This camera is only water-resistant, unlike Olympus's dunkable Stylus SW models, and its buttons emphasize style over function.
The compact Olympus Stylus 820 (about $250, list) seems like an odd duck in Olympus's digital camera lineup--and a duck out of water. It's water-resistant, meaning that it'll survive raindrops and occasional splashes, but if you accidentally drop this point-and-shoot in a birdbath, you may be shopping for a new camera for your ornithological outings.
If you're really worried about your camera surviving the elements, you should probably be looking at Olympus's Stylus 770 SW and Stylus 790 SW, both of which are waterproof to a depth of 10 feet; they're also shockproof from a height of 5 feet. Or, if you're looking to save money, you could consider Olympus's FE series, including the FE-280 we reviewed at the same time; it costs about $50 less.
The Stylus 820 does have a 5X zoom lens, which is 2X longer than those on the other Olympus models (and most other compact cameras). But it has the same in-camera Help Guides as on the FE-280, which present descriptions of photographic tasks; when you pick one, the camera adjusts settings appropriately. Like the FE-280 and the Stylus SW series, you can get the Stylus 820 in a few different colors; the 820 comes in bright red, baby blue, black, and silver.
The control buttons on the back of the camera are very slippery; compared to the 15 other cameras we tested in the same group, I found the 820's buttons the most difficult to press. In addition, the buttons are really shiny, and as a result, I found the text on them hard to read. The zoom button is a thin rocker switch about the width of a piece of linguine; the camera's mode dial sits just below the telephoto end of the switch, and the ridges around the edge of the mode dial makes pressing the zoom uncomfortable.
The Stylus 820 takes a pretty good picture, though. In its test group of 16 compact cameras, it earned the highest scores for color accuracy and exposure quality. On the other hand, its marks in distortion and sharpness tests, despite its 8-megapixel sensor, were below average. Judges overlooked those problems and gave it the highest score for overall quality in that test group (the image quality score in our test reporttakes all the scores into account, not just the single overall quality score). The camera lasted for 221 shots in our battery life scores, or about 70 shots below the average for our test group.
The Stylus 820 is flashy, but if you're going to pay for its weatherproof features, you might as well opt for one of the Stylus SW models and get true protection from the elements.
For an overview of similar cameras, see our chart of Top 10 Compact Cameras.
--Alan Stafford
Showing posts with label digital camera for general use. Show all posts
Showing posts with label digital camera for general use. Show all posts
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Pentax Optio E40 digicam
Pentax, with IDLDPL (India Digital Life Style Distributors Pvt Ltd) offers the new lightweight, affordable compact digital camera, Optio E40, in India with 8.0 mega pixels at a fantastic price point.
This entry-level model from Pentax accepts widely available AA batteries so that the user need not have to charge it again and again when s/he is on travel to a remote location. As it is designed for simple and intuitive operations, even beginners can enjoy photography effortlessly.
Following the trend of packing innovation and quality into its products, Pentax Optio E40 is packed with a host of new features. Apart from being a 8 mega pixel camera, it has an advanced face recognition technology and digital shake reduction function for high quality photography. From the design perspective, Pentax Optio E40 is slim, lightweight and has simple selection mode. On top of all the features, the high resolution 2. 4" LCD makes it a perfect shutterbug’s delight.
The users can also choose from various options in the given features while taking photographs for better photography.
For example, in flash modes, s/he can either choose auto flash, flash on or flash off and even red eye reduction mode.
Other options, which make this camera powerful, include flash range - 14.1' (wide), 7.5' (tele), white balance, auto preset modes, daylight, shade, tungsten, fluorescent mode, different shutter speed mode from 1/2000 to 4 seconds scene, auto picture, program, night scene, movie, voice recording, landscape, flower, portrait, surf & snow, sport, digital SR, kids, pet, panorama, frame composite and green, etc.
In terms of weight, it is only 6.2 ounces without battery and memory card.
And size is 3.7 x 2.4 x 0.9 inch.
Post taking photographs, the user also need not worry about downloading the pictures as Pentax Optio E40 is also compatible with a wide range of photo transfer and direct printing softwares including PictBridge, DPOF, Exif Print, PRINT Image Matching III and Auto Picture.
