5MP K850i Mobile from Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson has finally launched its 5 megapixel, autofocus Cybershot camera – the K850i . This phone is equipped with 16x digital zoom and incorporates a feature called BestPic that allows clicking as many as nine images at once so you can select the best from those images.

Another feature incorporated into the K850i is the Photofix feature, which automatically adjusts the combination of light, contrast and brightness to provide the best images. The camera is also compatible with PictBridge.


The K850i is also designed to be a fully functional multimedia device for music, videos and podcasts. It’s equipped with a 2.2 inch crystal bright display that’s also scratch-resistant, with 262K colors and a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels.

The phone is well-equipped for various types of connectivity, so you get 3G capabilities, HSDPA, EDGE, Bluetooth with A2DP compatibility, and USB supports as well.


The camera is equipped with a Xenon flash and an auto lens cover with three LEDs for shooting in video mode. It has a secondary VGA camera for video calling. Among other features is an integrated FM radio with RDS and TrackId for music recognition. There’s also a motion sensor with an auto rotate feature that displays images in the correct aspect – portrait or landscape – irrespective of the orientation it was taken in.


Even though the phone has just been unveiled officially, it doesn't come with a price tag of any sort yet. But it is expected to start shipping in the fourth quarter of this year.


SOURCE:tech2.com

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Nokia 7900 Prism and 7500 Prism Mobile Phones unveiled in India

Nokia has launched its Prism Collection of mobile phones in India. Nokia’s latest series includes the Nokia 7900 Prism and Nokia 7500 Prism, which are primarily aimed at the stylish and fashion oriented users.

Devinder Kishore, Director Marketing Nokia India maintained, “Mobile phone as a style and fashion accessory is gaining increasing importance in India. We have pioneered the concept of fashion phones and are happy to launch our latest offering in this space - the Prism collection.” Adding, “Nokia Prism Collection comprising Nokia 7900 and Nokia 7500 is an ode-to-architecture with its sharp-angled lines, geometric patterns and graphic light-refracting colors.”

The features of the Nokia 7900 Prism mobile phone are:
*3G technology
*Quad band GSM capability
*2 MP Camera
*1GB of internal memory

The Nokia 7500 Prism mobile phone incorporates the following:
*Glossy black exterior with bright, interchangeable color accents
*2 MP Camera
*Optional 2 GB microSD card
*Strong battery offering nine hours of playback music

Speaking on the details about the unique form factor and look of the Prism collection, Silas Grant, Senior Designer Manger, Focused Appeal, Nokia stated, “At Nokia we realize that mobiles are very personal items and the design has to reflect this intimate status. Nokia has been continuously innovating to bring iconic products that combine aesthetics, technology and ease of use in a sophisticated fashion.

Speaking about fashion, one name that comes to the mind of any fashion aficionado in India is that of Rocky S. Nokia has kept that in mind too, and joined hands with India’s leading fashion designer Rocky S to create a special collection that seeks inspiration by the Prism collection.

Commenting on the partnership with Nokia, Rocky S said, “I am delighted to be associated with Nokia, India’s leading lifestyle-technology brand. This partnership is a great opportunity for me to design a modern collection that reflects the independent attitude of the Indian women. My collection will draw its inspiration from the soul of the Prism collection and will be futuristic, daring and mysterious, brazen and in your face to fascinate the stylish women of today.”

And indeed, Rocky S’ display of the latest clothes collection at the ongoing Will LifeStyle Fashion Week had a true reflection of the new Prism devices in it!


SOURCE:techshout.com
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Nikon Launches New D-SLR, D3

Nikon recently announced the introduction of the professional digital SLR, Nikon D3. Incorporating the large CMOS image sensor developed by Nikon, the D3 features 12.1 effective megapixels and a sensitivity range from ISO 200 to 6,400 at normal setting.


The D3 will enable continuous shooting at approximately 9 frames per second for 12.1 megapixel images. The image sensor of the D3 is a CMOS sensor developed by Nikon with a sensing area of 36.9 x 23.9 mm that is compliant with the area of 35 mm film. For this Nikon will use the term “FX format” for the image format of 35 mm equivalent Nikon digital SLR cameras.

