Photography Magazine

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 : Panasonic introduced a new addition to its award-winning TZ-family of digital cameras, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ50, complete with Wi-Fi capabilities, standard 802.11b/g wireless LAN connectivity and access to T-Mobile HotSpot service, users can upload digital photos taken with the Panasonic TZ50 directly to Picasa Web Albums, a free online photo-sharing service from Google. The 9.1 megapixel Panasonic Lumix TZ50 is packed with a 28mm wide-angle lens, 10x optical zoom and the ability to record HD video, making it the ideal digital camera for active users. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 will be available in silver in May 2008 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $449.95.

Panasonic Lumix TZ50 - Share photos “This advanced digital camera makes it possible for users to share their photos with friends and family with unprecedented ease and without a computer,” said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Active users will appreciate the Panasonic Lumix TZ50’s Wi-Fi capabilities so they can share photos while on-the-go, but they will also benefit from HD video recording, a 10x optical zoom and a 28mm wide-angle lens, so capturing images, whether far or wide; moving or still, is all possible with this compact camera.”

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 camera - Hotspot service and Web Album Panasonic uses the T-Mobile Hotspot service and Picasa Web Albums’ APIs to create a new optimal online environment and community for sharing digital photos. After taking photos with the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50, users will be able to wirelessly send one or multiple photos at a time, directly to Google’s Picasa Web Albums. Users can connect to standard wireless home networks, but furthermore, the Panasonic TZ50 can also connect to the T-Mobile HotSpot Service, which provides fast and reliable Wi-Fi Internet access at more than 8,800 public locations throughout the United States, including Borders Books & Music stores, Hyatt Hotels and many major airports. The Panasonic Lumix TZ50 comes with an offer for 12-months of complimentary T-Mobile HotSpot W-FI service.

Panasonic TZ50 wireless camera - Cell phones and Account Users can register one email account with their Panasonic TZ50, so after uploading their photos to Picasa Web Albums, they can have the URL to that album sent to the registered account. Since many cell phones and smartphones receive emails, users can register their own email address and then forward that Picasa Web Albums URL to friends and family, all while away from home and without using a computer. In addition, users can browse their albums to confirm that photos have been successfully uploaded, and choose to delete uploaded photos directly on the digital camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 megazoom camera - High Definition and SD memory The new Panasonic Lumix TZ50 is the latest member of the Lumix TZ-Series, renowned for packaging a 28mm wide-angle 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens (equivalent to 28-280mm on a 35mm film camera) into a compact body. The 28mm wide-angle lens captures subjects and scenes wider at the same standpoint than a normal 35mm camera. Notably, the new Panasonic TZ50 integrates the capability of recording 720p HD (high-definition) motion pictures together with its direct output function allowing users to enjoy watching both still and motion pictures in impressive HD quality on a HDTV via an optional component cable or by inserting the SD Memory Card into the SD slot, which is available on all Panasonic VIERA HDTVs.

Panasonic Lumix cameras - Intelligent mode and Operate The Panasonic Lumix TZ50 also incorporates Panasonic’s advanced Intelligent Auto (iA) mode consisting of seven intuitive technologies, all which are specifically designed to help make photo-taking enjoyable and easy. When in Advanced Intelligent Auto mode, various technologies all operate automatically; the consumer does not need to change any settings.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 features • Intelligent Exposure - Photos will no longer be under- or over-exposed. Instead, the TZ50 instantly analyze the framed image and adjusts the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash. The camera will automatically adjust the brightness accordingly. • Digital Red-eye Correction - Helps eliminate the red-eye problem that sometimes results when taking flash shots at the night. Incorporated into the built-in flash, the camera emits a small preliminary flash before the main flash, detects red-eye and will digitally correct it. • MEGA O.I.S. - Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand-shake from creating a blurry image and Intelligent ISO - Determines if the photo subject is moving and change the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly. • Intelligent Scene Selector - Senses the ambient conditions, recognizes the shooting environment and will automatically select the appropriate scene mode from: Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode. This intuitive technology, helps the consumer use the most common scene modes that are built into the camera, but often go unused, without making any manual adjustments. • Face Detection - Detects faces anywhere in the frame and automatically chooses the optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear and crisp. Detecting up to 15 faces, Panasonic’s Face Detection can even track a face if the subject is moving and Continuous AF – The Continuous AF (auto focus) system maintains focus on the subject even without pressing a shutter button halfway, thus minimizing the AF time.

