CameraRec » Mid-Priced Point & Shoot

Digital Camera Buying Guide

toby — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:16:57 +0000

Let’s keep this short and sweet – If I had $____ to spend on a camera what would I buy. . . (see below for lens ideas)

	If I had $200 to spend I would buy the Canon HS300 This little P&S is little! but offers excellent quality, 1080p with stereo audio and the neat feature of slow mo video. I would spend the extra $50 on an 8GB SD Card (it comes w/ a 4GB and HDMI cable) an Ultra Compact Camera Case and a Joby Flexible Tripod. NOTE: This Camera at $149 is already blackfriday discounted – Amazon’s price matches the expected door buster price being offered by BestBuy.
	If I had $400 I would buy the Canon PowerShot S100 & that would require me to scrounge a bit for an extra $30 but it wold be worth it. The new DIGIC 5 Image Processor means fast performance and excellent low light images. Additional features similar to the HS300 above but with a very cool control ring for manual control over a range of settings and GPS for automatic location tagging of your photos.
	If I had $600 I would buy the Panasonic LUMIX G3 Four-Thirds Camera with 14-42mm Lens And just like that we are now in the territory of cameras with removeable lenses – DSLR like – this is not a true DSLR because it doesn’t have a mirror that directs the image that comes through the lens to an optical viewfinder. What it does have and offers is an electronic viewfinder and a flip out LCD screen with touch to focus (and lots of other touch to do something options) Fast and silent autofocus, 360 motion panorama and loads of video options. Downside- battery life isn’t great and additional lenses aren’t cheap. There are other really close competitors for my heart at this price range.
	If I had $800 I would buy the Canon EOS Rebel T3i with EF-S 18-55m IS Lens You get a whole lot of DSLR for this price- a gorgeous flipity out LCD screen, 1080P recording – in fact the T3i shares same image/video quality with the much more expensive 7D and even offers a few features like video zoom that you don’t get in the 7D. And for those that dream of going big as a photographer wireless flash control is a cherry on the T3i pie.
	If I had $1000 I would buy the Canon EOS Rebel T3i with EF-S 18-55m IS Lens (yep same as above) and add an external flash like Speedlite 320EX Flash – This is going to do loads for your indoor & outdoor photos and has a video light AND has a remote for triggering the shutter on the camera.
	If I had $1200 I would buy the Fujifilm X100 – this is a DSLR sensor in a small range finder like body with a fixed lens. Sure you are giving up the versatility of a DSLR with removable lenses and no zoom but what you get is a fantastically peppy camera, superb quality and it is all packaged in a stylish body.

3rd Generation Nikon P&S Projector

toby — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:43:55 +0000

Product looks to be getting better but the commercial is creeping me out!! CoolPix S1200PJ

SX230 Initial Thoughts

toby — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 03:29:57 +0000

I couldn’t resist the call of Black Friday and snagged an SX230 for cheap! A few test photos. . . More to come. . . My Initial thoughts Pros

Very impressed with higher ISO images – See the Pie image above
Feature set is impressive and manual control is well done
14x zoom in this sized body is nice
Big thumbs up for the Dedicated movie record button and the 1080 resolution with stereo sound is Good!
GPS tagging makes this map nerd happy – inside GPS took long time to lock on but once it did it stayed locked on and tagged my photos with the location of my kitchen (don’t steal my pie)
Plenty of fun modes and scenes though several feel gimicky (fisheye I am looking at you)

Cons

Response time is OK – nothing to get excited about
Battery life. . doesn’t seem great (However I am using the GPS feature AND an Eye-Fi card). The time it takes that small battery to charge seems a bit longer than it needs to be.
Hard to keep your finger off the Flash popup
The lens covering feels flimsy – Need to get a case, wouldn’t just toss it in a bag
I want built-in intervalometer(timelapse) shooting – Will need to use http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK to get it

Bullet for bullet it looks like the Con list is almost as long as the Pro list – don’t let this fool you, I am very impressed with this little camera and quite happy with my purchase. Properly exposed high ISO images are excellent, the full range of controls and features, especially the ease at which you can control manual settings is sweet as pie. I also picked up the 4GB Eye-Fi Card and the ability to send photos directly to my computer AND select photos on the camera for upload to facebook is fun! SX230 on Amazon | 4GB Eye-Fi Card | Case | Standard 8GB SD Card Check back for hands-on video review soon.