Surinder Saini, Assistant VP, Sales, IDLDPL, said, "Pentax is always one stage ahead of the competition. Though in the market there are 8 Meg and above cameras available from various brands, they are offered at comparatively higher price. So, following the philosphy 'Best among the Rest' both in terms of quality as well as price, it has been offered from selected places at Rs 9,999, which is first in the industry. Secondly, we are offering a carry case and 1GB SD card absolutely free with this product."
He adds, "Features like face recognition technology and digital shake reduction technology to stabilise the quality of images coupled with the attractive pricing will surely make this camera a more attractive option than other brands."
Features of Optio E40
Face Recognition AF&AE" function that is convenient when photographing portrait
Digital SR (shake reduction)
Auto picture mode automatically determines the best settings for the shooting conditions
Compatibility with widely available AA batteries
Equipped with the Green mode for automated set-up
8.1 effective mega pixels produce exceptionally fine-detailed photos
3X optical zoom and 4X digital zoom for a maximum of about 12X magnification
Movie capture options include VGA & QVGA
Sound recording – voice memo, movie
Compact design is convenient and comfortable to use
Continuous shooting mode can record up to 16 consecutive images (640 x 480 pixels per image) in a 2-second burst
Compatible with PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III
The MRP of Pentax Optio E40 8.0 is 12,999 but as a special offer from IDLDPL, it is now available at Rs 9999 from IDLDPL.
This entry-level model from Pentax accepts widely available AA batteries so that the user need not have to charge it again and again when s/he is on travel to a remote location. As it is designed for simple and intuitive operations, even beginners can enjoy photography effortlessly.
Following the trend of packing innovation and quality into its products, Pentax Optio E40 is packed with a host of new features. Apart from being a 8 mega pixel camera, it has an advanced face recognition technology and digital shake reduction function for high quality photography. From the design perspective, Pentax Optio E40 is slim, lightweight and has simple selection mode. On top of all the features, the high resolution 2. 4" LCD makes it a perfect shutterbug’s delight.
The users can also choose from various options in the given features while taking photographs for better photography.
For example, in flash modes, s/he can either choose auto flash, flash on or flash off and even red eye reduction mode.
Other options, which make this camera powerful, include flash range - 14.1' (wide), 7.5' (tele), white balance, auto preset modes, daylight, shade, tungsten, fluorescent mode, different shutter speed mode from 1/2000 to 4 seconds scene, auto picture, program, night scene, movie, voice recording, landscape, flower, portrait, surf & snow, sport, digital SR, kids, pet, panorama, frame composite and green, etc.
In terms of weight, it is only 6.2 ounces without battery and memory card.
And size is 3.7 x 2.4 x 0.9 inch.
Post taking photographs, the user also need not worry about downloading the pictures as Pentax Optio E40 is also compatible with a wide range of photo transfer and direct printing softwares including PictBridge, DPOF, Exif Print, PRINT Image Matching III and Auto Picture.
Surinder Saini, Assistant VP, Sales, IDLDPL, said, "Pentax is always one stage ahead of the competition. Though in the market there are 8 Meg and above cameras available from various brands, they are offered at comparatively higher price. So, following the philosphy 'Best among the Rest' both in terms of quality as well as price, it has been offered from selected places at Rs 9,999, which is first in the industry. Secondly, we are offering a carry case and 1GB SD card absolutely free with this product."
He adds, "Features like face recognition technology and digital shake reduction technology to stabilise the quality of images coupled with the attractive pricing will surely make this camera a more attractive option than other brands."
Features of Optio E40
Face Recognition AF&AE" function that is convenient when photographing portrait
Digital SR (shake reduction)
Auto picture mode automatically determines the best settings for the shooting conditions
Compatibility with widely available AA batteries
Equipped with the Green mode for automated set-up
8.1 effective mega pixels produce exceptionally fine-detailed photos
3X optical zoom and 4X digital zoom for a maximum of about 12X magnification
Movie capture options include VGA & QVGA
Sound recording – voice memo, movie
Compact design is convenient and comfortable to use
Continuous shooting mode can record up to 16 consecutive images (640 x 480 pixels per image) in a 2-second burst
Compatible with PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III
The MRP of Pentax Optio E40 8.0 is 12,999 but as a special offer from IDLDPL, it is now available at Rs 9999 from IDLDPL.
