Canon Powershot G9 Review

The Canon Powershot G9 is a 12 megapixel digital camera with a 6x optical zoom lens. Those headline features only tell part of the story as the Powershot G9 is about the most advanced compact camera on the market. In terms of features it has a roll call similar to what you would expect from an SLR camera. It is ideal for a photography enthusiast or someone who owns an SLR, but is looking for a more portable second camera. Image Quality Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom) My first outdoor scenic shot gets my tests off to a good start. I can see from the brickwork on the building that the camera is capable of taking sharp photos where the light is good. The sharp focus also holds as you move out towards the edges of the photo. The Powershot G9 handles the glare of the sun as well as most other cameras manage. This means that there is a loss of detail where the sun directly strikes the boats. This problem is accentuated at this time of the year when the sun is lower in the sky. Outdoor 2 (No Zoom) This is a good attempt at a wide angle shot. As with any camera with the scene somewhat distant this photos is not as sharp as all the other test photos. Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom) With the zoom lens fully extended the Powershot G9 manages to produces a pleasingly sharp shot. There is plenty of detail evident on the boats in the photo. Again checking the brickwork on the buildings in the shot I can see the camera is still capable of very sharp focus from a decent distance. Outdoor Portrait I like this photo. I have used the face detection setting to ensure the face is in sharp focus and a white balance setting of cloudy to pep up the colours in the shot. Both of these settings work well and this is a good result. I also like the brightness of the shot. Indoor Portrait with Flash This is another photo that works well. The photo is sharp and bright. There was a touch of red eye in the original shot, but I was able to clean this up by using the red eye correction tool. Indoor Portrait without Flash Perhaps this photo is just a bit darker than I would like to see, but it is still a much better effort than most cameras manage. Considering the indoor lighting the shot is much sharper than I am used to seeing. Colours Colours more than any other part of a photograph are all about personal taste. The colours produced by Canon digital cameras in general are more or less perfect for me. They are vibrant without being too strong. Macro On a recent review I mentioned the fact that the macro shot was a good indicator as to the overall quality of the lens. Well the macro shot I have taken with the Powershot G9 is outstanding and is one of the very best I have taken in all the tests I have made. The key point for macro shots is clarity and I don't think this photo could be much sharper. ISO 400 There is more detail showing in this shot than most other cameras are able to manage. You should be able to use this setting and get acceptable shots in some lower light situations. ISO 1600 By the time you have pushed the ISO level above 400 picture quality does begin to fall. At ISO 1600 there is a clear fall off in the standard of the photo. Overall The Powershot G9 scores well in just about every area. It outperforms just about every other consumer camera on the market. Shutter Lag I was able to take a single photo in 0.39 seconds and five in 9.65 seconds. Although these are reasonable times they are disappointing for such an advanced camera. With flash times increased to 0.57 seconds or 11.92 seconds. Style: The Powershot G9 has quite a chunky design. If I say it resembles a small brick you may get the wrong idea as what this does is give the camera a very sturdy feel. It is a good size to take a decent grip of and will appeal to many people looking for a "real" camera. Dimensions: 106.4 x 71.9 x 42.5 mm Weight: 320g Batteries: Lithium ion. A battery and charger are supplied with the camera. Canon estimates you should be able to take around 240 shots between recharges. Memory cards: A 32mb SD card is supplied with the camera. I was able to take 10 photos before the card was full. It is also compatible with SD HC cards. Ease of use rating:Good. With all the features packed into the camera it is never going to score highly for ease of use. By adding a couple of extra dials though Canon have certainly improved usability and it is quicker to change key settings with the Powershot G9 than with most other compact cameras. Points I like: Picture quality - viewfinder - features - red eye correction tool - macro shot - LCD screen quality Where it could improve: Shutter lag times are longer than SLR lag times Alternatives: If you like the idea of an advanced compact, but find the price tag of this camera difficult to justify then try taking a look Verdict: The Canon Powershot G9 ticks all the right boxes for me. In terms of picture quality it is difficult to find much better in a compact camera. It is also packed with features and it will be hard for me to let this camera go. Recommended. Front View Top View Back View Sample Menus Canon Powershot G9 Summary Description: 12 megapixels and a 6x optical zoom lens Ease of Use: 8 Features: 10 Colour: 9 Macro: 10 Indoors: 9 Value for Money: 8 Style: 8 Movie Mode: 8 Image Quality: 9 Build Quality: 9 Total: 88 Verdict: If quality is what counts for you the Canon Powershot G9 should be towards the top of your shortlist. It is packed with features, offers excellent picture quality and has a good build quality too. Recommended. Review Date: November 2007 Click for: Specification Sample Images Features Similar Digital Cameras You May Like To See Camera Rating Nikon Coolpix P5000 88 Nikon Coolpix P5100 88 Canon Powershot G9 88 Canon Powershot G7 86 Fuji Finepix S9600 84 Panasonic DMC LX2 81