DSLR-like camera that won’t break the bank

toby — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:39:13 +0000

Received the following from Rachelle- I am looking for a camera. Not quite the price of a DSLR but the same type of look. I want a viewfinder as well as a LCD screen and manual focus as well as auto, and I like the forced flash too. Not too fussy huh? I bought the Fujifilm Finepix S2950 the other day but am not 100% happy with it. It has most of what I want/need but like I said, not 100% happy…..but I don’t want to spend a fortune, you know?? If there is something you can recommend that is not too heavy on price, but that can fill my wants, that would be great! Thank you for your time! So my charge is to find something DSLR-like with viewfinder, LCD, pop-up flash – further discussion revealed that the Rachelle is not happy with the sometimes grainyness of the Fuji and a disappointing Macro mode. The Fuji is a budget minded DSLR look alike with a serious 18x zoom. A budget camera with that zoom and something has to give, in this case it is image quality and in low light with higher ISOs you are going to get grainy photos, you are also more likely to get grainy(noisy) photos at the far end of the zoom when the aperture gets smaller and the camera compensates by increasing the ISO. SO lets look at some options #1 – Canon G12 10 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8 Inch Vari-Angle LCD - Recent price drop = $379 Not cheap, you lose a bit of zoom(a good bit actually) but it is going to give you fantastic results for a P&S, especially at the higher ISOs and it has an optical viewfinder plus the flippity-swively LCD screen. Loads of manual controls and physical dials make controlling this camera a breeze. Bonus feature – shoots RAW file format for greatest detail,also includes hotshoe for attaching an external flash. Macro mode is excellent #2 – Canon SX40 HS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch Vari-Angle Wide LCD. - Hard to find, sitting around $399 You get a load of zoom, pop up flash controlled via button, HS sensor that will give you very good low light image quality – similar to G12. Has LCD and viewfinder – viewfinder is electronic. Macro mode is OK. #3 – Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47K 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 24xOptical Zoom -$280 Zoom, popup flash(but no button to make it popup) but it does have an array of manual modes including manual focus. This viewfinder is also electronic. In general an impressive array of features at this price point but again sacrifices are made the cheaper we go and these photos are going to be noisier at the higher ISOs. Macro mode is very good. Consider these listed in order of my preference. If you are not Rachelle send me an email or find me on Facebook to get your own personalized camera recommendation. Find this post helpful? Use the links above to shop amazon or pass along a little tip using the PayPal button. Thanks!

Canon HS 100, 300, 310, 500, 510 – What the heck is the difference?

toby — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 13:37:05 +0000

These two cameras look very similar and have very similar specs, so which should you buy? Both offer 12MP and are almost exactly the same in every respect except -

Canon Elph 100 HS	Canon Elph 300 HS	Canon Elph 310 HS

Screen Size 3″, 4x zoom(28-112mm), Mono audio recording	Screen Size 2.7″, 5x zoom(24-120mm), Stereo audio recording	Screen Size 3″, 8x zoom(28-224mm), Stereo
Buy from Amazon $129	Buy from Amazon $149	Buy from Amazon $199

Yep – those three specs, screen size, focal length range and audio recording during video are the only noticeable differences. Which one is best for you? There is actually one more subtle difference, the 3″ screen on the 310 is higher resolution at 416K, twice that of the 100 and 300. Maybe not as a big a difference as 2x the resolution sounds but certainly worth mentioning. My Pick is the HS300, in the way that most ultra compacts get used, having the slightly wider lens start at 24mm is more important than a bit more zoom. Image quality wise all three cameras are going to give you virtually identical results. Note that thee 100 HS looks a tad smaller, it’s not- these images are not to scale. The 310 series does come in a variety of colors, the 100 and 300 stick to black, silver and red. A great soft case these is the Case Logic TBC-302 I also recommend a spare battery and of course an SD Card 8GB is fine

Canon Elph 500 HS Canon Elph 510 HS

Screen Size 3.2″ Touch Screen, 4.4x zoom (24-105mm), Stereo Audio Screen Size 3.2″ Touch Screen , 12x zoom(28-336mm), Stereo audio recording

Buy from Amazon $199 Buy from Amazon $299

The big difference between the 500 series and the 300 series is the larger touch screen. The back of these cameras is domniated by the screen and the touch functionality replacing several physical buttons. The difference between the 500 and the 510 is the Zoom, with the 510 offering a fairly serious 12x zoom in what is still considered a compact and almost ultracompact body. Image quaity between all five of these cameras is going to be virtually identical- they use the same sensor and processor.

Canon Elph 300 HS Back Canon Elph 500 HS Back

No Touch screen Touch Screen

As Always find me on twitter or Facebook if you have any questions.