Nikon Coolpix P5100 Digital camera for general use
ichard Butler & Simon Joinson
Based on a production Nikon Coolpix P5000 Firmware version 1.0
Announced just six months after the launch of the P5000, the Nikon P5100 is a gentle re-working of the existing model with a slightly larger, more pixel-dense sensor and hardware-based face-detection. Beyond that, the changes are predominantly cosmetic alterations to the existing model. The camera is Nikon's flagship compact camera, with the 'P' denoting 'performance.' Although it may not visually leap out from a line-up of contemporary compacts, its magnesium alloy body and manual exposure controls belie the unassuming appearance. It aims to offer a greater degree of manual control than the majority of compact cameras and has a strong feature set to help it stand apart. We were actually very impressed with the P5000's image quality and feature set, and only really complained about the sluggish performance. So has Nikon fixed the P5000's Achilles' heel in this update? Lets find out!
Differences compared with P5000
Faster, hardware-based face-detection, allowing more faces to be identified
Expeed processing 'concept'
Continuous flash shooting mode (3 consecutive frames at ~1fps)
Distortion control to counteract lens distortion
Improved user interface
Marginally larger sensor making the lens slightly wider-angle (35mm vs 36mm)
Fractionally shorter battery life (240, rather than 250 shots, CIPA standard)
1:1 aspect ratio shooting mode
Can add black borders to images
Unlike the names applied to image processors by many of Nikon's rivals, Expeed doesn't specifically refer to any particular technology or set of features. Rather, it is a "digital image-processing concept," so shouldn't be taken to imply any kinship to the D3 and D300 DSLR models that share the name, beyond the the use of similar Nikon algorithms and know how.
Key features
12 megapixel 1/1.8-inch CCD
3.5x Zoom-Nikkor lens
Lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction)
ISO 64-1600 (3200 in 5MP mode)
BSS (Best Shot Selector) identifies and saves the sharpest image automatically from ten sequential shots
P/A/S/M modes plus 16 scene modes
Compatibility with system-expanding accessories
Macro shooting enables shooting from as close as 4cm (1.6 in.)
SDHC card compatibility
Approx. 52 MB of internal memory
Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting
2.5-in wide viewing angle TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating
Nikon Coolpix P5100 specifications
Street price • US: $370
• UK: £260
Body Material Metal and plastic
Sensor • 1/1.72 " Type CCD
• 12.43 million pixels total
• 12.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes • 4000 x 3000
• 3264 x 2448
• 2592 x 1944
• 2048 x1536
• 1600 x 1200
• 1280 x 960
• 1024 x 768
• 640 x 480
• 3984 x 2656 (3:2)
• 3984 x 2232 (16:9)
• 2992 x 2992 (1:1)
Movie clips • Motion JPEG (AVI) with sound
• TV movie (640) at 30fps/15fps,
• Small size (320) at 15fps
• Smaller size (160) at 15fps
• Sepia (320) at 15fps
• Monochromatic (320) at 15fps
• Without sound: Time-lapse movie at 30fps
File formats • JPEG Exif V2.2
• DCF
• DPOF
• Motion JPEG AVI
Lens • 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor (35-123mm equiv.)
• f/2.7-5.3
• 7 elements in 6 groups
Image stabilization Lens-shift VR
Conversion lenses Yes (optional)
Digital zoom up to 4x
Focus • Contrast Detection AF
• Macro
• Infinity lock
AF area modes • Auto (9-area automatic selection)
• Manual (99-area manual selection)
• Center
• Face-priority AF mode
AF assist lamp Yes
Focus distance • 30cm (1 ft.) to infinity (∞) [W], 70cm (2 ft. 4 in.) to infinity (∞) [T]
• Macro close-up mode: 4cm (1.6 in.) to infinity (∞) [W], 40cm (1 ft. 4 in.) to infinity (∞) [T]
Metering • Through-the-lens (TTL) metering
• 256-segment matrix
• Spot
• Center-weighted
• Spot AF area
ISO sensitivity • Auto (64 - 800)
• ISO 64
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600
• ISO 2000
• ISO 3200 (5MP or lower only)
Exposure compensation • -/+ 2EV
• in 1/3 EV steps
Exposure bracketing • 3 shots
• +/- 0.3, 0.7, 1.0EV
Shutter speed 1/2000 to 8 s
Aperture • Six blade iris diaphragm
• 10 (in steps of 1/3 EV)
Modes • Auto shooting mode
• Program (auto)
• Shutter Priority Auto
• Aperture Priority Auto
• Manual
• Movie mode
• Scene mode
• High-sensitivity shooting mode
• Anti-shake mode
Scene modes Face-priority AF, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Portrait, Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Close up, Museum, Fireworks show, Copy, Back Light, Panorama Assist, Voice recording
White balance • Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Fluorescent
• Incandescent
• Preset
Self timer • 10 or 3 secs
Continuous shooting • Single
• Continuous (approx.1.0fps ,image quality Normal, image size 12M)
• Continuous flash
• Interval timer shooting
Image parameters Normal, Softer, Vivid, More vivid, Portrait, Custom, Black-and-white
Flash • Built-in
• Range: (W) 0.3 to 8.0m (1 ft. to 26 ft. 3 in.), (T) 0.3 to 4.0m (1 ft. to 13 ft. 1 in.)