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, please make sure you double check the feature set and specification at the point of purchase.

Olympus E-510 EVOLT Review,

Review based on a production E-510

Just before PMA in March 2007 Olympus lifted the curtain on two new Four-Thirds system compact digital SLRs, the E-410 (reviewed here in June) and this model, the E-510 (which is essentially a replacement for the well regarded E-500). Although the E-510 has much in common with its little brother, including an all-new (Matsushita) Live MOS Image Sensor that can provide Full Time Live-View on the LCD monitor and an updated TruePic image processor, it is a considerably more sophisticated tool with some important extra features. Key amongst these is a sensor-shift image stabilization system and more sophisticated external controls, though are also numerous minor feature differences too. Note that some of the text in this review (when describing identical functions) is repeated from the E-410 review.

Compared to E410 - key differences

Once you start to look under the hood there are actually a surprising number of differences between the E-410 and the E-510, even putting aside the obvious; the latter's CCD-shift image stabilization system and bulkier design (the E-510 has a true 'grip', something the E-410 does without). This is obviously a camera aimed far more squarely at the 'enthusiast' market than its kid brother, and it offers a far more sophisticated level of control and customization. Below is a far from exhaustive list of the key differences:

• Larger and heavier
• Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
• Dedicated buttons for WB, ISO, Metering and AF mode
• Dedicated AF area button
• Customizable Fn button
• Two 'MyMode' custom modes
• Finer, customizable EV steps (1/3, 1/2 and 1 EV)
• Wider range of custom settings and minor extra features (e.g. file naming options, customizable HQ mode, Auto ISO limit etc)
• Very slightly different continuous shooting / buffering (6 raw frames vs 7 on the E-410)
• Optional wireless remote control

Key feature comparison (vs E-500 EVOLT)

Of course the E-510 is actually the successor to the E-500 (and the E-300 before it), and although the headline changes are significant (new sensor/processor, live view, in-body stabilization), there are also a number of minor feature tweaks and improvements (in fact far too many to list here, so we'll stick with the basics).

• New 10MP Live MOS sensor and TruePic III processor
• CCD-shift image stabilization
• The return of Live View
• New kit lenses
• Faster USB interface ('real' USB 2.0 speed)
• All-new body shape
• Wired remote option
• Slightly higher continuous shooting frame rate and larger raw buffer
• New high resolution LCD screen
• Loss of some minor features (ISO step control, manual focus bracketing, time lapse, customizable display color scheme, TIFF)
• A few new and/or improved features (true auto ISO with limit setting, noise filter)