Canon Elph 500 HS	Canon Elph 510 HS

Screen Size 3.2″ Touch Screen, 4.4x zoom (24-105mm), Stereo Audio	Screen Size 3.2″ Touch Screen , 12x zoom(28-336mm), Stereo audio recording
Buy from Amazon $199	Buy from Amazon $299

Canon Elph 300 HS Back	Canon Elph 500 HS Back

No Touch screen	Touch Screen

Holiday Shopping: Camera Guide – If I had. . .

toby — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 23:24:57 +0000

Cape Neddick ("Nubble") Light - Copyright Tobias Gelston

Let’s keep this short and sweet – If I had $____ to spend on a camera what would I buy. . . (see below for lens ideas)

Black Friday Updates 7am

HS300 at $149 -See description below, Excellent buy for a tiny but high quality camera

SX230 at $199 – Very similar in quality and features to HS300 (which is to say excellent) AND adds 3″ LCD screen, 14x zoom GPS for tagging photos – this is a stellar buy – View on Amazon Price includes a 4GB SD card and Mini HDMI Cable

Sony Cyber-ShotTX10 16.2 MP Waterproof Camera is Amazon’s Gold Box Deal of the day and at $169 for a waterproof rugged camera that shoots 16MP and 1080i video is very tempting. Be warned that this camera is sloooooow, slow to start up and slow to take photo/video. Also the touch screen that lets you control most of the operations is no fun to use especially once the screen gets wet. . like underwater!! Amazon’s return policy is good so if you are dying to try out a waterproof camera you could give it a shot. The next waterproof camera I feel comfortable recommending is $100 more, the excellent Panasonic LumixTS3 12.1 MP Rugged/Waterproof Camera Simple controls and truly feels like it can take some abuse and spend some time underwater.

More Amazon Black Friday Deals & BF Electronic Deals

	If I had $200 to spend I would buy the Canon HS300 This little P&S is little! but offers excellent quality, 1080p with stereo audio and the neat feature of slow mo video. I would spend the extra $50 on an 8GB SD Card (it comes w/ a 4GB and HDMI cable) an Ultra Compact Camera Case and a Joby Flexible Tripod. NOTE: This Camera at $149 is already blackfriday discounted – Amazon’s price matches the expected door buster price being offered by BestBuy.
	If I had $400 I would buy the Canon PowerShot S100 & that would require me to scrounge a bit for an extra $30 but it wold be worth it. The new DIGIC 5 Image Processor means fast performance and excellent low light images. Additional features similar to the HS300 above but with a very cool control ring for manual control over a range of settings and GPS for automatic location tagging of your photos.
	If I had $600 I would buy the Panasonic LUMIX G3 Four-Thirds Camera with 14-42mm Lens And just like that we are now in the territory of cameras with removeable lenses – DSLR like – this is not a true DSLR because it doesn’t have a mirror that directs the image that comes through the lens to an optical viewfinder. What it does have and offers is an electronic viewfinder and a flip out LCD screen with touch to focus (and lots of other touch to do something options) Fast and silent autofocus, 360 motion panorama and loads of video options. Downside- battery life isn’t great and additional lenses aren’t cheap. There are other really close competitors for my heart at this price range.
	If I had $800 I would buy the Canon EOS Rebel T3i with EF-S 18-55m IS Lens You get a whole lot of DSLR for this price- a gorgeous flipity out LCD screen, 1080P recording – in fact the T3i shares same image/video quality with the much more expensive 7D and even offers a few features like video zoom that you don’t get in the 7D. And for those that dream of going big as a photographer wireless flash control is a cherry on the T3i pie.
	If I had $1000 I would buy the Canon EOS Rebel T3i with EF-S 18-55m IS Lens (yep same as above) and add an external flash like Speedlite 320EX Flash – This is going to do loads for your indoor & outdoor photos and has a video light AND has a remote for triggering the shutter on the camera.
	If I had $1200 I would buy the Fujifilm X100 – this is a DSLR sensor in a small range finder like body with a fixed lens. Sure you are giving up the versatility of a DSLR with removable lenses and no zoom but what you get is a fantastically peppy camera, superb quality and it is all packaged in a stylish body.