• Flash Hot Shoe
• Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction, Anytime flash, Flash cancel, Slow sync., Rear-curtain sync.
Viewfinder • Real-image zoom viewfinder
• Approx 80% vertical x 80% horizontal
LCD monitor • 2.5-in wide viewing angle TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating
• 230,000-dot
• Approx 97% vertical x 97% horizontal (record mode)
Connectivity • USB
• AV out (NTSC / PAL)
Print compliance PictBridge, DCF, DPOF, EXIF print
Storage • SD / SDHC / MMC card (optional)
• Approx 52MB internal memory
Power • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5 (supplied)
• AC Adapter EH-62A (optional)
Weight (No batt) Approx. 200 g (7.1 oz.) without battery and SD memory card
Dimensions Approx. 98 x 64.5 x 41 mm (3.9 x 2.5 x 1.6 in.) excluding projections
If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).
Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.
Images which can be viewed at a larger size have a small magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of the image, clicking on the image will display a larger (typically VGA) image in a new window.
To navigate the review simply use the next / previous page buttons, to jump to a particular section either pick the section from the drop down or select it from the navigation bar at the top.
DPReview calibrate their monitors using Color Vision OptiCal at the (fairly well accepted) PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the (computer generated) grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally A,B and C.
Based on a production Nikon Coolpix P5000 Firmware version 1.0
Announced just six months after the launch of the P5000, the Nikon P5100 is a gentle re-working of the existing model with a slightly larger, more pixel-dense sensor and hardware-based face-detection. Beyond that, the changes are predominantly cosmetic alterations to the existing model. The camera is Nikon's flagship compact camera, with the 'P' denoting 'performance.' Although it may not visually leap out from a line-up of contemporary compacts, its magnesium alloy body and manual exposure controls belie the unassuming appearance. It aims to offer a greater degree of manual control than the majority of compact cameras and has a strong feature set to help it stand apart. We were actually very impressed with the P5000's image quality and feature set, and only really complained about the sluggish performance. So has Nikon fixed the P5000's Achilles' heel in this update? Lets find out!
Differences compared with P5000
Faster, hardware-based face-detection, allowing more faces to be identified
Expeed processing 'concept'
Continuous flash shooting mode (3 consecutive frames at ~1fps)
Distortion control to counteract lens distortion
Improved user interface
Marginally larger sensor making the lens slightly wider-angle (35mm vs 36mm)
Fractionally shorter battery life (240, rather than 250 shots, CIPA standard)
1:1 aspect ratio shooting mode
Can add black borders to images
Unlike the names applied to image processors by many of Nikon's rivals, Expeed doesn't specifically refer to any particular technology or set of features. Rather, it is a "digital image-processing concept," so shouldn't be taken to imply any kinship to the D3 and D300 DSLR models that share the name, beyond the the use of similar Nikon algorithms and know how.
Key features
12 megapixel 1/1.8-inch CCD
3.5x Zoom-Nikkor lens
Lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction)
ISO 64-1600 (3200 in 5MP mode)
BSS (Best Shot Selector) identifies and saves the sharpest image automatically from ten sequential shots
P/A/S/M modes plus 16 scene modes
Compatibility with system-expanding accessories
Macro shooting enables shooting from as close as 4cm (1.6 in.)
