The Samsung PL50 is a basic entry-level digital camera that offers a basic feature set and reasonable performance for under $250.

You won’t be blown away by what the Samsung PL50 has to offer in terms of specifications and features, but for the $249 recommended retail price, you can’t really expect to find the creme de la creme of digital cameras.

It features a 10.2-megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom, an equivalent 35-105mm lens and 9MB of memory built in, which is on the meagre side even for the most compact of today’s compact digital cameras.

Samsung has also equipped the PL50 with the standard automatic shooting modes as well as a couple of extras, including Beauty Shot, which as the name suggests is intended to smooth out imperfections including lines and blemishes. Novices will also appreciate the PL50’s Photo Help Guide, which guides you through the camera’s settings and modes.

The PL50’s performance isn’t world-beating, but it’s not the worst on the market either. Image quality is reasonable however the camera does tend to perform on the slow side, which won’t suit anyone taking lots of photos of sporting events or other fast-moving action.

Buy cheap digital cameras on sale

By Caroline Warnes

The Sony Alpha A230 dSLR camera is one of three new models to be added to Sony’s range. They have all been marked with an Australian release date of July.

The Sony A230 dSLR camera will be the world’s lightest digital SLR with on-board image stabilisation when it is released, weighing in at just 450 grams.

Ease-of-use is the name of the game with this dSLR. Sony has reduced the number of buttons on the chassis, enabling one-hand operation. There’s also easy-to-use graphic interface that includes an on-screen help guide which will provide you with sample photos and shooting tips.

Sony has indicated the A230 will include a 10.2-megapixel CCD image sensor as well as SteadyShot image stabilisation, an improved D-Range Optimiser, auto white balance adjustment and Eye-Start AF, which automatically enables autofocus when you’re looking through the viewfinder.

The Sony A230 digital SLR camera will also come equipped with an HDMI output, which is rare for an entry-level camera. This means you can play back your photos in Full HD on a high-definition TV. Rounding out connectivity is one Memory Stick Duo and one SD slot.

Sony announced another two models that will be released at the same time as the A230 - the A330 and A380.

Buy a cheap Sony dSLR camera

By Caroline Warnes

The Canon PowerShot D10 is Canon’s first underwater digital camera, and for a first attempt, it’s a pretty impressive package and worthy of review by any outdoor adventurer.

The Canon D10 may not be the prettiest PowerShot camera on the block, thanks to its chunky design and oversized features. But if you’re talking about using a digital camera underwater (or any kind of electronic device, really), then you’ll find out you need something with big buttons and lots to hang on to.

However if aesthetics are important to you, you can change the coloured faceplate of the Canon D10. It comes with a blue plate out-of-the-box but you can buy a range of colours to interchange with it.

But like all Canon cameras, performance is what it’s all about with the D10. It boasts a 12.1-megapixel resolution, which puts it on a par with similar models such as the Olympus Tough range. It’s waterproof to 10 metres, shockproof from 1 metre and can survive in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius (or so Canon says).

The Canon PowerShot D10 is an incredibly speedy camera for an underwater model, which is rare for a rugged digital camera. Image quality is fairly standard, but unless you’re a wildlife photographer who is planning on snapping professional photos underwater, you should be happy enough with it.

Buy the Canon PowerShot D10 in Australia

By Caroline Warnes

The Nikon D3X digital SLR (dSLR) camera is a very impressive addition to the high-end market - and with an RRP just shy of $14,000, we’re talking very high-end.

However if you’re a pro user looking to get the best pictures your money will buy, the Nikon D3X will undoubtedly be on your shortlist. It’s a successor to the popular D3 dSLR, but with upgraded functionality and performance.

Weighing in at well over 1kg, the D3X looks and feels like a serious camera. The body is weather and dust resistant, so you can take it just about anywhere - a must for professional users.

It boasts a 24.5-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor as well as a 3-inch LCD screen for reviewing images that is a strong contendor for best-in-class. There are four shooting modes - program, aperture, shutter and manual - as well as impressive auto-focus function and bracketing a metering functionality.

But it’s the image quality that is the true standout and one that will make many professional users seriously consider that jaw-dropping price tag. Images are clean and crisp with vibrant colours and blacks. Shooting speed is a little slower than many others in this class, so if you need to shoot fast-moving action, the D3X won’t suit you. But for all other professional digital camera users, this little beauty is one to watch.

Buy digital cameras from shops in Australia

By Caroline Warnes

The latest addition to Canon’s EOS range of dSLR cameras is the 500D, positioned between the EOS 450D and 40D.

It includes full high-definition movie recording as well as live view shooting with face detection, both first-in-class milestones for Canon.

The Canon EOS 500D is aimed at dSLR users looking to upgrade, or ambitious first-time dSLR buyers who want a camera that they can grow into, says the manufacturer. It sports 1 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, DiG!C 4 image processor, an ISO speed range of 100-3200 and a three-inch LCD monitor.

It will be available in May with pricing to be confirmed closer to the release date.

Click here to find offers on Canon digital cameras from retailers near you.

By Caroline Warnes

Come April Sony will launch another superzoom camera into the market, the Cyber-shot DSC-HX1.

