Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Image Zoom

The 28mm wide-angle lens lets you easily capture large groups of people indoors or expansive architectural structures and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective, even from short distances. The DMC-FH20 sports a powerful 8x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 28-224mm). This gives you highly natural expressions from people and animals that you can't get close to. And its slim, compact, pocket-sized body can easily go wherever you do for both everyday snapshots and traveling. When you don't know which mode will give you the best shooting results, or when a sudden photo opportunity pops up and you don't have time to make any settings, simply choose iA (Intelligent Auto) mode by simply pressing the dedicated button and let the camera do it all for you. You just choose iA mode, aim at your subject, and shoot. 4 detection and correction functions are simultaneously activated to optimize the settings, so you get stunning photos every time.

The DMC-FH20 can record motion images in high-definition (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in motion JPEG format). The pixel mixed readout method enables bright motion-image recording even in low-light settings. The DMC-FH20 can also record full-size motion images in WVGA (848 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) or standard motion images in VGA (640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) and QVGA (320 x 240 pixels at 30 fps).The energy-saving Venus Engine IV image-processing engine and the efficient, rechargeable lithium-ion battery which has been slimmed down to fit into thinner camera bodies work together to extend the shooting time of the DMC-FH20. This lets users take approx. 300 shots on a single battery charge.

FEATURES:

• 28mm Wide-angle Lens - The 28mm wide-angle lens lets you easily capture large groups of people indoors or expansive architectural structures and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective, even from short distaPrice: $179.00
  
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Panasonic posts firmware update for the Lumix DMC-FZ 100 super zoom

Panasonic has released a firmware update for the Lumix DMC-FZ 100 super zoom compact. Version 1.1 is meant to address occasional strips or shadows that occur in specific lighting conditions. The firmware is available for immediate download from Panasonic's website.

Click here for more information and to download firmware v1.1
 
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Pentax K-5 Preview

Example based on a pre-production
Pentax K-5 in terms of operation and design the new K5 is all but identical to the K-7. For this reason, in this example, we have focused on the differences between the two cameras. For a more complete picture of the K-5, it's body design and operation, which is why we recommend that you not only read this short hands-on, but also the relevant sections in our full review of the Pentax K-7. When the K10D was launched in September 2006, Pentax's first foray into the DSLR market, was competing at the time with rivals such as the Canon EOS 30, 30d and the Nikon D200. Four years later, in 2010 this sector of the market is so competitive and as always the Pentax K-5, the latest offering to the "serious amateur photographer", will have to fight for the attention of the consumer with the likes of the Canon D7, D7000, with the Nikon d300s and the Olympus E-5. At a launch at an RRP of $1600 (body only) the K-5 is currently at a similar price level as its main competitors, but we would expect the street price to come down sooner rather than later. At first sight the K-5 is virtually indistinguishable from its predecessor the K-7. There's more to be found under the hood than on the outside but nevertheless the K-5 is a relatively modest upgrade instead of a great leap forward. Perhaps the most striking new feature is a  16.3 megapixel CMOS sensor. It brings a higher maximum sensitivity (ISO 51200, the highest on a APS-C camera so far), faster continuous shooting (5.7.0 fps vs the K-7's 2) and a 1080p full HD video mode (the K-7 offered a previously non-default maximum video resolution of 1536 x 1024 pixels). Other, more minor enhancements include an updated SAFOX AF system and a few new digital filters and custom image modes. Existing users of the K-7 will no doubt, however, need very little adjustment time if they decide to upgrade to the new model. In our Pentax K-7 review the camera had high ISO output, one of our very few points of criticism. We'll have to wait for our full review of the K-5 to verify that the new sensor is suitable for clearing that point from our cons list but until then, read through our short hands-on preview to get an idea of what's new on the k-5 and how it differs from the K-7.




The K-5 has exactly the same dimensions as its predecessor, the K-7. It is chunkier than Pentax's new top entry-level DSLR the K-R (pictured to the left here) but is still relatively compact for a camera in its class.

Conclusion/recommendation/ratings are based on the views of the author, it is recommended that you read the full review before taking a decision.

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Sony DSC-W330 14.1MP Digital Camera

The DSC-W330 captures amazingly detailed images with a Carl Zeiss 26mm equivalent wide angle 4x zoom lens. Taking and reviewing images is made easy with a large 3.0” LCD and advanced features including Easy mode, iAuto and SteadyShot™ make it easy to capture great images in various conditions.
Price: $149.99

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Sony Announces NEX-3 pink

Sony has announced a pink color variant of his NEX-3 interchangeable lens camera that are only available on the Japanese market. It joins the existing color choices of black, red and silver. The pink version is available from November 2010 with a variety of optional pink accessories.

Click here and read the press release (in Japanese)

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Samsung firmware updates for NX100

Samsung has released a firmware update for its NX100 interchangeable lens camera. Firmware v1.01 promises better off accuracy in night mode and improves the stability of the system. The firmware is available for immediate download from the website of the company.

Click here to download the latest update


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Tokina 11-16 mm f2. 8 in Sony mount now available in the United Kingdom

Tokina's UK distributor Kenro has announced that the AT-X 116 Pro DX 11-16 mm f/2. 8 lens is now available for Sony Alpha mount at a recommended retail price of £740.25. Tokina's first lens for Sony Alpha mount provides a similar focal distance from 17-25 mm and features a "One-touch focus clutch mechanism" which allows users to switch between AF and MF by pulling the focus ring towards the camera.

Press release: Kenro has announced the popular Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX lens is now available with a Sony fit

Previously, this ultra-wide angle lens was only an option for Canon or Nikon owners, but now Sony users will be able to take advantage of the AT-X 116's fast f/2.8 aperture which is designed to give better results in low-light situations.

The AT-X 116 PRO features Tokina’s exclusive 'One-touch Focus Clutch Mechanism' that allows the photographer to switch between AF and MF simply by snapping the focus ring forward for AF and back toward the camera to focus manually. This allows for a fast and easy manual over-ride in difficult lighting situations.

This lens is based on the award-winning AT-X 124 PRO DX (12-24mm f/4) lens, the new AT-X 116 PRO DX has a slightly shorter zoom range to maintain optical quality at wide apertures. The optical system of the lens features a new multi-coating system that helps to reduce reflections that can cause flare and ghosting.

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