Panasonic DMC-TZ50 wireless megazoom camera - Brightness and High resolution LCD Once a user is in iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically no adjustments or settings changes need to be made. Furthermore, the Panasonic DMC-TZ50 boasts Intelligent LCD function, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, to offer a display with excellent clarity in any situation with the newly developed 460,000-dot high resolution in 3.0-inch LCD screen.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 - Image processing LSI and Effects The Panasonic TZ50 incorporates the Venus Engine IV, Panasonic’s new high-performance image processing LSI. The Venus Engine IV produces higher-quality pictures than its predecessor, the Venus Engine III, by using a more advanced signal processing system. The new Venus Engine IV also improves noise reduction, elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effects in both MEGA O.I.S. and Intelligent ISO and reduces the shutter release time lag.

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Nikon Coolpix S52c digital camera : Nikon introduces a new stylish compact digital camera, the Nikon Coolpix S52c. This digital camera combines Nikon’s stunning wave-surface camera body with advanced features designed to produce incredible pictures with ease. With 9 megapixels, a 3x, 38-114mm Zoom-Nikkor lens, Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization and manual sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200, the Nikon S52c is for consumers looking for a stunning camera that takes equally stunning photos. The Nikon Coolpix S52c will be available in Crimson Red and Midnight Black. The Nikon S52c will be available nationwide in May 2008 at an estimated retail price of $279.95.

Stylish Nikon Coolpix S52c camera “We are pleased to introduce the Coolpix S52c to our Style Series line of compact cameras, as this camera combines an elegant camera design with advanced imaging capabilities,” says Bill Giordano, General Manager, Marketing, Coolpix for Nikon Inc. “Nikon Coolpix S52c users will have the opportunity to take incredible pictures with exceptional detail and sharpness.”

Optical VR Image Stabilization technology The Nikon Coolpix S52c features Optical VR Image Stabilization technology, which compensates for camera shake as well as ISO capabilities up to 3200, which provides more opportunities to capture fast moving subjects and greater flexibility and clarity when shooting in low-light settings. This new Nikon digital camera also boasts an AUTO ISO control, which automatically selects the optimal sensitivity across a range between ISO 100 and ISO 800, and up to ISO 2000 in High-Sensitivity mode.

Nikon S52c with 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens Providing even more control and freedom in photo taking, the Nikon S52c comes with a 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens designed to capture brilliant detail and vivid colors in every photo and a huge 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD screen allowing easy sharing and viewing of images. Also, the new camera is built on Nikon’s innovative EXPEED digital image processing system designed to enhance noise reduction and improve the signal-to-noise  (S/N) ratio.

Nikon image innovation technologies Like all cameras in the Coolpix line, the S52c includes Nikon’s unique image innovations including enhanced Face-priority AF, which automatically finds and focuses on up to five faces within the frame; In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, which can automatically detect and correct red eye in a photo; and D-Lighting, which compensates for excessive backlight or insufficient flash in images.

Wi-Fi enabled digital camera The Wi-Fi enabled Nikon S52c can send images directly via email through its Wi-Fi connection, as well as support my Picturetown, Nikon’s photo sharing and storage service. Through my Picturetown, users can email pictures directly to friends and family, publish pictures to the photo community sharing Website Flickr, and link their photos to blogs and social networking sites. Pictures can also be sent to the email addresses of a Blackberry device for viewing.

Nikon Coolpix S52c software suite The Nikon Coolpix S52c features the Pictmotion function which will allow users to combine their favorite movies and photos and create in-camera slide shows with music including songs uploaded from iTunes. The Coolpix S52c further comes packaged with Nikon’s exclusive Coolpix Software Suite for organizing, editing and sharing photos. The Nikon S52c is SDHC compatible and utilizes Nikon’s ultra-compact EN-EL8 rechargeable Li-ion battery.

Nikon S52c Price & Availability The Nikon Coolpix S52c will be available in Vibrant Black. The Nikon S52c will be available nationwide in May 2008 at an estimated retail price of $279.95.

About Nikon Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon Coolpix compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics.