The D3 is equipped with Nikon’s Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module featuring 51 AF points. 15 cross-type sensors located in the center provide subject detection capability with lens apertures as small as f/5.6. 51 AF points can be utilized in various focus area modes selected according to subject condition.


The D3 also features the ‘Liveview’ function that enables shooting while confirming subjects in the LCD monitor.

The WT-4 supports wired LAN (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX) and wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g, 11a), and incorporates thumbnail mode as a new function. It realizes wireless connection of cameras with a PC, enabling thumbnail display of images taken with up to five of them and downloading of images selected. Also, by using Camera Control Pro 2 (optional), wireless remote view/control shooting is made possible with the D3’s Liveview function.



SOURCE:tech2.com

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Verizon Launches New Q Smartphone

Verizon Wireless launched a new version of its popular Motorola Q smartphone today. The Motorola Q9m adds Windows Mobile 6 and an updated look with a new keyboard and music-centric interface.

The Q9m is about the same size as the Q, though its body is red and black as opposed to the Q's silver. The Q9m's keys are square and domed to the Q's oval, separated keys. A cursor pad and thumb wheel lets users navigate through many options. By pressing a button on the keyboard, users kick the Q9m into a new UI with album art and music controls. The Q9m can play music and video synced with Windows Media Player or downloaded directly on to the phone with Verizon's V CAST Music service.


Like the Q, the Q9m works as a modem, e-mail device, and Web browser on Verizon's EVDO Rev 0 network. The Q9m also shares its 312Mhz processor, 320-by-240-resolution screen, and 1.3-megapixel camera.


The Q9m announcement comes immediately after Verizon's partnership with MTV and Real to create a new music service for PCs and phones that will combine elements of Real's Rhapsody, MTV's Urge and Verizon's V CAST Music under both the Rhapsody and V CAST brands. Verizon Wireless spokesman Jeff Nelson couldn't provide specific details about the service, but did say that the new service would most likely work on devices like the Q9m--given that Rhapsody, Urge and V CAST all work with the Motorola Q9 now.


Verizon is selling the Q9m online for $349.99 with a two year contract, with discounts and rebates bringing the price down to $199.99. Service plans start at $79.99 per month for 450 minutes and with unlimited data.


Sprint will get a slightly different Q9m later this year, according to the carrier at a press event last week. The Sprint Q9m is yellow and black, rather than red and black, and will work with Sprint's music store.


PC Magazine will have a full review of the Q9m later in the week.



SOURCE:pcmag.com

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LG Reveals 5 Megapixel Camera Phone

LG’s KU990 5.0 megapixel camera phone was revealed in Berlin at IFA. It’s equipped with a Schneider-Kreuznach lens. That’s saying a lot (literally). But quite like the Prada model it also has a touch screen (3 inches) with a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels. The camera has auto focus with image stabilization technology, 120fps, video recording and an ISO sensitivity of 800.





The KU990 is a 3G enabled phone with HSDPA. It has 170MB of internal memory and but we’re not sure if and how it accepts external memory.




Unfortunately there’s no idea of the cost or availability. Yet.


SOURCE:TECH2.COM
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Canon PowerShot G9 12.1 MP Digital Camera unveiled

Canon USA has unveiled a new top-of-the-line digital camera called the PowerShot G9, expanding the companies acclaimed G-series cameras. This feature-packed digital camera not only offers the advanced photographic capabilities of a high-end DSLR camera, but is lightweight and compact too.

The Canon PowerShot G9 digital camera features 12.1 mega pixel resolution. It has the same matte black design that G-series fans know and love.

The camera is also equipped with a 6x optical zoom lens and even incorporates Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) for situations prone to camera shake and image blurring. It does not matter where you are shooting; whether outdoors at dusk or indoors sans a flash, camera shake will be detected and effectively cancelled.

The PowerShot G9 digital camera sports a large three-inch PureColor LCD II screen as well as easy-to-access ISO and manual mode dials.