	Olympus E-510 EVOLT	Olympus E-500 EVOLT
Sensor	• 4/3 type Live MOS sensor • 17.3 x 13.0 mm active area • 10.9 million total pixels • 10.0 million effective pixels • RGB (Primary) color filter array • Fixed low pass filter (anti-alias filter)	• Kodak 4/3 Type CCD • 8.0 million effective pixels • Modified Hot Mirror (InfraRed filter)
Stabilization?	Yes, CCD-shift	No
Live View?	Yes	No
File Formats	• RAW • RAW + JPEG • JPEG (EXIF 2.2) - three levels	• RAW • RAW + JPEG • TIFF • JPEG (EXIF 2.2) - three levels
Processor	TruePic III	TurPic TURBO
Continuous	• 3.0 fps • RAW: 6 frames maximum • JPEG: Up to card capacity @ HQ 1/8 (with high speed media)	• 2.5 fps • RAW: 4 frames • JPEG: Unlimited with high speed card
My Mode?	Yes (2)	Yes
Flash	• Auto electronic pop-up • TTL auto / manual • Guide no. 12	• Electronic release pop-up • TTL auto / manual • Guide no. 13
Scene modes	• Portrait • Landscape • Landscape & Portrait • Night Scene • Night Scene & Portrait • Children • Sport • High Key • Low Key • Digital Image Stabilization • Macro • Nature Macro • Candle • Sunset • Fireworks • Document • Panorama (req. Olympus xD-Picture Card) • Beach & Snow • Underwater wide and macro	• Portrait • Landscape • Landscape & Portrait • Night Scene • Night Scene & Portrait • Firework • Sunset • Macro • Sports • High Key • Low key • Document • Beach & Snow • Candle • Children
MF Bracketing	No	Yes
Viewfinder	• Eye-level TTL Optical Pentaprism • Field of view 95% • Magnification 0.92x with a 50mm lens and -1 dioptre • Clip-fit eyecup	• Top mounted pentaprism • 95% field of view • 0.9x magnification • Clip-fit eyecup
LCD monitor	• 2.5" TFT LCD monitor (wide viewing angle, semi-transmissive) • 230,000 pixels • 100% frame coverage	• 2.5" TFT LCD monitor • 215,250 pixels • Wide viewing angle
USB speed	2.0 High Speed	2.0 Full Speed (i.e. USB 1.1 speed)
Dimensions	136 x 92 x 68 mm (5.4 x 3.6 x 2.7 in)	130 x 95 x 66 mm (5.1 x 3.7 x 2.6 in)
	• No battery 460 g (16.2 oz) • With battery 535 g (18.9 oz)	• No battery: 435 g (15.3 oz) • With battery: 479 g (16.9 oz)
Other	• Auto ISO limit • Noise Filter • New kit lens	• ISO step options • ISO 400+ must be enabled using 'ISO boost' option • TIFF mode • Control panel color options

Casio Exilim EX-S880

t's nearly a year since I reviewed the Casio Exilim EX-S770, gave it a "Recommended" award with 9/10 in all four score categories and described it as "currently the best ultra-compact digital camera on the market". As far as I know the S770 sold very well, so it's a bit surprising that Casio has taken as long as it has to launch an updated version. Still, it's here now, so let's take a look at the new Exilim EX-S880.

The Exilim EX-S880 is an 8.1-megapixel, 3x zoom ultra-compact camera featuring a 2.8-inch high-resolution widescreen monitor. It will come as little surprise to anyone who watches the digital camera market that externally the S880 is almost identical to its predecessor. It has exactly the same strong and stylish steel body, with exactly the same slim dimensions, just 94.5 x 60.4 x 17.3mm, making it once again one of the thinnest cameras on the market. That 17.3mm thickness is genuine too, and includes the thickness of the monitor and lens, unlike the dubious practice of some manufacturers who claim tiny dimensions by measuring only the thinnest part of the camera. Weighing just 128g the S880 is the ultimate shirt-pocket camera. You can take it on a night out with you and barely know you're carrying it. As with the S770 the build quality is superb, and the camera is available in silver, charcoal grey or the striking dark metallic red of my review sample. I have frequently been accused of having the fashion sense of Jeremy Clarkson, but I have to say that in my opinion it is one of the best-looking cameras I've seen.