The Sony HX1 features a 20x optical zoom, pitting it against the likes of other superzoom digital cameras such as the Nikon P90 and the Panasonic FZ228. Because we’re seeing an increasing number of superzoom cameras on the market, Sony needed a point of difference with the HX1 and this comes in the form of the manufacturer’s proprietary 9.1-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, previously used on its dSLR cameras. It also features Sweep Panorama, allowing you to create panoramic shots on the camera itself.

Then there is the HX1’s ability to take 1080p HD video (1440×1980 pixels rather than full HD), a first for the Cyber-shot range.

Although pricing is yet to be finalised for the April release, at this stage it looks like this new superzoom from Sony won’t come cheap. The RRP is expected to sit around the $1100 mark.

Click here to find offers on Sony digital cameras from retailers near you.

By Caroline Warnes

The Nikon Coolpix S630 compact digital camera combines a 7x optical zoom lens in an ultra-compact and portable form.

Weighing in at just 165g, the Coolpix S630 also manages to include a 12-megapixel sensor inside the camera as well as a host of features such as 16 scene modes, a large 2.7-inch LCD, motion detection and quick retouch. Another noteworthy inclusion is that of Nikon’s Smart Portrait System, which automatically detects up to 12 faces in the one shot.

Nikon also claims the S630 can capture up to 11 frames per second, making it ideal for capturing fast-paced action such as team sports.

The Nikon S630 isn’t the cheapest camera in its class, carrying an RRP of $599. However it is a reliable digital camera with much to recommend it, including reasonable image quality.

Click here to find offers on Nikon digital cameras from retailers near you.

By Caroline Warnes

Olympus has announced the E-620 digital SLR camera, which the manufacturer claims to be the world’s lightest with in-built image stabilisation.

The E-620 weighs in at just under 500 grams (475g to be exact) and is expected to be one of the more affordable dSLR cameras on the market. Local pricing is yet to be released (we won’t see the camera until April), but US pricing has been announced as US$700 (body only).

Despite being one of the more cost-effective digital cameras in its category, the Olympus E-620 has some features and functionality seen in higher-end cameras, including a 2.7-inch LCD screen. Its built-in flash also offers support for wireless off-camera flash synchronisation.

Other specifications include 12.3-megapixels of resolution, 4fps burst speed and four aspect ratios.

Click here to find offers on Olympus digital cameras from retailers near you.

By Caroline Warnes

Canon will release another model in its super zoom SX series in April, combining a huge zoom, wide-angle lens and HD movie recording in a compact body.

The Canon PowerShot SX200 IS - scheduled to be released locally in April - features a 28mm wide-angle, 12x optical zoom lens and 12.1-megapixel resolution, which Canon expects to prove popular with a range of compact digital camera users, including travellers.

The lens allows you to capture detail from a distance as well as panoramic landscapes. The quality of your shots will also be improved by the inclusion of optical image stabilisation. Movie recording is in high-definition 1280×720 format.

The PowerShot SX200 IS also includes Intelligent Auto, a new technology from Canon. Intelligent Auto combines scene detection, face detection, motion detection and noise reduction into one automatic mode.

Also new is Blink Detection, which flashes a warning for three seconds after the user captures a photo in which one of the subjects was blinking.

Pricing will be released closer to April, but given that the camera is positioned between the SX10 IS and SX110 IS models in the PowerShot range, it is expected to fall somewhere between $400 and $650.

Click here to find offers on Canon digital cameras from retailers near you.

By Caroline Warnes

Nikon has unveiled the models in its new line of Coolpix digital cameras, due to arrive in-store on February 20.

Eight new models have been announced in the popular line of compact digital cameras.

Nikon Coolpix S630: The Coolpix S630 combines a 7x zoom lens with a 12-megapixel images sensor and an ultra-compact form. Feature highlights include Smart Portrait System, which detects as many as 12 faces in the shot; ISO 6400 capability to extend shooting range and Quick Retouch.

Nikon Coolpix S620: The Coolpix S620 is an ultra-compact digital camera with a 4x-Zoom Nikkor lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage and macro shooting ability from 2cm. The S620 allows you to shoot at any image size up to 4000×3000 pixels with light sensitivity settings up to ISO 6400. This model comes in black, blue, pink or silver.

Nikon Coolpix S230: As pictured above, the Nikon Coolpix S230 offers a 3-inch touchscreen, advanced shooting features and a choice of three colours (silver, red and purple).

Nikon Coolpix S220: The Coolpix S220 is a 10-megapixel digital camera that offers an ultra-compact body, measuring just 1.8cm at its thickest. It’s available in silver, aqua, magenta, blue and purple.

Nikon Coolpix L19 and L20: The L19 and L20 are two similar models that offer 8- and 10-megapixel resolutions respectively as well as advanced functions, including Scene Auto Selector, Smart Portrait System, Motion Detection and Best Shot Selector.

Nikon Coolpix P90: The Nikon Coolpix P90 combines extended reach, wide-angle coverage and advanced shooting functions. Features include a 24x Zoom-Nikkor lens and 12.1-megapixel resolution.

Nikon Coolpix L100: The most advanced digital camera in the new range is the Coolpix L100, which features 15x optical zoom, 10-megapixel resolution and advanced features including Smart Portrait System and advanced image stabilisation.

Click here to find offers on Nikon digital cameras from retailers near you.

By Caroline Warnes