The soon-to-be-released Canon EOS 550D digital SLR (dSLR) camera is the big brother to last year’s EOS 500D model.
Like its sibling, the Canon EOS 550D will offer Full HD video recording (1920×1080p) and a high-resolution 3-inch LCD screen. You can record in Full HD at either 30, 25 or 24 frames per second with full manual control. The 550D adds Movie Crop functionality, which allows you to crop a standard-definition quality movie at around 7x magnification of the original footage.
Another upgrade is the camera’s 18-megapixel CMOS sensor and Digic 4 processor - so while the EOS 500D produces excellent still images, the EOS 550D’s are simply exceptional. ISO range has been expanded to 100-6400 native sensitivity, expandable to 12,800. A handful of new features are apparent, including Live Face Detection AF mode.
The Canon EOS 550D will be released in Australia on February 26 with local pricing to be advised beforehand.
Buy a cheap Canon camera on sale in Australia
By Caroline Warnes
The new Ricoh CX3 is the update to the CX1 and CX2 compact superzoom digital cameras.
It features a 10.7x optical wide-angle zoom (28-300mm) lens as well as a 10-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor. BSI (backside-illuminated) technology, which is gradually replacing the older FSI (frontside-illuminated) technology, offers performance and feature benefits - for example, it improves light sensitivity and absorption plus improves noise reduction for better images.
The BSI CMOS sensor also allows for further advanced shooting options not available on the CX1 or CX2, including low-light modes and full resolution high-speed burst shooting at 5fps. Macro shooting is available from 1cm.
Another handy feature is multi-target autofocus, which allows you to take five shots in quick succession with different subjects, then you can select the subject to focus on later.
Another upgrade from the CX3’s predecessors is the inclusion of HD movie mode - you can shoot high-definition footage at 720p resolution.
The Ricoh CX3 is due to be released in Australia in February 2010 with a recommended retail price of $499. It will be available in black, violet and pink/grey.
Buy a cheap digital camera on sale in Australia
By Caroline Warnes
The new Olympus Mju Tough 6010 is the latest model in the manufacturer’s Tough range of digital cameras, which are designed to handle just about anything you can throw at them.
If you love the great outdoors and spend a lot of time seeking your thrills outside, then you need a hardy digital camera to take along for the ride. The Olympus Mju Tough 6010 is designed with adventurers in mind - especially if you plan to take your digital camera into the water, snow or anywhere were it might experience a significant shock.
Yes, the camera is waterproof to 3m, will work in conditions as low as negative 10 degrees and can withstand drops of up to 1.5m. This also means it’s an ideal choice for anyone who has kids with a habit of dropping and breaking valuable pieces of electronic equipment.
The camera’s hardiness is its main selling point, with the remaining specifications being nothing too out of the ordinary. It features a 2.7-inch LCD screen, 28-102mm equivalent lens, 12-megapixels of resolution and 3.6x optical zoom. It’s capable of sensitivity up to ISO 1600.
What this adds up to is a very tough camera that produces images that are acceptable without being outstanding. If you’re looking for a camera that isn’t too expensive to take into the great outdoors, the Mju Tough 6010 could be it.
The Olympus Mju Tough 6010 is available in Australia now with a recommended retail price of $399.
Buy a cheap Olympus digital camera on sale in Australia
By Caroline Warnes
The Nikon Coolpix S640 is the latest compact digital camera from this popular manufacturer, with its main selling point being speed.
In fact, Nikon claims that the S640 boasts the fastest start-up time in its class (0.7 seconds). Ultra-fast autofocus and a short shutter-release time lag add to the camera’s speedy performance.
Another main selling point is the inclusion of Nikon’s proprietary Clear Colour Display technology in the 2.7-inch LCD screen, which helps reduce reflection and increase visibility when you’re shooting in direct sunlight or other bright conditions. 5x optical zoom and a wide-angle 28mm lens also weigh in on the plus side.
The rest of the package isn’t really anything out of the ordinary for a compact digicam in this price range. You get a 12.2-megapixel sensor with maximum sensitivity of ISO 6400, 5x optical zoom and 45MB of internal memory, expandable by SD or SDHC cards. While there are two movie modes, unfortunately there’s no HD shooting.
The Australian recommended retail price of the Nikon Coolpix S640 is $499.
Buy a cheap Nikon Coolpix digital camera on sale in Australia
By Caroline Warnes
The Olympus E-P2 digital camera is an updated version of the E-P1, the retro-style camera that was released early in 2009.
The Olympus E-P2 doesn’t offer a whole lot of extra functionality over its predecessor.
The main difference is the inclusion of a detachable live viewfinder with 1.44 million dot resolution screen, which connects to the accessory port on the camera’s body. The viewfinder offers 100% view screen resolution so you can see exactly how the final image will look with no margin of error. The accessory port can also be used to connect the included external microphone adapter.
The rest of the specification list isn’t anything to get too excited about, and includes: 12.3-megapixel resolution, HD movie recording, interchangeable lenses, built-in image stabilisation, eight art filters, AF tracking and ISO 6400 (max).