The PowerShot G9 features Canon’s Image Inspection Tool that allows photographers to review and compare photos for printing with ease and with no wastage of time.


Also, since the Image Inspection Tool is now linked with Advanced Face Detection technology, users will be able to save a lot of time as the main subject of the image is automatically detected and enlarged, completely eliminating the need to zoom or scroll manually.

Canon’s PowerShot G9 digital camera comes equipped with 23 shooting modes, providing users a range of different photo preferences and conditions such as Manual, Shutter-speed-Priority, Aperture-Priority, and two Custom modes as well as special scene modes like Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Sports, Indoor, Beach, and Snow.



Advanced photographers also have the option of using RAW+JPEG simultaneous capture functionality. Thus, photographers can get the best of both- JPEGs for immediate use and RAW images for faithful image reproduction and extensive, non-destructive image editing capabilities.


According to Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A, “The PowerShot G9 digital camera brings our highest levels of performance and usability to the G-series. “By combining RAW Mode with our other key technologies in this camera, we’re providing a high-performing and affordable option to advanced photo enthusiasts who want the creative power of a Digital SLR in a smaller body form.”

The Canon PowerShot G9 digital camera will be available from October 2007 onwards for a price of $500.


source:techshout.com

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Sony Upgrades Thin Cameras

The new DSC-T200 digital camera does away with buttons for a touchpanel screen on the rear.
Martyn Williams, IDG News Service

Sony Corp. is upgrading its thin T-series digital still camera line with a new model that packs a larger display with touchscreen.

The DSC-T200 hasn't been officially announced by Sony yet but details of the camera were posted to its Sony Canada online shop over the weekend.

The overall stylings of the camera aren't much changed from the current T100 model so on first glance it looks similar but a closer look at the rear will reveal some changes. The buttons present along the right-hand side of the 3-inch display on the current T100 are gone and in their place a larger 3.5-inch widescreen display takes up the entire back face of the camera.

So how to navigate the menus with no buttons? Sony has fitted a touchscreen on the 3.5-inch display that means the backpanel is clear of everything else.

A 3.5-inch display with touchscreen matches Apple's iPhone but a lot of the tasks and functions that can be carried out are very different. Sony's screen doesn't appear to support two-fingered touch -- the one trick that makes the iPhone's touchscreen so special -- but can be used to work a variety of functions. For example, in "touch-it shooting" a tap of an object on the screen will focus the camera on that object while when viewing pictures the screen is used to navigate and even paint on photos taken earlier.

Other functions include a "smile shutter" that goes a step beyond the face detection modes common on cameras today. The DSC-T200 won't just find faces in the image and focus on them but in this mode it won't take a picture until it sees all smiles.

Major specifications are similar between the T200 and T100. Both have an 8.1-megapixel image sensor capable of taking pictures up to 3,264 pixels by 2,448 pixels and in front of the sensor sits a 5X optical zoom lens. It has the same Bionz processing engine.

The camera measures 2.33 inches high by 3.68 inches wide by .8 inches deep and weighs 5.6 ounces.

There's no word on when it will be available or the price. The current T100 that it seems destined to replace costs about $400.

source:pcworld.com

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Samsung NV Series Next-generation Digital Cameras announced

Yesterday, we had reported about Samsung’s latest slim i85 PMP digital camera. Along with this, the company also launched three more cameras, expanding its revolutionary NV series of advanced point & shoot digital cameras.

The three new models introduced include the 8 mega pixel NV8, the 10 mega pixel NV15 and the 12 mega pixel NV20, all of which feature a sleek, elegant design and the innovative Smart Touch interface. The Samsung NV8, NV15 and NV20 digital cameras feature premium Schneider optics with a 3x optical zoom. The cameras have a brushed black and stainless steel body, lending them a very minimalist look.

Also, all three NV series digital cameras feature Samsung’s Smart Touch user interface that enables the user to slide his/her finger across the control buttons that are positioned around the camera’s 2.5-inch LCD screens.

Besides, the Samsung NV8, NV15 and NV20 point & shoot digital cameras can shoot at ISO 3200.