Good Zoom, Lowlight Capable & Pocketable for less than $250

toby — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:10:55 +0000

@happyflier (check his blog out if you want some great Air Mile runs) asks for a camera with good zoom, low light capable and still fit in a pocket for less than $250. What started the question was an Amazon lightning deal on the Fujifilm FinePix F500EXR 16 MP CMOS Digital Camera with Fujinon 15x Super Wide Angle Zoom Lens – During the deal it was $199. Its a good camera and good buy at that price but now that it is back up several notches above $200 are there any other options? Starting at the top of my list Canon PowerShot SX230HS 12 MP Digital Camera with 14x zoom at $279 is this the priciest of the bunch and nearly $30 over budget but consistently receives high praise and offers 14x zoom, 1080p video with stereo sound and the newer HS sensors which do quite well in lower light, loads better than last generations sensors. Bonus feature, built in GPS that automatically tags your photos with latitude and longitude- a traveling dude like happyflier might find that pretty cool. Another fun feature – slo-mo movie mode, at low resolutions you can record at 120 or 240 fps and then play back at normal speeds- not much practical use here but it is fun. One more nice feature, I mean I do have to justify sticking a camera over budget here, is the built in eye-fi menu. I reviewed an eye-fi this summer and some of the newer canon P&S and DSLRs offer in camera support for the cards making them even more useful. In short eye-fi cards let you wirelessly upload your images to your computer, online through wifi or to a smartphone. Snazzy but does impact your battery life. Second option is the Panasonic DMC-ZS9 14.1MP Digital Camera with 16x zoom for less than two hundred you get a 16x zoom that starts at 24mm, wider than most of the other options here except the F500 which also starts at 24mm. At the longer end of the zoom, and this is true of just about all the cameras on this list, it will suffer from noise as it cranks up the ISO to keep the images properly exposed. I am going to throw the Nikon COOLPIX S9100 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 18x in this list as well. I have never used it, reviews are mixed but it certainly offers the most zoom and the silver version is currently $220. Beyond the zoom it has the highest resolution LCD with 921,000 dots crammed into 3″, all the other cameras in this list have 460,00 or in the case of the sx150 only 231,000. It also offers 1080P recording, something you see in the SX230 and the Fuji. If I was buying for myself and I had to stay under $250 I would pick up the ZS9, an earlier model was a long-time favorite and my top recommended camera. It offers lots of features and having just that little bit of wider lens can make a nice difference in your walk around travel shots. You can’t expect amazing lower light images out of it but it does very well and only by spending ~$80 more and moving up to the HS sensor of the canon, can you get better. Don’t forget to pick up a Transcend 8 GB Class 10 SDHC Happyflier if you or anyone else has questions about this post or the cameras discussed give me a shout @camerarec and until Nov 28th I am giving away a really nice camera bag- all the details at Facebook

iPhone 4s camera – Lag time compared

toby — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 01:43:37 +0000

“The camera has been improved: the 4S has an 8 megapixel sensor shooting pics at 3264 x 2448 resolution. That’s 60% more pixels that the old iPhone’s camera. The iPhone 4S’ camera has backside illumination, the new sensor will allow the camera to gather 73% more light, and it’s faster than the iPhone 4′s old camera. The new Image Signal Processor Apple designed will also enable face detection and 26% better white balance. Apple has compared the iPhone 4S’ camera loading times to other phones, and it turned out the iPhone 4S shoots the first photo in a second, with the second picture to follow in 0.5 seconds. ” Source: Mac Stories

I don’t really care about the comparissons to other phones, lets see how those times stack up against a few popular P&S cameras. My favorite little all around P&S is currently the HS300 which is ready to shoot in 0.36 seconds, the budget A495 Canon is a little slower at 0.42 seconds. To add in a dash of fairness that assumes these cameras are on and not asleep. If you look at time to turn on and be ready for a shot we are somwhere north of two seconds – an eternity if something exciting is happening. Sure the iPhone takes MUCH longer to turn on but how often do you actually have it off off, not just asleep. With the addition of the camera button on the lock screen iOS5 you are looking at a very respectable time and one that will often beat these P&S to the action. Used carefully the Iphone4 camera was capable of some excellent low light, low noise shots like and now the addition of more Megapixels, the backlit sensor and slightly faster lens and we may see the P&S market tanking even faster – Then again the P&S market doesn’t require an expensive month to month contract. One last thought The iPhone 4S does 1080p video recording with image stabilization(using the built in gyroscope) and temporal noise reduction)basically compares each frame and makes a guess as to what is noise and what is detail, tossing out much of the former). We should see some very nice video from this camera too and all with the ability to edit on the go. . . I would love to hear your thoughts – interested? Find me at http://www.facebook.com/Digital.Photo.Recommendations or on Twitter @camerarec