The Olympus E-P2’s Australian release date has been confirmed as being sometime in December, with pricing to be announced closer to the time.
Buy a cheap Olympus digital camera on sale in Australia
By Caroline Warnes
The new Nikon D3S digital SLR (dSLR) camera is the new and improved version of the popular D3 professional camera.
The D3S builds on the strong feature set of the D3 and is now at the top of Nikon’s FX sensor range (along with the D3X). The FX sensor format is Nikon’s equivalent of 35mm film, which makes these cameras suitable for high-end amateur and professional photographers. The CMOS sensor has been redesigned for this camera and Nikon has also included an image sensor cleaning mechanism.
The Nikon D3S’s maximum sensitivity has been bumped up to 102,400 and native ISO to 200-12,800. Another new feature is HD video recording at 24 frames-per-second (fps), however this is only in 720p format, so not strictly Full HD. Dual-card slots also make an appearance.
The camera does retain some specs from its predecessor, including 12.1-megapixel resolution and a continous shooting speed of 9fps.
The Nikon D3S is available through Nikon’s professional retail channel with a recommended retail price of around the $7000 mark.
Buy a cheap digital camera on sale
By Caroline Warnes
The Canon EOS 7D is the latest addition to the ever-popular range of Canon EOS digital SLR cameras and is billed as the ideal “all rounder” model”.
According to the manufacturer, the Canon EOS 7D sits slightly above the 50D in the EOS range.
The all-rounder tag is well-deserved - the 7D can capture a range of subjects in different shooting conditions, making it ideal for anyone looking to upgrade from an entry-level dSLR camera. It features 19-point autofocus and a standard ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 12800, helping you take better photos in low-light settings. Also included is live face detection and live view shooting.
Other specifications include:
* 18-megapixel CMOS sensor
* 3-inch Clear View II LCD screen
* Eight frames-per-second shooting speed
* Full HD movie recording.
The Canon EOS 7D’s Australian release date has been set for some time during October, with local pricing to be confirmed closer to the time.
Buy a cheap Canon EOS digital camera on sale
By Caroline Warnes
The new Nikon Coolpix S1000pj camera, due to be launched next month, will be the first compact digital camera with a built-in projector.
This is an interesting concept for anyone who wants to be able to share their still photos or video clips anywhere, at any time. The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj will be able to project photos or movies on any flat surfact at up to 40 inches in size. The manufacturer has even thrown in a projector stand.
Of course, you can’t reasonably expect the S1000pj to offer the same performance as a standalone projector. Brightness is only rated at up to 10 lumens while battery life is just one hour.
Aside from the projector functionality, Nikon has also equipped the Coolpix S1000pj with a range of other features and specifications, including:
- 12.1-megapixels effective resolution
- 5x zoom Nikkor lens
- Electronic image stabilisation
- 16 scene modes and four movie modes
- 36MB of internal memory
- Hi-Speed USB connectivity.
The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj projector camera’s Australian release date will be during September and local pricing has been set at $699.
Buy a cheap Nikon digital camera on sale
By Caroline Warnes
The new Nikon D3000 camera is the latest addition to the Nikon digital SLR (dSLR) camera range and is a very affordable entry-level model.
Carrying an Australian price tag just shy of the $1000 mark ($999, in fact), you can’t expect anything too advanced from the Nikon D3000. However if you’re looking to buy your first dSLR camera and really need a beginner’s camera, this is definitely one to consider.
Nikon is actually releasing the D3000 as a replacement to its popular D60 entry-level model, and you’ll find some decent improvements over the earlier model. It features a 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, a 3-inch LCD screen and 11 focus points. It can shoot at up to three frames per second.
As mentioned above, this is a very basic entry-level model so you won’t really find any flash features or specifications. What is nice though is the easy-to-use menus and some interesting preset modes, all of which will appeal to anyone new to digital SLR cameras.
Buy a cheap Nikon digital camera on sale
By Caroline Warnes
The Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR is an extremely versatile compact digital camera that will appeal to a vast range of point-and-shoot camera aficionados.
The most noteworthy aspect of the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR is the inclusion of the manufacturer’s Super CCD EXR 12-megapixel sensor. This may not mean much to you, but this technology improves low-light performance and dynamic range - something that will appeal to anyone who has used a cheap point-and-shoot digicam before and found it lacking.
Another notable feature of the FinePix F200EXR is the sheer number of shooting options. As well as EXR mode you’ll also find a standard Auto mode, complete with 15 scene mode options; Program (aperture and shutter speed are set automatically while the user makes other adjustments); Manual; Natural Light for shooting without the flash; and a Natural with flash mode. Fujifilm has also equipped the FinePix F200EXR with the requisite face detection mode, with claimed improved function for up to 10 faces.
Rounding out this small but solid package are a 28mm wide-angle lens with 5x zoom and a 3-inch LCD on the back, which are all fairly standard for a compact digital camera in this class.
Buy a cheap Fujifilm FinePix digital camera on sale
By Caroline Warnes
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