The newly introduced cameras also boast of other features including an improved Advanced Shake Reduction (ASR) feature and Samsung’s new Auto Contrast Balance (ACB) and Image Noise Reduction modes. ACB automatically adjusts the brightness of subjects composed in harsh lighting, such as those that are back-lit, while the Image Noise Reduction feature helps to limit the amount of noise in captured images, especially those that are shot at higher ISO settings.

What’s more; all of Samsung’s latest NV series digital cameras feature the company’s Face Detection technology that detects up to nine faces and is then automatically able to adjust focus and exposure, ensuring better composition and image quality.

Plus, the Samsung NV8, NV15 and NV20 cameras have around 14 scene modes to choose from such as Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-Up, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Café, Food, and Self-Shot.

Besides clicking photos with the new NV series digital cameras, users can also shoot in a high-resolution movie mode which has the ability to record at VGA resolution (640×480) at a maximum frame rate of 30fps. Plus, the cameras are loaded with Samsung’s Successive Recording mode that allows the user to pause when recording a video, and then resume filming without the need to save the clips as individual files.

Each of the new digital cameras in the Samsung NV series have 20MB of internal memory and a maximum of 8GB external memory with the use of external SDHC or SD cards.

The 12 mega pixel Samsung NV20 digital camera costs $399, while the NV15 carries a price tag of $299, both of which will be available by Fall 2007. The pricing and availability for the NV8 camera is yet to be announced.


SOURCE:techshout.com
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Ultra-slim Samung i85 8 Mega Pixel Digital Camera with PMP features launched

Today, Samsung Camera launched its 8 mega pixel i85 digital camera. The Samsung i85 is an ultra-thin digital camera which packs in a number of great features. First off, the i85 is roughly the size of a credit card as it measures just 3.7” x 2.4” x 0.8” and has a brushed silver aluminum body to match. It also sports an impressive 3-inch high-resolution LCD screen.

Along with the 8 mega pixels, the i85 also manages to pack in a non-protruding 5x optical zoom NV lens that boasts a maximum shutter speed of ½,000 sec and a super macro focus of 1cm.

What’s more; the Samsung i85 digital camera features a PMP functionality that enables users to enjoy movies, music videos, TV shows and even their favorite music playlists while on-the-move.

Besides, the i85 also features Samsung’s innovative World Tour Guide function that provides useful travel information covering 4500 regions in 30 countries worldwide. This features helps users to plan their trips and even find their way on the road.

So, when the i85 is set in PMP mode, one can listen to MP3 files or watch videos on the camera’s large 3.0-inch high-resolution display.

In case you need to convert music and videos to load on to the camera then the Samsung i85 digital camera comes bundled with the Digimax Converter software that seamlessly converts the user’s MPEG, AVI, MOV, WMV and ASF, MP3 and WAV files to be loaded on to the camera with ease.

Plus, the Digimax Converter software also allows users to view subtitles, adjust the screen size and even crop and stretch the image to fit the camera screen as desired.

And, if you were wondering about the audio capabilities of this camera, then you must know that the i85 digital camera features a 2.5mm headphone port as well as stereo speakers that boast SRS 3D acoustic technology.

Now for the actual features of the Samsung i85 digital camera:

*i-movie mode: The i85 features Samsung’s i-movie mode, which offers users high-resolution SVGA (800×592) MPEG-4 video and advanced editing controls.
*By using the i85’s Successive Recording mode, users can pause and then resume filming of video clips without having the save the clips as individual files
*Advanced Shake Reduction: In low-light situations shooters can rest assured that their images will come out sharp and clear as the i85 is equipped with Samsung’s Advanced Shake Reduction image stabilization system and is an ISO equivalent of 1600.
*Face Detection Mode: Users can also take advantage of the i85 camera’s face Detection mode, which makes clicking pictures a breeze Due to this technology, the camera is able to detect up to nine faces and is also automatically able to adjust focus and exposure, ensuring better composition and image quality.
*Wide Shot: The i85 also features Wise Shot, which automatically takes two consecutive pictures in rapid succession- one with the ASR image stabilization enabled, and one with the flash- and prompts the user to review both and keep the preferred version of the picture.
*14 Scene modes: The Samsung i85 camera features 14 scene modes including Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-up, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Café, Food and Self-shot.
*Fun feature: This unique feature allows shooters to create a composite photo by saving up to four individual images as one. This feature also enables the user to highlight an image by sharpening the foreground and softening the focus of the background, as well as to customize their saved images with photo frames and stickers.
The Samsung 8 mega pixel i85 digital camera has 256MB of internal memory and also has provision for an external SDHC/SD card with a maximum of 4GB storage capacity.

