the touch of a button, users can project images and videos as large as 40 inches, and with the camera’s unique slideshow function, playback pictures with music, effects and creative transitions. Additional features of the S1000pj include: 12.1 megapixels; a 5x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens; ISO from 64-6400***; a 2.7-inch wide-angle LCD display; 5-way VR Image Stabilization System; Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and movie mode.

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj

The COOLPIX S1000pj will be available in Matte Black, in September 2009, for $429.95 MSRP.

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj

Nikon Coolpix S70 Reviews and Resources

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Nikon Coolpix S70

The Nikon Coolpix S70 is a 12.1-megapixel point and shoot camera, which features a 3.5-inch touchscreen display.  The S70 allows users the ability to touch the subject they wish to focus on and the camera will then autofocus on the subject and capture the image.

The S70 also offers a 5x optical zoom and Nikon VR Image Stabilization System.  The S70 will be available in September 2009 at an initial retail price of $399.95.

Check availability on Amazon.com.

Nikon Coolpix S70

Nikon Coolpix S70 Reviews

PhotographyBLOG

As a digital compact camera, it is average – it has some nice functions, such as the Touch Shutter feature that lets you focus on your subject and take a picture very quickly; but enthusiast photographers will likely bemoan the limited level of user control over the picture taking process as well the lack of a pre- or post-capture histogram to check exposure.

DP Interface

The Nikon Coolpix S70 is a capable touchscreen camera which deserves my recommendation. It excels at shooting outdoors and in bright light, has a basket of neat features and takes good quality photos.

Nikon Coolpix S70 Press Release

NEW COOLPIX S70 FEATURES SUPERIOR STYLING AND OLED TOUCH-SCREEN INTERFACE

Nikon Coolpix S70

Built on the success of Nikon’s previous touch-screen models, the COOLPIX S70 features Nikon’s newly developed 3.5-inch Clear Color Display and a new generation of touch-screen controls that offer an enhanced shooting and playback experience. In addition to its photographic technology and stylish dual-texture design, the S70 captures stunning HD video at 1280 x 720 pixels (720p).

New to the COOLPIX line, OLED technology offers the benefits of vivid color reproduction, sharp contrast and the absence of afterimages. The capacitive touch-screen provides an immediate response at the lightest touch of the display for a fun and intuitive feel to every camera operation. For example, using the Touch Shutter feature, users can have a completely “button-free” experience and focus on and photograph a subject by simply touching it on the camera’s display. The touch-screen also makes viewing and retouching images more fun and efficient. With the swipe of a finger, users can scroll through images and use a pinching motion with two fingers to zoom in or out on displayed images, switching between thumbnail and full screen views. Additional new touch-screen controls include on-screen sliders for adjusting brightness and Scene Effect Adjustment, which offers controls specific to the scene mode in use.

The COOLPIX S70 features 12.1 megapixels; a 5x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR lens; ISO 6400***; 5-way VR Image Stabilization System; Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and an ultra-stylish design.

The S70 will be available in September 2009 for $399.95 MSRP in a choice of colors and textures including Red & Red, Champagne & Beige, Black & Black, or Champagne & Light Brown.

Nikon Coolpix S640 and S570 Reviews and Resources

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Nikon Coolpix S640

The Nikon Coolpix S640 and S570 are two point and shoot cameras which feature 12.2- and 12.0-megapixel sensors, respectively.

The S640 offers a 5x optical zoom and ISO range of 100-6400, while the S570 also features a 5x zoom and ISO up to 3200.  Both cameras offer full resolution images at their max ISO, which is a rarity among point and shoot cameras at this high of an ISO setting.  The two cameras also feature Nikon’s VR Image Stabilization and a 2.7-inch LCD.

The S640 and S570 will be available in September 2009 at an initial retail price of $249.95 and $199.95, respectively.

Check availability for the Nikon Coolpix S570 and S640 on Amazon.com:

Nikon Coolpix S640

Nikon Coolpix S570

Nikon Coolpix S570

Photography Bay Resources

Nikon S640 Review

Nikon S640 Reviews

Cameras.co.uk

The Nikon Coolpix S640 is a solid offering. It looks good and is very straightforward too.