Casio's EX-S series of high-quality ultra-slim cameras exists in a fairly competitive end of the market. It is up against Canon's popular IXUS range for a start, including the new IXUS 860 IS (£235) and 950 IS (£210), as well as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 (£245), the Nikon CoolPix S510 (£190) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W90 (£200). As well as these high end models, Casio is also competing with less ambitious cameras such as the Olympus FE-250 (£120) and Pentax Optio M40 (£130). It competes well though, because the S880 is available for £129.99, which is actually cheaper than the current price of the S770.

Canon PowerShot TX1

Canon Powershot TX1 Major Features 7.1 Megapixels effective resolution 10x optical zoom lens (39-390mm equivalent) with Optical Image Stabilizer Still Images and Video: The Best of Both Worlds With MovieSnap Newly adapted for the PowerShot TX1 digital camera’s 7.1 megapixel CCD image sensor, MovieSnap enables users to capture high-resolution still images while recording movies, helping to ensure that milestone memories are preserved 1280 x 720 movie recording with sound (720P Wide Screen 16:9 ratio) 1.8" LCD viewing monitor 115K Advanced Face Detection and Red Eye Correction Up to 1600 ISO sensitivity for low light shooting Secure Digital (SD) Memory Media storage

Canon has today introduced the Canon PowerShot TX1 digital camera, with 7.1 megapixels of effective resolution and a 10x optical zoom with optical image stabilizer offering an equivalent to 39-390mm focal range in 35mm terms.

What makes the Canon Powershot TX1 digital camera stand out in particular is that it is a camera that combines high resolution still capture with the ability to capture movies with resolutions up to 1280 x 720 pixels, and frame-rates up to 60fps in QVGA resolution.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 Review

Almost exactly 12 months after the launch of the Cyber-shot DSC-H2 and DSC-H5 Sony announced the replacement cameras; the DSC-H7 (reviewed here) and the top-of-the-range mode the DSC-H9 (reviewed at the end of May). That Sony chose to increase the pixel count (to 8MP) and to include this year's 'must have' features (face detection and ludicrously high maximum ISO) can't have surprised many, but there are a few less predictable new features, and a few welcome changes. The former include a 15x zoom and HDTV (well, 1080i) output. The latter include an improved focus system, faster performance and a new (in the box) remote control. The H7 and H9 appear to be internally pretty much identical, though there are some feature differences that explain the $80 price difference (chiefly, the H9's screen and NightShot mode) - the H7 is basically the 'budget' model.

Note: Some sections of this review are taken directly from the Sony H9 review as in most respects the cameras are functionally identical. All test images are from the H7 unless indicated.

Cyber-shot DSC-H7 vs DSC-H2 - key changes

• New sensor (8MP versus 6MP)
• longer lens range (15x up from 12x)
• Higher maximum sensitivity (ISO 3200)
• Larger screen (2.5-inch vs 2.0 inch)
• Lithium Ion battery
• Control dial has moved to rear of camera
• 9-point AF (was 3-point)
• New Sports mode
• HDTV (1080i) video output (via optional component cable)
• Face detection
• D-Range optimization (auto contrast)
• In-camera retouching
• Remote control included
• Entirely new user interface