This 8 mega pixel digital camera carries a price tag of $349 and will be available in Fall 2007.


SOURCE:TECHSHOUT.COM
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Samsung Announces 5MP Camera Phone

So Samsung's in the news yet again with the launch of yet another mobile phone – the SGH G-800. What strikes me as really weird is that this model is supposed to be the successor for the very recently launched G600 mobile. I’m beginning to wonder if the guys down at Samsung have their R & D team working overtime when it comes to releasing newer phone models.

The G800 is another high-end model from Samsung that also features a 5.0 megapixel camera but this baby also has 3x Optical zoom and is an Auto-Focus camera to boot. That’s not all; it also, apparently, has a xenon flash. The lens and flash will be quite snug and well protected by a lid that will slide to the side when you want to get a bit snap-happy.

The G800 is a slider phone that is said to be 3G enabled with other features like Bluetooth, but there’s no information yet on if it’s A2DP compatible, but why wouldn’t it be considering it’s supposed to be a high end model right? It also has USB support, and let’s hope it’s not through a propriety cable this time. It also has stereo speakers and it may also have EDGE with HSDPA.

The price has not been disclosed but rumor has it that it may be available somewhere in the first half of next year. Hopefully sooner. Check out GSM Arena for more info.


SOURCE:TECH2.COM
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Samsung Reveals Four More Phones

So Samsung 's on a rampage revealing new phones. It's getting a bit monotonous seeing them on tech news all the time, but kudos to their team of brainstormers, it’s not like their products won't be welcomed with open arms. So go right ahead and let the creativity flow. The latest addition to Samsung's ever-increasing repertoire is the P520, which may seem quite familiar and it should too as it’s quite like the P310 with its flip case. The difference is that the P520 has a 2.6 inch TFT QVGA touch screen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels with 265K colors. This phone also comes equipped with a 3 megapixel camera, 50MB of internal memory and external microSD memory support. With regards to connectivity, it supports Bluetooth with A2DP compatibility and also supports Wi-Fi, UMA and EDGE. The P520 has a TV out if you want to connect it to your TV and also has an FM radio. Great! Another fully loaded mobile. Hopefully it’ll cost less than the iPhone. I have my fingers crossed. Next up is the P260 slider that comes with a 2 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, UMA and EDGE. It has a 262k color TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. This model also features Bluetooth with A2DP and has in internal memory of 25MB that can be extended using external memory from microSD cards.

By: Shayne Rana

source:tech2.com

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Fuji's New Cameras Feature Blog Mode, Face Detection

This fall, Fuji will roll out five new camera models, offering features like Blog mode, Face Detection, and Intelligent Flash.

By Molly K. McLaughlin
On the heels of Panasonic's recent announcement, Fujifilm has unveiled five new cameras--the stylish 7.2MP Z10fd, the 8MP FinePix S8000fd superzoom, 12MP F50fd, and the entry-level FinePix A920 and F480--all due out this fall.Aimed squarely at the stylish set, the 7.2-megapixel FinePix Z10fd comes in five eye-catching colors and offers a number of easy ways to share pictures. This ultraportable camera sports a 3X optical zoom lens, a 2.5-inch LCD and 54MB of internal memory. The "fd" at the end of its name stands for Fuji's "Face Detection" technology, which can identify up to 10 faces in a scene. The Z10fd also includes Automatic Red Eye Removal and Picture Stabilization mode, which automatically sets light sensitivity (up to 1600 ISO) and shutter speeds at the ideal settings depending on the type of shot. Its "intelligent" flash automatically adjusts illumination based on the lighting. There's also a useful dual shot mode for taking two shots in succession--one with and one without flash to see which works best. The Z10fd supports SD and SDHC cards in addition to xD.