New Rugged P&S from Nikon

toby — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:32:13 +0000

It will be officially announced tonight but the spec and some really low-res images have already leaked out- Nikon Coolpix AW100 Review

Waterproof to 33′
Shockproof to 5′
Withstand temps as low as 14F (just to note I have had P&S & DSLRS out in below zero weather)
Oversized buttons for gloves
5X zoom lens
E-compass and GPS for geo tagging, but there will be basic maps as well.
A new feature called SWING CONTROL – shake the camera in a certain way to change functions (portrait to landscape) -This sounds like the Olympus’ tap control , works ok until you leave it on and stick it in a pocket :/
1080p/30 and 720p/60 HD video recording (60fps = slow motion) with mini HDMI out
Available September 8, 2011 ~ $379.99. Colors blue, black, and orange

Promotional Video for the AW100 – shows the “action” button and geotagging nicely Full Press Release Below——– READY FOR EXTREME ADVENTURE: THE AW100 IS THE FIRST NIKON COOLPIX BUILT TO CHALLENGE THE ELEMENTS Nikon’s Newest COOLPIX Camera Goes Extreme with Compact Rugged Body, CMOS Sensor for Superior Image Quality and GPS Capability MELVILLE, N.Y. (August 24, 2011) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the new COOLPIX AW100, a camera that can stand up to the rigorous expectations of those with an appetite for adventure who demand incredible image quality within a strong, durable body. The waterproof, freeze proof and shockproof COOLPIX AW100 is forged with features for adventure seekers who need amazing image quality and Full High Definition (HD) movie recording to keep pace with their active lifestyle. The COOLPIX AW100’s newly designed rugged chassis is built to withstand harsh environments, yet is compact and lightweight enough to pack for a weekend on the trail. Ready to conquer the rocks, the ice and the waves, the AW100 hosts a myriad of Nikon core technologies aimed at providing stunning images and Full HD 1080p movie recording as well as new GPS technologies for outdoor enthusiasts. “With detailed engineering and advanced technology, the COOLPIX AW100 is the rugged compact camera for the adventure enthusiast who never slows down and needs a camera that delivers amazing images and stunning Full HD movies without a second thought,” said Lisa Osorio, General Manager of Marketing at Nikon Inc. “The AW100 is as tough as the user that needs it, and it offers a sturdy exterior and advanced technology that enables users to capture life’s triumphant moments.” Adventures Captured with Stunning Detail The fast and compact AW100 can be used underwater to a depth of 33 feet, is shock resistant from a drop of five feet and weather resistant down to a frigid 14°F. Whether staring in the face of a raging monsoon or kayaking down the rapids, the battery-chamber, SD card slot, HDMI mini connector and USB/audio video connector are securely covered to prevent intrusion from the elements. Because every extra ounce matters when packing for a trek, the COOLPIX AW100 is one of the thinnest and lightest among true water-proof cameras at approximately 0.9-inches thin and 6.3 ounces light. Image quality is what sets the COOLPIX AW100 apart from the pack, and the camera features a 16.0-megapixel backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor for improved picture quality even in challenging low-light conditions. Whether scrambling a cliff face in scorching sunlight or carefully treading underneath a dense jungle canopy, users can confidently capture images in a variety of light. The camera uses a high sensitivity mode to capture the action in low-light and also features a maximum ISO of 3200 for the ability to capture images where lesser cameras do not make the cut. For added versatility, the COOLPIX AW100 also features a 5x Wide Angle Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens (35mm equivalent of 28-140mm) to let users shoot wild POV angles and zoom in on the action. When the action starts moving fast, the AW100 helps to create blur free images with the use of Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) to minimize camera shake to capture sharp images and HD movies. Engineered with Adventure in Mind The COOLPIX AW100 is born to be extreme and includes features created for the adventurer. The new GPS function and internal map display allow photos to be displayed via location information and saves latitude and longitude information in the image data. Consumers can now shoot and track their route with the included Nikon ViewNX2 software, Nikon’s picture sharing site mypicturetown.com or Google Earth™ to pinpoint the exact orientation at the top of a ski slope or display thumbnails together with a map of the terrain. The camera will also track location while not in use so the user can show an accurate map of their travels up the mountain or kayaking down a river. The AW100 also includes an E-compass, allowing the user to orientate via the LCD screen. The COOLPIX AW100 also features a new Action Control operation, which allows photographers to assign a function to a swinging motion to swiftly select specific settings such as scene mode by simply shaking the camera, avoiding the need to remove gloves in situations like skiing, diving or hiking. The camera has a large 3.0-inch, bright LCD screen with Clear Color Display and anti-reflective coating, providing the ability to see in difficult lighting conditions. Users are also able to mount the camera securely to various mounting systems via the built-in standard tripod mount. Full HD Movie Recording Adventure happens fast, and the AW100 is ready to capture Full HD video to document the day’s climb, hike, bike or dive. The COOLPIX AW100 can capture stereo audio and has the ability to optically zoom during video recording. In addition to Full HD, the camera features a dedicated movie-record button enabling fast, one-touch recording on the fly. Creative movie making can happen with slow and fast action recording options; shoot slow-motion movies at 60, 120 and 240 frames-per-second (fps) or capture fast motion movies at 15 fps. COOLPIX Technology The new COOLPIX AW100 also includes Nikon’s EXPEED C2TM image processing engine resulting in enhanced image quality and processing speed. With the high-speed continuous shooting performance of the camera’s CMOS sensor, combined pictures are used for challenging lighting conditions. When HDR controls are accessed in Backlighting Scene Mode, the camera combines consecutive images of different exposure so that a wide tonality is achieved. Additionally, the COOLPIX AW100 includes Easy Auto Mode, which automatically recognizes the shooting situation and adjusts camera settings accordingly for great pictures. The Smart Portrait System incorporates a series of automatic functions including In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™, Face-Priority AF, Face Priority AE, Smile Mode, Blink Warning, Skin Softening and Pet Portrait mode. Additionally, the COOLPIX AW100 comes with the UE-E23, an attachable 40.5mm thread filter mount adapter. Price and Availability The new COOLPIX AW100 is scheduled to be available in early September 2011 and will have an estimated selling price * of $379.95. It will be available in black, blue and a distinctive, highly visible orange. About Nikon Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. 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; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. In 2011, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 60 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @Nikon_USA. # # # *Estimated selling price listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time