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Sony Cybershot H50 : The feature-packed Sony Cyber-shot H50 combines high imaging quality with extensive manual functions for precise creative control. Compact and easy to handle, it features a tough, scratch resistant finish that enhances the camera’s premium feel. The powerful Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 15x zoom lens makes the Sony H50 ideal for travel and other situations when you want crisp, clear close-ups without the penalty of carrying a big, bulky camera. The large, high-contrast 3-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus screen tilts up or down, adding an extra dimension of creative freedom when framing shots at any angle. There’s also an electronic viewfinder that provides a convenient alternative to framing shots with the LCD screen.  Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 - Face detection and Availability Powered by Sony’s responsive BIONZ processor, Enhanced Face Detection can identify and focus on up to eight faces in a scene, automatically adjusting focus and exposure for clearer portraits. It’s complemented by Smile Shutter that detects a smiling face in the frame before automatically firing the shutter. Availability: the Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 digital camera will be available from the end of April.  Sony H50 megazoom camera features • 9.1 effective megapixels • High power 15x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens • Large 3.0-inch (230K dot) Clear Photo Tilting LCD Plus screen • Enhanced Face Detection for clearer portraits • Smile Shutter • D-Range Optimiser + DRO Plus mode for natural results with high-contrast scenes • Double Anti-blur with Super SteadyShot • High Sensitivity ISO 3200 for clearer low-light shooting • Advanced Sports Shooting mode captures fast-moving subjects  Sony Cybershot H50 camera - Anti-Blur and Image processor Ideal for action-packed moments, advanced Sports Shooting mode combines a very high shutter speed with continuous predictive autofocus to freeze fast-moving subjects with reduced shutter lag. Sony’s Double Anti-Blur system captures more atmospheric, natural-looking images without flash when you’re indoors or short of natural light. A high sensitivity of up to ISO 3200 is teamed with Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation for crisper handheld shots - an extra benefit at high zoom settings when camera shake is often a problem. The powerful BIONZ image processor now allows user control over noise reduction in three selectable steps to suit the creative needs of any scene.   Sony DSC-H50 digital camera - Scenes and Regions Ideal for tricky backlit subjects and high-contrast scenes, the D-Range Optimiser (DRO) automatically processes scenes with strong highlights and dark shadow detail to ensure more natural, evenly exposed images. A new DRO Plus mode analyses individual regions of each image for even better results with less risk of lost high- and lowlight detail. Sony Cyber-shot H50 - Colour filter effects and Software Extra creative control is provided with Bracket Shooting mode that captures three images with different exposure, white balance or colour mode settings. Photo enthusiasts will also appreciate a choice of five in-camera colour filter effects that offers increased control without the need to invest in glass filters. After shooting, there’s a range of in-camera re-touching functions, including red-eye reduction and special filter effects. It’s an easy way to fine-tune images with no need for a PC or special software.  Cyber-shot H50 Megazoom camera - Dimension and Detail A range of fun playback functions adds an extra dimension to sharing photos with friends and family. Images can be viewed on screen as slideshows with a choice of musical accompaniments, and favourite music files can be imported from a linked PC. Super-size images can be viewed with incredible colour and detail on a connected HD television. Even better results can be enjoyed with new BRAVIA televisions that support PhotoTV HD for optimised still image viewing.   Sony Cybershot H50 accessories Supplied accessories include a remote control for shutter release and zooming plus Home, Menu and Control buttons. There’s also a range of optional accessories including wide-angle and telephoto conversion lenses, filters, batteries, travel chargers, sports packs and cases. 

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Nikon Coolpix P80 : Nikon Inc. announce the Coolpix P80, a high-performance compact camera built to satisfy the needs of camera enthusiasts and family photographers alike. The Nikon P80 harmoniously integrates a 10.1 Megapixel CCD image sensor with Nikon’s innovative EXPEED digital image processing concept and an 18x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens designed with the compact and comfortable styling of the Nikon Coolpix brand. “The Nikon Coolpix P80 addresses a need from consumers for an ultra-zoom compact camera that offers unrivaled Nikon performance and clarity,” said Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, Coolpix for Nikon Inc. The new Nikon Coolpix P80 will be available nationwide beginning April 2008 and has an MSRP of $399.95.