For viewing and sharing photos, the Z10fd features a slideshow mode with musical accompaniment and Blog mode, for resizing images in-camera to post online or in an e-mail. In addition, it comes equipped with IrSimple technology, which enables compatible mobile devices to wirelessly connect and transmit images.

"We decided to create a camera that would mesh our latest technological advancements with today's popular trends and styles, and came up with the Z10fd," Senior Product Manager David Troy explained.

For superzoom users comes the budget 8-megapixel FinePix S8000fd. It has a 27mm-486mm equivalent lens, and is said to be the first Fuji camera to feature Dual Image Stabilization--combining Picture Stabilization technology (maximum ISO level of 3200) with internal mechanics. Like the Z10fd, it also has Face Detection, Automatic Red Eye Removal, and Intelligent Flash. Unlike the other cameras announced today, it boasts full manual controls and multiple burst modes. The camera captures 640-by-480 resolution video at 30 frames per second. For composing shots, it has a 2.5-inch LCD and an electronic viewfinder, helpful in bright light.

Also announced was the 12-megapixel F50fd with 3X optical zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD. It includes Dual Image Stabilization, Intelligent Flash, Full Manual modes, and is IrSimple compatible. It also features Blog mode, accepts SD, SDHC and xD memory cards, and can even go underwater with the optional waterproof casing. A feature unique to this model is Face Detection 2.0, capable of detecting faces not just in head-on shots, but also profiles with a total viewing range of 270 degrees.

Aimed at newbie shutterbugs, the 9-megapixel FinePix A920 and 8.2-megapixel F480 have 4X optical zoom and 2.7-inch LCDs. To eliminate blurry shots, both of these slim cameras include Picture Stabilization. The A920 keeps it simple with an icon-based interface, on-screen guides, and one-touch access to scene modes. Like the other recent Fuji models, it accepts xD as well as SD and SDHC cards; the A480, however, supports xD only. Both models take QVGA quality video at 30 frames per second with sound. The A920 is also IrSimple compatible.

"We wanted to provide consumers with an easy to use, compact camera, that can be dropped into a pocket, making it easier to never miss a great photo opportunity," said FujiFilm's David Troy.

The Z10fd ($199.95), FinePix S8000fd ($399.95), F50fd ($299.95), FinePix A920 ($199.95), and FinePix F480 ($179.95) will be available this September.


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Panasonic Adds 2 Cameras to Lumix Line-up

Panasonic today introduced the new Lumix 8.1MP DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 cameras of 28mm wide angle LEICA DC lens with 3.6x optical zoom (equivalent to 28mm to 100 mm on a 35mm film camera) featuring f/2.8 brightness. The DMC-FX55 incorporates a 3-inch large LCD whereas the DMC-FX33 pursues further compactness with a 2.5-inch LCD.

These cameras feature Panasonic’s Intelligent Image Stabilization system that comprehends MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) to suppress hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control to prevent motion blur.

The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically sets the appropriate scene mode according to the scene. It is selected from most frequently used scene modes such as portrait, scenery, macro, night scenery and night portrait.

The Face Detection system helps the camera to recognize a human face and focus and set AE. The Quick AF system allows the camera to start focusing on the subject even without pressing a shutter button halfway, to get best results out of a shutter chance by minimizing the AF time. All these happen on the smart auto mode incorporated in these cameras.

These cameras work on Venus Engine III, which renders the newly added High-Speed Burst shooting mode that lets you snap off a lightning-fast seven shots per second, as well as a new High Sensitivity mode that provides a maximum ISO setting of 6400. In addition, when using the High Sensitivity mode, the built-in flash reaches as far as 16 meters.

The DMC-FX55 will be available in silver, black and pink, while the FX33 in silver, black, blue, brown, pink and white. These cameras will be available in the market from September 2007.


source:tech2.com
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Panasonic Launches Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digicam

Panasonic today expanded its Lumix family of digicams with the introduction of the Lumix DMC-FZ18, an 8.1 megapixel compact camera with 18x optical zoom.