Nikon COOLPIX AW100 Specifications:Effective pixels	16.0 million
Image sensor	1/2.3-in. type CMOS; approx. 16.79 million total pixels
Lens	5. optical zoom, NIKKOR lens; 5.0-25.0mm (angle of view equivalent to that of approx. 28-140 mm lens in 35mm format); f/3.9-4.8, Digital Zoom: up to 4. (angle of view equivalent to that of approx. 560 mm lens in 35mm format)
Focus range (from lens)	*W+: Approx. 1 ft. 8 in. (50 cm) to ∞[T]: Approx. 3 ft 4 in. (1m) to ∞Macro close-up mode: Approx. 0.4 in. (1 cm) to ∞ (wide-angle position)
Monitor	3.0-inch (7.5 cm), approx. 460k-dot, wide viewing angle TFT LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating and 5-level brightness adjustment
Storage media	Internal memory (approx. 83 MB), SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
ISO sensitivity	ISO 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200Auto (auto gain from ISO 125 to 800)Fixed range auto (ISO 125 to 400)
Interface	Hi-Speed USB
Power sources	One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12* (included)AC Adapter EH-62F (available separately)
Battery life(EN-EL12)	Still pictures: Approx. 250 shotsMovies**: 1 h 35 min (HD 1080pP (1920.1080))
Dimensions (WxHxD)	Approx. 110.1 . 64.9 . 22.8 mm (4.4 . 2.6 . 0.9 in.) (excluding projections)
Weight	178 g (6.3 oz) (including battery and SD memory card)
Supplied accessories***	Camera Strap AN-CP23, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12, Battery Charger MH-65, USB Cable UC-E6, Audio Video Cable EG-CP16, Filter Attachment UR-E23, ViewNX 2 CD-ROM

3 New Powershots from Canon

toby — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:17:09 +0000

UPDATE: 11/28/11 – POST Detailing the differences – HS300, HS310, HS500 & HS510 Canon has announced a few new cameras, a flash and several printers today. All of the newly announced cameras share a few features – New Smart IS – IS is image stabilization and the system now built into these and probably all Canon P&S for the foreseeable futures picks from several potential modes to provide the best stabilization based on the use – and the stabilization does work during video. The 310 and 510 models also offer Movie Digest mode. In this mode the camera will automatically record a short video clip (up to approximately 4 seconds) every time you shoot a still image. That entire day’s worth of clips will then be automatically combined into a single video (30fps VGA resolution). Canon PowerShot SX150 IS 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD (pre-order from Amazon) This is their budget-minded super zoom that uses AA batteries. It does offer HD video(720p) with stereo recording, optical zoom while filming and wind filters for the mics. This is the most enthusiast friendly of the bunch and offers aperture and shutter priority modes. Actually the older SX140is did all this too as far as I can tell beyond the two new megapixels it also supports the Apple Iframe movie format which should allow for quicker and easier movie editing. This does NOT mean you need a mac – PC movie editing programs support iFrame format too and you can still shoot in other formats. Available early September. Key Differences SX130 vs SX150