Nikon Coolpix P80 camera - Nikkor optics
“Nikon is proud to continue delivering the highest quality imaging products for photo enthusiasts and aspiring photographers with a broad range of creative control options and superior imaging ability.” Packing the power of 10.1 megapixels, the Nikon P80 captures fine detail with the creative freedom to crop and edit. The Nikon Coolpix P80 features Nikon’s legendary Nikkor optics, ensuring quality images even while at a distance to subjects. The P80’s 18x Zoom-Nikkor lens covers focal lengths from 27-486mm (35mm format equivalent). To ensure steady shots while utilizing the camera’s versatile zoom capabilities, the Nikon P80 is equipped with Optical Vibration Reduction (VR).

P80 Nikon Coolpix megazoom camera - Controls and Exposure
In line with other Coolpix P-Series cameras, the Nikon Coolpix P80 includes intuitive controls via dedicated command and mode dials, providing easy access to shooting controls and exposure mode settings. The Nikon Coolpix P80 offers Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-priority Auto [S], Aperture-priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] modes granting users the ability to tap into the creativity of D-SLR functions while maintaining the simplicity of Coolpix functionality. What’s more, the Nikon P80 has the benefit of an all-new Sport Continuous Mode, allowing users to shoot as many as 30 consecutive pictures at four, six, or a quick 13 frames per second.

Nikon P80 digital camera - Sensitivity and LCD monitor
Capturing photos in lower light conditions is no problem for the Nikon Coolpix P80. With a light sensitivity range up to ISO 6400, users can now create new opportunities to capture more natural-looking photos with minimal light, or fast moving subjects with unparalleled clarity. Composing and reviewing photos is an enjoyable experience on the large, 2.7-inch LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating, wide viewing angle and 230,000 dots of high resolution. An eye level electronic viewfinder is available for quick easy viewing in challenging lighting conditions.

Nikon Coolpix P80 digital megazoom camera - Scene and User interface
The new Nikon Coolpix P80 also offers quick access to a selection of 15 different scene-optimized and movie modes including the ability to shoot pictures in both black and white and color simultaneously. The new graphical user interface has an enhanced pop-up design allowing for more precise menu navigation and interaction.

Nikon Coolpix P80 - Imaging innovations and Flash photography
Nikon has incorporated its user-friendly Imaging Innovations into the Nikon Coolpix P80, designed to make the photo-taking process easier and more intuitive. These technologies, referred to as “Nikon In-Camera Innovations” include In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting, and Face Priority AF. In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common condition that occurs in flash photography. In playback mode, D-Lighting compensates for excessive back-light or insufficient flash in images. Nikon’s enhanced Face-Priority AF automatically finds and focuses on one person’s face or up to 12 people’s faces within one frame. Face-Priority AF provides faster and sharper focus to produce clear, crisp portraits wherever the subjects are positioned in the frame. The Nikon Coolpix P80 comes packaged with Nikon’s Coolpix Software Suite for organizing, editing and sharing photos. It also has PictBridge support and is compatible with SD/SDHC cards.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 : Panasonic is pleased to announce a new flagship model for its Lumix slim and stylish FX series. The new 10.1 Megapixel Panasonic Lumix FX500 camera features a 25mm ultra-wide angle Leica DC lens with 5x optical zoom. Touch-screen operation on a large, 3.0-inch LCD brings new enjoyment to the digital photography and enables easy manual operation, which is another first for the FX series. A variety of advanced functions, including Intelligent Auto mode, HD motion picture recording and HD component output, and slideshows complete with music, also enrich the camera’s potential and user experience. As soon as we receive a sample we will publish a Panasonic FX500 review.

Panasonic Lumix FX500 - High quality lens
The newly developed Leica DC lens with 5x optical zoom boasts an 25mm ultra-wide angle of view that captures almost double the recording area at the same shooting distance compared with a conventional 35mm lens. This advanced lens system includes 4 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, and a newly developed, unevenly thick concave meniscus Extra High Refractive Index Aspherical (EA) lens, fitting an unprecedented level of wide-angle performance into a slim camera assuring minimal distortion even at its 25mm wide end, resulting in high picture quality.