	Sony DSC-H7	Sony DSC-H2
Sensor	• 1/2.5 " Type CCD • 8.1 million effective pixels	• 1/2.5” CCD, • 6.0 million effective pixels
Lens	• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar • 31-465mm (35mm equiv) • 15x optical zoom • F2.7-4.5	• 36-432mm equiv • 12x optical zoom • Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar • F2.8-3.7
Maximum Image Size	3264 x 2448	3072 x 2304
Sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 80-3200	• Auto • ISO 80-1000
Top shutter speed	1/4000th	1/2000th
Autofocus modes	• 9 Area Multi-Point AF • Center AF • Flexible spot AF	• 3 Area Multi-Point AF • Center AF (selectable) • Flexible spot AF
Scene modes	• Twilight • Twilight Portrait • Portrait • Landscape • Beach • Snow • Fireworks • High Sensitivity • Advanced Sports Shooting	• Twilight • Twilight Portrait • Portrait • Landscape • Beach • High-speed shutter • High Sensitivity
Continuous Shooting	100 shots, 2.2fps, 8MP (max)	1.1 fps, up to 7 frames
Flash range, Auto ISO	Up to 9.8m (wide)	Up to 9.0m (wide)
LCD screen	• 2.5" TFT • 115,000 pixels	• 2.0" TFT • 85,000 pixels
Power	• Lithium-ion NP-BG1 battery	2x AA
Battery life (CIPA standard, using LCD)	280	340
Weight (inc batteries)	514g	537g
Remote control	Included	No
Other	• Face Detection • HDTV output (optional cable) • Bionz processing engine • In-camera effects

Cyber-shot DSC-H9 vs DSC-H7

As with the previous generation (H2 and H5) there are two almost identical 'H' cameras. The camera on review here, the H7, is a cut-down version of the H9, though the differences are fairly minimal (the big one is the screen).

• H9 has a larger (3.0 inch), higher-resolution tilting screen (H7: 2.5-inch non-articulated)
• H9 has external buttons for metering and continuous shooting modes, H7 doesn't
• H9 is around 32g (1.1 oz) heavier
• H9 has NightShot function, H7 doesn't.

DSC H-7 specifications

Street price	• US: $380 • UK: £245
Body Material	Plastic
Sensor	• 1/2.5 " Type CCD • 8.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 3264 x 2448 • 2592 x 1944 • 2048 x 1536 • 640 x 480 • 3264 x 2176 (3:2) • 1920 x 1080 (16:9)
Movie clips	• MPEG VX Fine / Standard (640 x 480 @ 30 / 16 fps MPEG-1 with audio)
File formats	• Still: JPEG • Movie: MPEG VX (MPEG-1)
Lens	• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar • 31-465mm (35mm equiv) • 15x optical zoom • F2.7-4.5
Image stabilization	Super SteadyShot®
Conversion lenses	Yes
Digital zoom	• 2x (24x total) • Up to 30x Smart Zoom (dependent on selected resolution)
Focus	• Auto • Macro • Single • Monitoring
AF area modes	• 9 Area Multi-Point AF • Center AF • Flexible spot AF • Contrast detect
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	• Normal: 50cm (19.7 in) minimum (W), 120cm (47.25 in) minimum (T) • Macro: 1cm (0.4 in) wide only
Metering	• Multi-pattern (49 zone) • Center weighted • Spot
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 80 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600 • ISO 3200
Exposure compensation	• +/-2EV • 1/3 EV steps
Exposure bracketing	+/- 0.3, 0.7, 1.0 EV
Shutter speed	• Auto: 1/4-1/4000sec • P: 1"-1/4000sec • S: 30"-1/4000sec • A: 8"-1/2000sec • M: 30"-1/4000sec
Aperture	F2.7-5.6 (w) F4.5-8 (t)
Modes	• Program • Aperture priority • Shutter priority • Manual • 9-preset select scene modes
Scene modes	• Twilight • Twilight Portrait • Portrait • Landscape • Beach • Snow • Fireworks • High Sensitivity • Advanced Sports Shooting
White balance	• Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Fluorescent 1, 2, 3 • Incandescent • Flash WB • Manual
Self timer	• 10 or 2 secs
Continuous shooting	100 shots, 2.2fps, 8MP (max)
Image parameters	Natural, Vivid, Sepia, B&W, Sharpness, Contrast
Flash	• Auto • On • Slow Synch • Off • Red-eye reduction • Front/rear synch • Auto/Daylight synch • Range: 0.2 - 9.8m (wide) 1.2 - 6m (tele)
Viewfinder	• 0.2" EVF • 201K pixels
LCD monitor	• 2.5" TFT • 115K pixels
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 high speed • HD • AV w/multi-jack • DC in
Print compliance	PictBridge, DPOF
Storage	• Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo compatible • 31MB internal memory
Power	• Lithium-ion NP-BG1 battery • BC-CSG Charger
Weight (excl batt)	514 g (1lb 2.1 oz) - incl. strap, adaptor ring, lens hood, cap etc.
Dimensions	109.5 x 83.4 x 85.7 mm (4.6 x 3.3 x 3.7 in)