	SX130	SX150
MegaPixels	12.0	14.1

Yep – as far as stats go it really is only the MPs that are different between these two models. There is the much touted improved image stabilization. Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with Full 1080p HD Video (pre-order from Amazon) This is the update to the much loved 300HS. the big change here is 8x zoom is now crammed into that amazingly small body. Does my love show?? To get all that zoom in they start at 28mm as opposed to 24 in the 300HS. Does it matter to you? Really depends on the type of shooting you do. Lots of inside and group shots and you may find yourself missing that 4mm on the other hand if you use this to capture your kids on the soccer field you might really appreciate the extra zoom, almost twice as much as the 300HS. The LCD on the back has been bumped up to the now fairly standard 3″. Available in October. Key Differences 300 HS vs 310 HS

	300HS	310HS
Focal Length	5x (24 – 120mm)	8x (28-224mm)
LCD Screen	2.7″ 230K dots	3.0″ 461K dots
Movie Digest Mode	No	Yes

Basically more zoom and better resolution LCD screen. Though movie digest mode is neat, really depends if it fits your style. Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with Full HD Video and Ultra Wide Angle Lens (Pre-order from Amazon) Billing this as the world’s slimmest 12x zoom the 510 offers a ginormous 3.2″ touch screen on the back and basically all the features of the SX150IS crammed into the body of a small Elph, and it shoots 1080p. Additionally it offers HDMI out so you can watch those 1080p movies directly on your TV. Available in October.

	500HS	510HS
Focal Length	4.4x (24 – 105mm)	12x (28-336mm)
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor), Multi-area, Center, Touch, Face Detection, Live View	Contrast Detect (sensor), Multi-area, Center, Tracking, Single, Continuous, Touch, Face Detection, Live View
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/1600	1/4000
Movie Digest Mode	No	Yes
Macro Focus Range	3 cm	1 cm

Not much information on the flash yet, looks to be compatible with most of the new P&S and fired wirelessly, or more accurately optically by the on board flash. Cost should be ~$150 and available shortly before the holidays. A slew of new printers announced too – will have thoughts on those in a separate post soon. What are your thoughts? Any of these interest you? Worth noting that we will probably see an updated S95/G12 line sometime before the holiday season. Full Canon Press Release————————

Canon’s Latest Powershot Cameras Set New Standards For Image Capture

New PowerShot SX150 IS and ELPH Cameras Showcase Extraordinary Image Quality with Every Shot LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 23, 2011 – Today’s tech-savvy consumers expect to have a photo-capturing device always at hand that is adept at producing exquisite images and video without sacrificing quality. Delivering these users’ must-haves, Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging, announced three new PowerShot Digital cameras that capture beautiful still images and great high-definition video: the PowerShot SX150 IS, the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS (the world’s thinnest digital camera with 12x optical zoom and a 28mm wide-angle lens¹) and the PowerShot ELPH 310 HS. Built to handle a wide range of shooting situations with ease and accuracy, each camera is equipped with features such as impressive zoom, a new Intelligent Image Stabilization (IS) system, Smart AUTO with 32 shooting scenes, High-Speed Burst mode and HD video capture. The ELPH 510 HS and ELPH 310 HS Digital cameras also include Canon’s renowned HS SYSTEM to handle shooting in low light. “With a strong reputation of imaging excellence, Canon incorporates acclaimed quality, design innovation and intuitive engineering into each product,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “With the inclusion of advanced features, such as the HS SYSTEM and HD video in these new PowerShot cameras, we continue to reach new levels of performance and design to satisfy our users.”

Key Features:

Small Cameras, Big Zoom

The impressive zoom with optical image stabilization found in all three new PowerShot models allows users to snap a memorable, highly detailed shot from a variety of distances. The PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera is equipped with a 12x wide-angle optical zoom and 28mm lens. In the compact ELPH series, the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS is the thinnest camera to date, with a 12x optical zoom and 28mm wide-angle lens, while the PowerShot ELPH 310 HS has an 8x optical zoom with 28mm wide-angle lens.