SDHC card compatibility
Approx. 52 MB of internal memory
Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting
2.5-in wide viewing angle TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating
Nikon Coolpix P5100 specifications
Street price • US: $370
• UK: £260
Body Material Metal and plastic
Sensor • 1/1.72 " Type CCD
• 12.43 million pixels total
• 12.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes • 4000 x 3000
• 3264 x 2448
• 2592 x 1944
• 2048 x1536
• 1600 x 1200
• 1280 x 960
• 1024 x 768
• 640 x 480
• 3984 x 2656 (3:2)
• 3984 x 2232 (16:9)
• 2992 x 2992 (1:1)
Movie clips • Motion JPEG (AVI) with sound
• TV movie (640) at 30fps/15fps,
• Small size (320) at 15fps
• Smaller size (160) at 15fps
• Sepia (320) at 15fps
• Monochromatic (320) at 15fps
• Without sound: Time-lapse movie at 30fps
File formats • JPEG Exif V2.2
• DCF
• DPOF
• Motion JPEG AVI
Lens • 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor (35-123mm equiv.)
• f/2.7-5.3
• 7 elements in 6 groups
Image stabilization Lens-shift VR
Conversion lenses Yes (optional)
Digital zoom up to 4x
Focus • Contrast Detection AF
• Macro
• Infinity lock
AF area modes • Auto (9-area automatic selection)
• Manual (99-area manual selection)
• Center
• Face-priority AF mode
AF assist lamp Yes
Focus distance • 30cm (1 ft.) to infinity (∞) [W], 70cm (2 ft. 4 in.) to infinity (∞) [T]
• Macro close-up mode: 4cm (1.6 in.) to infinity (∞) [W], 40cm (1 ft. 4 in.) to infinity (∞) [T]
Metering • Through-the-lens (TTL) metering
• 256-segment matrix
• Spot
• Center-weighted
• Spot AF area
ISO sensitivity • Auto (64 - 800)
• ISO 64
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600
• ISO 2000
• ISO 3200 (5MP or lower only)
Exposure compensation • -/+ 2EV
• in 1/3 EV steps
Exposure bracketing • 3 shots
• +/- 0.3, 0.7, 1.0EV
Shutter speed 1/2000 to 8 s
Aperture • Six blade iris diaphragm
• 10 (in steps of 1/3 EV)
Modes • Auto shooting mode
• Program (auto)
• Shutter Priority Auto
• Aperture Priority Auto
• Manual
• Movie mode
• Scene mode
• High-sensitivity shooting mode
• Anti-shake mode
Scene modes Face-priority AF, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Portrait, Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Close up, Museum, Fireworks show, Copy, Back Light, Panorama Assist, Voice recording
White balance • Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Fluorescent
• Incandescent
• Preset
Self timer • 10 or 3 secs
Continuous shooting • Single
• Continuous (approx.1.0fps ,image quality Normal, image size 12M)
• Continuous flash
• Interval timer shooting
Image parameters Normal, Softer, Vivid, More vivid, Portrait, Custom, Black-and-white
Flash • Built-in
• Range: (W) 0.3 to 8.0m (1 ft. to 26 ft. 3 in.), (T) 0.3 to 4.0m (1 ft. to 13 ft. 1 in.)
• Flash Hot Shoe
• Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction, Anytime flash, Flash cancel, Slow sync., Rear-curtain sync.
Viewfinder • Real-image zoom viewfinder
• Approx 80% vertical x 80% horizontal
LCD monitor • 2.5-in wide viewing angle TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating
• 230,000-dot
• Approx 97% vertical x 97% horizontal (record mode)
Connectivity • USB
• AV out (NTSC / PAL)
Print compliance PictBridge, DCF, DPOF, EXIF print
Storage • SD / SDHC / MMC card (optional)
• Approx 52MB internal memory
Power • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5 (supplied)
• AC Adapter EH-62A (optional)
Weight (No batt) Approx. 200 g (7.1 oz.) without battery and SD memory card
Dimensions Approx. 98 x 64.5 x 41 mm (3.9 x 2.5 x 1.6 in.) excluding projections
If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).
Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.
Images which can be viewed at a larger size have a small magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of the image, clicking on the image will display a larger (typically VGA) image in a new window.
To navigate the review simply use the next / previous page buttons, to jump to a particular section either pick the section from the drop down or select it from the navigation bar at the top.
DPReview calibrate their monitors using Color Vision OptiCal at the (fairly well accepted) PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the (computer generated) grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally A,B and C.
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