Olympus firmware updates

Update firmware (E-300/330/500)

Description:
Here is the description of the operation in OLYMPUS Master Plus Ver. 1.0.

---

Caution: To update the firmware of your digital camera, you should meet the following conditions: - Your computer is connected to the internet. - You have logged on as a user with the administrator’s privileges (for Windows XP/2000 or Mac OS X). - Reminder: Please remember to remove the card from your digital camera (for Windows XP).

Please follow the steps below:

1. Connect the digital camera to your computer using a USB cable.
   
   
   
   
   

   Memo: - Be aware that you cannot return to the previous version once the firmware is updated. - Make sure that the battery level of the camera is sufficient. If not, use the AC adapter (not supplied). - Do not press the buttons on the digital camera, turn off the camera, or disconnect the USB cable from the camera during firmware update. - To update the firmware of your E-500, E-330 or E-300, please set your camera as follows before connecting your camera to your computer. - E-500 / E-330 : MENU > set up menu > USB MODE > STORAGE - E-300 : MENU > set up menu > PC MODE > STORAGE




2. From the [Online Service] menu in the [Browse] window, select [Update Camera].
   Please click [Online Service] button in the toolbar located at the top of the window, and select [Update Camera] from the pull-down menu.
   
   
   
   
   

   Tips: You can also select the [Online Service] menu from the [RAW Development], [Screen Saver], or [Movie Maker] window.

   
   
   
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to access the OLYMPUS server.
   When connected to the server, the [Update Camera] dialog box appears. Please click [OK] button.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. From [Selecting device], select the device to be updated, and click the [Check for latest version] button.
   If the latest version of firmware is available for download, the list of firmware is displayed in the dialog box.
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Select the firmware to be applied, and click [Update] button.
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Tips: If you want to check the contents of update before downloading, select the firmware to apply, and then click [Details]. A web browser launches, and the details about the firmware are displayed.

   
   
   
6. When the license agreement is displayed, read the license agreement, and click [Agree].
   The selected firmware is downloaded and transferred to the digital camera. Then, the digital camera performs the update.
   
   
   
7. When OK is displayed on the LCD display of the digital camera, as shown on the right in the dialg box below, updating the camera is complete. Click [Next].
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Disconnect the USB cable connecting the digital camera and the computer.

All procedure is complete.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3

It’s a strange sense of satisfaction when I come to the same decision as a photography blog. I have been waiting for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 for almost a year now. I currently own the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2. It has been an excellent camera with only a couple of items wanting: I wanted SDHC support and I wanted better video quality. I have watched Panasonic’s progress for a long time, just waiting for this camera to become available. Imagine my delight when PhotographyBLOG gave it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating:

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Review - PhotographyBLOG

They have lots of juicy pictures and lots of technical photography talk explaining why this camera deserves such a good rating. Honestly, I am so indebted to Panasonic’s Optical Image Stabilizer (anti-shake) that I wouldn’t even consider buying another camera. It makes my videos smooth as glass when I’m walking, which is more than half the battle to filming good walking videos. The fact that I’ll have 10X Zoom, a larger Leica lens and the approval of the PhotographyBLOG is just icing on the cake.