Increase Camera Intelligence

Helping to capture blur-free images and video, Canon introduces the new Intelligent IS system in these PowerShot models. To deliver crisp, undistorted images in various shooting conditions, Intelligent IS automatically chooses from six different modes (Normal, Macro, Panning Dynamic, Powered and Tripod) to optimize image stabilization. Many novice photographers are intimidated when adjusting camera settings. Canon eliminates this issue with its Smart AUTO feature, which analyzes faces, brightness, colors, distance and movement and selects the appropriate setting based on 32 predefined shooting scenes for stills and 21 scenes for video.

Shoot Better in Low Light

Low light photography is a challenge even for a seasoned photographer. To assist the user, the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and ELPH 310 HS utilizes Canon’s HS SYSTEM that combines a 12.1-megapixel, high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor to enhance image quality in low-light settings. The HS SYSTEM also reduces noise at high ISO speeds and expands the camera’s dynamic range to allow for greater detail and color when shooting in darker settings. The HS SYSTEM can also help compensate in situations where a flash can’t be used, such as a wedding or dance recital.

Never Miss the Action

Determining the right moment to “freeze” what you are shooting can be difficult in action scenes. The High-Speed Burst mode in the PowerShot ELPH models ensures that you never miss out on the fast-moving or unpredictable moments. With the simple hold of the shutter button, the High-Speed Burst mode shoots continuously, capturing up to 7.8 frames per second (fps) in the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and 8.7 fps in the PowerShot ELPH 310 HS.

Elevate Video to High Definition

Today, the ability to switch between shooting still images and high-definition video is a key consideration when customers shop for a new camera. Providing stellar video-shooting capability in a compact frame, Canon has incorporated 1080p Full HD video recording into the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and ELPH 310 HS, while the PowerShot SX150 IS camera features 720p HD video recording. Each camera can optically zoom while filming and has a dedicated movie button for quick access to the video-recording mode. The PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and ELPH310 HS cameras also include Movie Digest mode that shoots a four-second video before capturing a still image and then automatically combine a full day’s worth of videos into one clip. All three PowerShot cameras are also iFrame capable, allowing for quick and easy sharing and editing across multiple platforms and devices.

PowerShot Products:

The Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera

The PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera is equipped with a 12x optical zoom with 28mm wide-angle lens, 720p HD video recording, Intelligent IS and Smart AUTO. The PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera also features a 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor. This new camera includes manual-shooting capabilities, such as aperture priority and shutter priority for optimal artistic control that any photography aficionado will appreciate. The PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera includes a discreet-shooting mode to help ensure a low disturbance when capturing photos, and a 3-inch LCD screen for easy viewing and scrolling through menus. Available in black and red, the PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera is scheduled to be available at the beginning of September for an estimated retail price of $249.99.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and ELPH 310 HS Digital cameras

The PowerShot ELPH 510 HS Digital camera features a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with a 12x optical zoom and 28mm wide-angle lens, Canon’s HS SYSTEM and 1080p Full HD video recording. The ELPH 510 HS Digital camera also includes a High-Speed Burst mode, Intelligent IS and Smart AUTO. Available in red, black, and silver, this camera has a 3.2-inch wide, touch-panel LCD screen, offering fast and easy menu navigation. The ELPH 510 HS Digital camera also has Touch Shutter, simply touch the screen where you want to focus and release your finger to take a photo. The ELPH 510 HS Digital camera is scheduled to be available at the beginning of October for the estimated retail price of $349.99. The PowerShot ELPH 310 HS Digital camera has a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with an 8x optical zoom and 28mm wide-angle lens, Canon’s HS SYSTEM and 1080p Full HD video recording. The ELPH 310 HS Digital camera features a High-Speed Burst mode, Intelligent IS and improved Smart AUTO. The ELPH 310 HS Digital camera includes a 3-inch LCD screen and comes in five vibrant colors: purple, blue, pink, green and silver. The ELPH 310 HS Digital camera is scheduled to be available at the beginning of October for an estimated retail price of $259.99.

The Canon HF-DC2 High-Power Flash

To further enhance the built-in flash of the PowerShot lineup, Canon has developed the HF-DC2 High-Power Flash , which increases the effective flash range up to approximately 30 feet and supports 24mm wide-angle shooting with the wide-panel attachment. The HF-DC2 automatically fires in-sync with the camera’s built-in flash and operates wirelessly to capture subjects at twice the range of the camera’s built-in flash. The HF-DC2 includes a mounting bracket that attaches to the camera, but it can also be hand-held or mounted on a tripod. The HF-DC2 High-Power Flash is scheduled to be available in December for an estimated retail price of $149.99.