Panasonic DMC-FX500 - Control system and Exposure
For more intuitive operation, the Panasonic DMC-FX500 has a hybrid control system that combines joystick control with touch-screen operation. Basic settings can be directly controlled by the joystick, and others extensive ones are finely adjusted by touch or by moving a slider on the screen with the finger or an included stylus-pen. Users can set the auto focus and exposure at the desired part of the frame by simply touching the subject at that part while recording. In manual exposure mode, aperture and shutter speed can be adjusted by moving the slider. In playback mode, a new Easy Organization menu is provided to simplify image organizing. The user can quickly select an image to view by scrolling the thumbnails located below the main window, and then edit the image using the same touch menu interface.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 camera - Auto focus and Operation
Auto focus (AF) tracking is also new with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500. It continues tracking the subject even if it moves after the AF is set, which is especially helpful for catching active children or pets. The iA (Intelligent Auto) mode is a helpful shooting assist function that lets the user leave all the settings to the camera. Taking maximum advantage of this iA mode, users can go a step further to set auto focus and exposure on the desired subject by simply touching it on the screen. This kind of quick, easy rational operation is given form by the new touch-screen interface.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 - Optical zoom and Wide angle
The 10.1 Megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 packages a ultra-wide 25mm Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT high-quality lens with 5x optical zoom(equivalent to 25-125mm on a 35mm film camera), offering f2.8 brightness. Comprising 7 elements in 6 groups, including 4 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit passes Leica’s stringent standards and delivers an exceptional optical performance. Notably, a newly developed unevenly thick concave meniscus EA (Extra high refractive index Aspherical) lens makes it possible to achieve the 25mm ultra-wide angle high optical performance while keeping the lens unit thin and the body slim. The 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens records almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance compared to ordinary 35mm cameras. Further, in 3 Megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 8.9x by using the center part of the CCD. In addition, newly adopted iris diaphragm allows the users to adjust aperture at fine steps manually.

Lumix DMC-FX500 - Touch screen and Menu
The Panasonic FX500 incorporates a 3.0-inch large touch-screen interface to achieve amazing ease in both shooting and playing back the images. Panasonic proposes a hybrid operation system combining the new touch-screen interface and the conventional operation system with joystick for more quick and intuitive control, by taking advantage of both operation systems. Users can make basic settings directly with the joystick while they can make extensive adjustments intuitively by touching or moving the slider on the screen. To activate the menu, all you have to do is to touch the mode you want after pressing the mode button. Notably in the recording mode, auto focus and exposure can be set at the desired part of the frame by simply touching the subject at that part to activate the AF/AE. The camera continues tracking it even if it moves with the AF/AE Tracking function to minimize the shutter time lag at the spur-of-the-moment. In manual operation mode, aperture and shutter speed can be set to the desired value by moving the slider.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 digital camera - Playback and Interface
In playback mode, a new Easy Organization menu is provided to simplify image organizing. The user can quickly select an image to view by scrolling the thumbnails located below the main window, and then edit the image by resizing, trimming and inputting the text title of the picture. You can also flag the desired image as your favorites or delete them in one menu interface. This touch-screen interface features a high-resolution Intelligent LCD which automatically controls the brightness at a total of 11 fine steps by detecting the surrounding lighting condition. This function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation.

Panasonic DMC-FX500 photo camera - Intelligent ISO and Face Detection
The Intelligent Auto mode, which comprises various shooting-assist functions, has been advanced for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 by newly adding the Intelligent Exposure feature and Digital Red-eye Correction in addition to the conventional Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection and Quick AF functions. Mega O.I.S. suppresses hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control prevents motion blur. The Intelligent Scene Selector sets the appropriate scene mode by automatically selecting it from the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Portrait and Night Scenery.

Panasonic Lumix camera - Brightness and Darkness
The Face Detection system detects human faces to set the focus and appropriate exposure for them automatically. The unwanted red-eye effect caused by the use of the flash can be digitally corrected. The newly added Intelligent Exposure function automatically controls the ISO sensitivity partially to increase the exposure of only the darkened area due to backlighting or insufficient flash lighting to capture the scene as you see it by suppressing the extreme brightness and darkness in the picture. The Quick AF system allows the camera to start focusing on the subject even without pressing the shutter button halfway, to get the best results from every shooting opportunity by minimizing the AF time. Once you enter iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. You can enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images. What makes difference with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 from other Lumix cameras is its enhanced option. You can set auto focus and exposure on the desired subject by simply touching it on the screen with your intention and the rest of the settings are automatically supported by the iA mode.