Sony CyberShot T200 et T70

Sony CyberShot T200 et T70 appareils photo : Avec les nouveaux Sony CyberShot T70 / T200 qui disposent d’un éventail impressionnant de fonctionnalités et complètent la gamme des « bijoux » Cyber-shot série T, il n’aura jamais été aussi facile de prendre de superbes photos. Ces appareils photos associent une qualité d’image Haute Définition à des innovations telles que la détection automatique des sourires (Smile Shutter) ou les très grands écrans LCD tactiles dans des boîtiers ultra compacts. Le produit phare Sony CyberShot T200 se distingue des autres appareils photo numériques, tant au niveau de l’allure que des performances. Disponible en argent, noir ou rouge, sa conception unique et raffinée cache un puissant zoom optique 5x, parfait pour se rapprocher des sujets même de loin.

Sony CyberShot T200 - Smile Shutter
Il est complété par le modèle Sony CyberShot T70, encore plus compact et très tendance, décliné en argent, noir, blanc et rose. Les modèles Sony CyberShot T200 et CyberShot T70 sont équipés du nouveau mode « Smile Shutter » qui permet à l’appareilde détecter automatiquement un sourire, une première dans l’histoire de la photographie numérique. En effet, grâce à cette technologie, les Sony Cyber-Shot T70 / T200 sont capables de détecter un sourire et de prendre la photo immédiatement sans que vous ayez besoin d’appuyer sur le déclencheur : vos portraits n’en seront que plus réussis. S’il y a plusieurs personnes dans le cadre, le déclencheur ne se met en marche que lorsque le sujet principal (sélectionné à l’aide de l’écran tactile) sourit. Il est ainsi possible de prendre jusqu’à six photos de suite sans devoir appuyer manuellement sur le déclencheur. Vous aurez ainsi toujours des photos d’enfants ou d’adultes rayonnants !

Sony CyberShot T70 - Détection des visages
Grâce à la détection automatique des visages et des sourires, les derniers nés des Cyber-shot SONY ajustent automatiquement la mise au point, l’exposition et le niveau du flash. Vous pourrez alors réussir très facilement de superbes portraits, nets et aux couleurs de peau naturelles, quelles que soient les conditions (zoom élevé, faible luminosité ou sujets en mouvement).


Sony CyberShot T200 et T70 - Ecrans LCD géants
Les deux modèles se distinguent par leurs grands écrans LCD tactiles qui permettent de visionner les photos et d’accéder très facilement à toutes les fonctions de l’appareil. Le Cybershot T200 est équipé d’un écran LCD de 3,5’’ alors que le Sony CyberShot T70 dispose d’un écran de 3’’. La technologie Clear Photo LCD Plus assure plus de clarté et des couleurs éclatantes. Le revêtement antireflet maximise le contraste et la visibilité même en condition de forte luminosité. Le format 16/9 des écrans LCD offre des proportions idéales pour visualiser directement et très facilement des photos sur un téléviseur HD Ready ou Full HD.

Sony CyberShot T200 et T70 - Double solution anti-flou
La double solution anti-flou combine un stabilisateur optique Super SteadyShot et un mode Haute Sensibilité ISO 3200. L’alliance de ces deux technologies permet de réduire le risque de flou lors des prises de vue en condition de basse lumière. La technologie « Clear RAW NR » réduit le bruit et optimise les couleurs pour que les photos prises avec une sensibilité élevée soient plus naturelles.


Sony T200 et T70 - Partager des photos en qualité Full HD
Vous pouvez facilement profiter de vos photos prises avec les Sony CyberShot T70 / T200 en Haute Définition sur un téléviseur HD Ready ou Full HD grâce à une sortie Haute Définition et un câble composante VMC-MHC1 (optionnel). Vous pouvez accompagner vos diaporamas de musique pour leur apporter une nouvelle dimension. Choisissez parmi quatre effets visuels et quatre chansons (possibilité d’importer 4 titres format MP3 depuis un PC) puis admirez vos photos sur votre écran dans une qualité d’image Haute Définition. Les nouveaux Cyber-shot T70 et T200 ainsi que la dernière génération de téléviseurs Haute Définition BRAVIA sont équipés d’un mode Photo TV HD qui permet d’optimiser les images pour leur donner des couleurs et des textures encore plus fines et naturelles. Ce nouveau mode Photo TV HD représente un véritable progrès par rapport à l’affichage de photos sur un téléviseur traditionnel qui est optimisé pour la vidéo.