PhotographyBLOG

Image quality is very good, with more than acceptable results in terms of noise from ISO 100-800, although the faster settings of 3200 and 6400 aren’t worth using.

Buy-n-Shoot

All-in-all both the S570 and S640 are slim, stylish units from the Nikon Coolpix range that offer ease-of-use, great portability and excellent image quality for compact cameras within this affordable price range.

Nikon S570 Reviews

Buy-n-Shoot

All-in-all both the S570 and S640 are slim, stylish units from the Nikon Coolpix range that offer ease-of-use, great portability and excellent image quality for compact cameras within this affordable price range.

Nikon Coolpix S570 and S640 Press Release

NEW COOLPIX S640 IS SLEEK, FAST AND FULLY-LOADED WITH ENHANCED SPEED CAPABILITIES

Nikon Coolpix S640

For consumers who never want to miss a moment, the all-new COOLPIX S640 is Nikon’s performance leader in the S-Series lineup. High performance features include ultra-fast auto-focus, the fastest start up time in its class** of a mere 0.7 seconds and short shutter release time lag. Additional features of the S640 include: a slim, stylish all metal body; 12.2 megapixels; a 5x Wide Angle NIKKOR lens; ISO from 100-6400 at full resolution; a 2.7-inch Clear Color LCD Display; 4-way VR Image Stabilization System; Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and movie mode.

The COOLPIX S640 will be available in September 2009 for $249.95 MSRP and will be offered in various colors including: Calm Black, Velour Red, Precious Pink and Pearl White.

NEW COOLPIX S570 OFFERS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AT AN ECONOMICAL PRICE POINT

Nikon Coolpix S570 Pink

Where style meets simplicity, the new COOLPIX S570 is ideal for entry-level consumers looking for a carefree shooting experience. The S570 features 12.0 megapixels; a 5x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens; ISO 3200 at full resolution; a bright 2.7-inch LCD Display; 4-way VR Image Stabilization System; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and movie mode.

The COOLPIX S570 will be available in September 2009, for $199.95 MSRP and will be offered in various colors including Black, Red, Blue and Pink.

How to Use Fill-Flash in Macro Photography

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Virginia Buttonweed (Diodia Virginiana)

The following post on the use of fill-flash in macro photography was written by professional photographer Ron Kruger. Learn more about Ron at the end of this post.

I’m an outdoor writer/photographer, and I’ve always admired those  minuscule blossoms I see around my blinds and hides and along rivers and  streams. This past spring, sort of as a sideline, or hobby with the hope of some potential profit, I embarked on a mission to record macro images of  every tiny wildflower I could find.

As a professional, I’m always looking for ways to do things differently  than the average photographer. One I’d like to share is fill-flash for  macro, which we called flash-fill back in the day when you had to make all  kinds of complicated readings and calculations to pull it off.  I’m not talking about a dedicated macro ring flash, either, but your  common, everyday external flash unit and/or your on-camera flash. Both work, and they work great together. [Read more…]

Olympus E-P1 ISO Performance

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Olympus E-P1

The Olympus E-P1 has captured a lot of buzz.  The initial impressions seem to be quite promising for the new Micro Four Thirds camera.

I have been using the Olympus E-P1 for a little while now.  While you can expect a full review of this new camera soon, below you will find my results from a quick ISO test shoot on a tripod in a tungsten lit room, with white balance set to tungsten and exposure set via Program mode. [Read more…]

Nikon VP650

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Nikon VP650 is rumored to be a code name for a new Nikon camera that features a built-in projector.  A tipster sent Nikon Rumors some details on the new shooter from the new issue of Chasseur d’image (a French magazine that has a history of getting the scoop on new products):

In their august issue, they’re talking with A LOT of confidence (as if it was a sure thing) of a new Nikon product with the code name Nikon VP650 that should be announced in August and shipped in September. This camera would be a compact camera with a LED projector that could project up to 8×12 images in good quality in the dark.

While I can see an interesting social spin that this could generate in the digital imaging world, it also seems a little gimmicky if this rumor is to be believed.  This report of the gadget’s functionality just makes it seem like something is missing (e.g., additional features, implementation, etc.).  I suppose we will know soon enough though, as Nikon is rumored another press event set for August 4.

[via Nikon Rumors]