Panasonic Lumix FX500 - High Definition and Quality
All Lumix cameras can take 1920×1080 pixel HD (high-definition) quality photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV for full-screen viewing. The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 even records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). With newly added HD component output capability, you can enjoy watching still and motion pictures in stunning HD quality taken by your Panasonic Lumix FX500 by simply connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 digital photo camera - HD photos and Music
The Panasonic DMC-FX500 newly provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing, and you’ll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments. If you make the slideshow with HD photos in 1920 x 1080 pixels, you can also enjoy watching an impressive HD slideshow with music on a large-screen HDTV by using the optional component cable.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FX500 digicam - Venus Engine IV
A new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features more advanced signal processing technology for rendering even higher-quality images. Notably, parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems, a technology established by the preceding Venus Engine III, gains a more sophisticated process. First, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated into high-frequency and low-frequency noises and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be conspicuous, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Second, the information of the change point between colors is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus color bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also faithfully reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity. The Venus Engine IV also elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-500 - Image processing and Resolution
Featured in the Panasonic DMC-FX500, the multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine IV supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx.0.005 second and the camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In burst shooting mode, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 can snap approx.2.5 shots per second at full resolution. And in High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible approx. 6 shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting, which lets you keep shooting until the memory card is full.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 cam - LCD and Memory card
The energy-efficient Venus Engine IV imaging engine contributes to the long battery life of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500, making it possible to shoot around 280 shots on a single battery charge despite the large, bright touch-screen LCD. A total of 20 scene modes help you to take more beautiful pictures in a wide range of situations. Also interesting is the Title Edit function, which allows text to be input as additional information for the picture, for example, names of children or pets, and travel places. Inputting and editing the text is astonishingly smooth and quick, thanks to the touch-screen interface. This information, as well as dates, which can be helpful when making a photo album, can be stamped on photos with the Text Stamp function whether you print them yourself at home or have a photo shop do them. Around 50MB of internal memory is built-in to back up the SDHC/SD Memory Card recording and copying.

Panasonix Lumix software
As design improvements, all new Lumix cameras incorporate a REC/PLAYBACK mode switch. This helps the photographer to instantly switch between recording and playback modes, while always knowing which mode the camera is in. The GUI (Graphic User Interface) has been designed exclusively for the touch-screen interface looking more futuristic in terms of design and color while maintaining the visibility of characters and usability of settings. The major features mentioned above can be quickly understood with the newly installed slideshow program called Demo mode. The included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO-viewer-2.0 offers more convenience to the user by taking advantage of the features available on the Lumix cameras. You can access pictures not only by date, but also by scene mode, or baby name that you have inputted on the camera. The PHOTOfunSTUDIO-viewer-2.0 allows you to easily organize your growing number of still and motion pictures on one simple interface.

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Sony CyberShot W130 digital camera : Sony’s popular Cyber-shot W-Series gains a fresh new look for ’08 with the new Sony CyberShot W130 digital camera that teams fantastic HD image quality with easy-to-use features. Available in a choice of up-to-the-minute colour options, the Sony CyberShot W130 stands out with its clean lines and cool, contemporary looks. Inside the sleek all-aluminium case, the Sony W130 is packed with the latest Sony technology to widen your creative options and guarantee even more fabulous memories. The Sony CyberShot W130 boasts 8.1 effective megapixel resolution, plus Smile Shutter, Face Detection, Super SteadyShot and a 4x Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens.

Sony W130 - BIONZ image processor
The Sony developed BIONZ image processor inside the Sony W130 powers improved Face Detection technology, now with even faster tracking plus the ability to recognise faces that are further from the camera. In addition, Face Detection can now distinguish automatically between children and adults, adjusting exposure, skin tone and red-eye reduction for great portraits with any subject.

Sony Cyber Shot W130 - Smile Shutter function
Another Sony first, Smile Shutter waits until the subject smiles before firing the shutter to ensure happy faces in every frame. A new Smile Level setting lets you fine-tune the threshold before a picture’s taken, from a gentle smile to a huge grin.

Sony CyberShot DSC-W130 - D-Range optimiser
Also powered by the BIONZ processor, the D-Range Optimiser automatically adjusts exposure and contrast for natural-looking results. It’s highly effective with strongly backlit scenes where there’s a risk of losing high- and low-light detail.

Sony W130 camera - Low-noise photography
Sensitivity on the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W130 is boosted to a maximum ISO 3200 for successful low-noise shots without flash indoors or in dim lighting conditions. It’s teamed with Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation, delivering a powerful Anti-Blur solution for clearer handheld pictures in low light or at higher zoom settings.