In addition to a premium 28mm wide-angle Leica DC lens, the DMC-FX18 joins the LUMIX DMC-FX33 and DMC-FX55 as the first Panasonic digital cameras to offer the Intelligent Auto Mode, which include face detection, intelligent scene selector and continuous auto-focus functions.

When this camera is put into Intelligent Auto Mode, the multi-faceted functions engage automatically, so there is no need to adjust settings every time conditions change. The DMC-FZ18’s Intelligent Auto Mode is comprised of -

Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects the appropriate scene mode from the most frequently used modes such as portrait, scenery, macro, night scenery and night portrait.

Face detection system, which helps the camera to focus, set auto exposure and detects up to 15 human faces.

Continuous auto-focus, which allows the camera to keep focus on the subject without having to press the shutter button halfway.

"The Intelligent Auto Mode in the DMC-FZ18 does all the work for you, making photo-taking trouble-free," noted Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "When taking into account the camera’s 18x optical zoom, which is among the industry’s longest zooms, and then adding 8.1 Megapixels, a 28mm wide-angle lens, MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, and Intelligent Auto Mode, the DMC-FZ18 delivers professional-level photo quality, in a powerful camera packed with advanced features that is still easy to use."

The LUMIX DMC-FZ18 also is equipped with a 2.5-inch LCD with 207,000 pixels, a 0.44-inch Electric Viewfinder with 188,000 pixels, f/2.8 brightness and is powered by the Venus Engine III, which boasts shooting at ISO 1600 in normal recording mode.

The LUMIX DMC-FZ18 will be available in the US in silver and black by September 2007 at an MSRP of $399.95. No details on the Indian launch yet.


source:tech2.com
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Panasonic Unveils New Intelligent Cameras, 18X Superzoom

By Molly K. McLaughlin
Panasonic announced today four additions to its Lumix line: notably an 8-megapixel superzoom with 18X optical zoom and a 12.2MP compact camera, both of which have a 28mm wide-angle LEICA lens. The other two cameras unveiled are compact models available in a variety of colors.

The 12MP Lumix DMC FX100 is the first camera at this resolution to feature a wide-angle lens, according to Panasonic. This wide angle allows for great landscapes and group shots. The camera also features 3.6X optical zoom and a powerful flash with reach up to 16 meters and a burst mode rated at 8 shots per second. As part of the company's "Living in High Definition" program, it can capture 1920-by-1080 high-definition stills and 1280-by-720 video at 15 frames per second, ideal for viewing on Panasonic's 16:9 HDTVs. The FX100 will be available in silver and black.

Also with a 28mm wide angle lens, the 8MP Lumix DMC FZ18, available in silver and black, boasts 18X optical zoom for close-up shots, and excellent panoramas. In addition, the DMC-FZ18 has a 2.5-inch LCD and an electronic viewfinder for composing shots. A new feature included on this model is Intelligent Auto Mode, which combines face detection, intelligent scene selector, and continuous auto-focus functions.

"The Intelligent Auto Mode in the DMC FZ18 does all the work for you, making photo-taking trouble-free," noted Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.

Finally, the 8.1MP DMC FX55 and FX33 compact models also include the Intelligent Auto Mode and the 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens. Both feature 3.6 optical zoom. Each differs in LCD size with the FX55 at 3 inches and the FX33 at 2.5 inches. The DMC-FX33 has an optional marine case for underwater photography and will be available in silver, black, blue, brown, and pink. The FX55 will come in silver, black, and pink.

All four cameras announced today, including the entire 2007 Lumix line, support high capacity SDHC cards and feature a combination of MEGA Optical Image Stabilization and Intelligent ISO mode, which detect "hand shake" and subject movement to avoid blurry photos. The DMC FZ18 will be available in Sept 2007 for $399.95, as well as the FX55 and FX33 for $349.95 and $329.95 respectively. The DMC FX100 is available this month; price has yet to be announced.


source:pcmag.com
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