Sony Cyber-Shot W130 - HD Output
An HD Output on the CyberShot W130 lets you enjoy your memories in super-size on your BRAVIA TV or any HD Ready display. Connecting to any PhotoTV HD compatible television or display (via optional output adaptor cable) delivers even more incredible Full HD picture quality with extraordinary detail and realism.

Sony CyberShot W130 - On-screen function guide
Despite superb image quality and advanced shooting functions, the Sony CyberShot W130 is brilliantly simple to use. First-time users will appreciate the friendly on-screen function guide and Easy Shooting mode that keeps things simple without compromising picture quality. There’s also an optical viewfinder that offers extra familiarity for compact camera users switching to digital. The new Sony Cyber-shot W130 will be available throughout Europe mid February 2008

Sony CyberShot DSC-W130
• 8.1 effective megapixels
• Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens
• 2.5-inch LCD
• BIONZ processor powers Smile Shutter and Face Detection
• Super Steady Shot
• HD Output
• Three colour options: Silver, Black and Pink

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Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS digital camera : Canon launches the new flagship model of its Digital IXUS range, the Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS. Sporting a stylish new curvature design sculpted in pure titanium, the Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS features a range-leading 12.1 Megapixel sensor. A new 3.7x optical Image Stabilizer zoom is complemented by Auto ISO Shift and high ISO 1600, offering Canon’s total anti-blur solution. With a DIGIC III image processor powering Canon’s Face Detection AF/AE/FE and improved Red-Eye Correction, the Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS comes fully equipped for superb people shots. Extensive movie options include XGA recording, Time Lapse Movie and Long Play modes.

Canon IXUS 960 IS digital camera
“With the Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS Canon sets new aesthetic and technical standards for digital compact cameras,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “Its supreme titanium build quality and elegant design are complemented by powerful, innovative features that deliver premium-quality imaging. This is a camera that will appeal to consumers who demand the best.”

Canon IXUS 960 IS - Camera features
• Titanium body with Touch Control Dial
• 12.1 Megapixels (1/1.7” CCD)
• 3.7x optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer
• ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
• DIGIC III with Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
• 2.5” high resolution PureColor LCD with wide viewing angle, plus optical viewfinder
• 18 shooting modes including ISO 3200 scene mode and My Colors photo effects
• Extensive movie options including high resolution XGA, Long Play and Time Lapse modes
• Safety Zoom and Digital Tele-Converter for extra telephoto reach
• PictBridge and Print/Share compatible

Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS - Titanium IXUS design
The Canon IXUS 960 IS takes Canon’s unique Perpetual Curve design and renders it in a high quality, pure titanium shell, creating a more tactile and ergonomic photography experience. Used extensively in technologically advanced industries such as aerospace and medicine, titanium is stronger than steel but significantly lighter. Its strength and anti corrosion properties combine with the camera’s high build quality to offer durability without compromising size or weight. A
Touch Control Dial offers fingertip access to all the camera’s key functions.

Canon IXUS 960 IS - Exceptional image quality
The Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS features a new range-leading 12.1 Megapixels of resolution, allowing users to create poster-size prints or crop sections of photos without loss of detail. Imaging power is furthered by an ultra-compact 3.7x optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer (IS), which incorporates Canon’s aspherical lens technology (UA) for maximum sharpness and clarity. Users can take zooming further with Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom - features which combine the benefits of digital zoom with a reduced risk of image quality deterioration. Captured images can be viewed on the high-resolution 2.5’’ PureColor LCD, with increased colour reproduction and a wide viewing angle for easy sharing with friends. For situations with difficult lighting or where added stability is needed, the Canon 960 IS features a real-image optical viewfinder. To provide a closer look at images, Canon’s improved Image Inspection Tool is also included. For the first time, this can be used in playback mode as well as shooting. The function incorporates Face Detection Technology for automatic close-up inspection of faces in shots.

Canon IXUS 960IS - Total anti-blur solution
The Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS includes a range of ISO features that combine with the camera’s optical IS to virtually eliminate the risk of image blur. Both optical IS and Auto ISO Shift deal with the blur caused by camera shake. When selected by the user, Auto ISO Shift boosts the ISO setting just enough to reduce the effects of unintended camera movement. Two further features - manually selected high ISO settings up to ISO 1600 and High ISO Auto - combat the blur caused by typical subject movement, as well as camera shake when poor light would normally require a longer exposure.

Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS - DIGIC III image processor
At the heart of the Canon IXUS 960 IS is Canon’s DIGIC III image processor. As well as ensuring fast performance, superior colour reproduction and white balance, DIGIC III powers a range of features to improve the photographer’s success rate. Canon’s Face Detection AF/AE/FE locates up to 9 faces in any scene before automatically adjusting focus, exposure and flash for optimum results. The undesirable effects of flash are quickly removed with improved Red-Eye Correction during playback. This innovative system uses Face Detection Technology to automatically identify and correct red-eye - while ensuring that no other elements of the picture are accidentally altered in the process. Users also have the option of manually adding or removing Red-Eye Correction frames. Advanced Noise Reduction Technology, powered by DIGIC III, safeguards images against graininess when shooting at high ISO speeds while maintaining image detail.

Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS - Shooting modes
The Canon IXUS 960 IS incorporates 18 different shooting modes for stills and movies. Amongst these are several presets for tricky shooting environments - such as snow and beaches - and an ISO 3200 mode for producing flash-free shots at 1600×1200 resolution in low light. My Colors can be used to apply effects and enhancements in both shooting and playback mode. In addition, with Canon’s new Image Resize function users can downsize full-resolution images to 1600×1200, 640×480 and 320×240 sizes - perfect for instant uploads to blogs or auction sites.

Canon IXUS 960 IS digital camera - Movie capture
With the Canon IXUS 960 IS, users can capture movies with sound at an extra large XGA (1024×768 pixels) resolution at 15fps - the highest movie resolution in the Canon Digital IXUS range. Alternatively, VGA and QVGA quality movies can be shot at a smooth 30fps. Canon’s innovative Time Lapse Movie function enables users to capture changing scenes for accelerated playback as smooth VGA-quality movie clips. And for occasions when longer movies are required and storage space is limited, a new LP (Long Play) mode offers VGA movie capture at 30fps - producing movies at half the file size with no loss in resolution or frame rate.

Canon 960 IS digital camera - Ultimate ease of use
The Canon IXUS 960 IS benefits from several enhancements aimed at creating a more straightforward shooting experience for all users. These include an image range selection feature, which allows users to easily select several images for printing, protecting, categorising or erasing; the addition of a 3 level battery indicator; and a small size AF frame option for more precise focusing on slim, distant or macro subjects.

Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS - PictBridge printing
The Canon 960 IS features a dedicated Print menu for quick access to direct print options. Full PictBridge support means users can print directly to any PictBridge compatible printer without the need for a PC. A Print/Share button allows one-touch printing and easy uploads to Windows or Mac systems.

Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS - Language
The Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS user interface supports 25 languages: English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Greek, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Thai, Arabic, Romanian and Ukrainian.

Canon IXUS 960 IS - Memory Card Support
In addition to SD, SDHC and MMC memory cards, the Canon IXUS 960 IS supports the new MMCplus and HC MMCplus card - a format for high-volume shooting that allows capacities up to 32GB. It comes supplied with a 32MB memory card.

Canon IXUS 960 IS camera - Software
The Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS comes bundled with the following Canon Software:
• ZoomBrowser EX 6.0 (Windows), ImageBrowser 6.0 (Macintosh): For organising and editing images, movies and slideshows, or creating and printing digital photo albums.
• PhotoStitch 3.1 (Windows) and 3.2 (Mac): For creating panoramic photos from multiple images.

Canon IXUS 960IS - System requirements
The bundled software supports Windows 2000 (SP4) XP (SP2) and Vista and Macintosh OS X v10.3-v10.4. The camera supports PTP for driverless transfer to Windows XP and Macintosh OS X, along with MTP for image and movie transfers to Windows Vista. Purchasers of the camera are eligible for membership of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, 100MB of online ‘personal gallery’ space for sharing stills and video with family and friends.

Canon 960 IS digital camera - Optional Accessories
An optional Waterproof Case (WP-DC19) allows users to bring the Digital IXUS 960 IS to a depth of up to 40 metres for compelling underwater shots. Specially designed Weights (WW-DC1) are available to control camera buoyancy. Other accessories include:
• High Power Flash (HF-DC1)
• Soft Leather Case (DCC-70)
• Digital IXUS Metal and Leather Neck Straps
• Compact AC Power Adapter (ACK-DC30)