Sony CyberShot T70 et T200 - Processeur BIONZ
Les deux modèles combinent des optiques de haute qualité Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar (zoom optique 5x pour le Sony CyberShot T200 et 3x pour le CyberShot T70) à une résolution effective de 8,1 millions de pixels et à un puissant processeur BIONZ développé par Sony. Ce processeur d’image réactif contrôle la mise au point automatique, l’exposition et d’autres réglages de l’image pour des résultats parfaits dans de nombreuses conditions de prise de vue ; même les portraits à contre-jour sont réussis !


Sony T70 et T200 - Fonction flou rayonnant et rétro
Les deux modèles sont également dotés d’options supplémentaires pour peaufiner vos photos. Les fonctions de retouches intégrées incluent désormais la fonction de « flou rayonnant », pour un effet d’arrêt sur image dynamique, et la fonction « rétro » qui donne un aspect ancien authentique à la photo. Vous pourrez également retravailler directement vos photos pour corriger les yeux rouges.

Sony Cyber-Shot T70 et T200 - Caractéristiques
• 8,1 millions de pixels effectifs avec le processeur d’image BIONZ
• Détection automatique des visages / des sourires (Smile Shutter)
• Grand écran LCD tactile au format 16/9 de 3,5’’ (T200) ou 3’’ (T70)
• Sortie Haute Définition et mode Photo TV HD
• Stabilisateur optique Super SteadyShot
• Haute Sensibilité élevée ISO 3200
• Zoom optique Carl Zeiss 5x (T200)

Mr Paulson says the crisis in the US housing market poses risks

Finance chiefs from the world's 20 biggest economies have warned of rising risks to economic growth and inflation, at a meeting in South Africa.

China's reluctance to revalue its currency and the sliding dollar had also come under the spotlight at two-day summit of G20 members.

The group agreed volatile and erratic currency movements were unwelcome.

But the summit's final communique stopped short of labelling specific currencies as being problematic.

The G20 called for greater exchange rate flexibility from countries with large current account surpluses in an apparent reference to China.

China has been under mounting pressure from the United States and other trading partners to allow its tightly controlled yuan to strengthen to correct global trade imbalances.

No finger pointing

France's Finance Minister, Christine Lagarde, said group discussions did not specifically point a finger at any particular currency.

"We all concurred that the currency situation is one that needs a joint approach, concerted approach. Clearly we don't want to point the finger at anyone and we want to operate by consensus," Lagarde said.

I view the US housing market as the most significant current risk to our economy US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson

The G20 warned of a likely slowdown in global economic growth but said it was expected to be modest.

"Its extent and duration remains difficult to predict," said the communique ending the summit.

"We also agreed that an orderly unwinding of global imbalances, while sustaining global growth, is a shared responsibility," the communiqué said.

It also said that G20 members would need to assess the inflation outlook in light rising commodity prices and the prospect of slower growth.

US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said the wider economy faced risks from problems in global credit markets and the sub-prime crisis in the US housing market.

"In discussions on the decline in the US housing market, I noted it is still unfolding and I view it as the most significant current risk to our economy," Mr Paulson said, adding he was confident that the US economy would keep growing despite the housing strains.

IMF reform

Meanwhile, the new managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, promised to make substantial progress on developing countries' demands for a bigger voice in the institution.

Mr Strauss-Kahn has vowed to reform the IMF

Mr Strauss-Kahn said the G20 agreed that developing nations should have a bigger voice in the IMF, where, under a system devised 63 years ago, richer countries have more power.

The weight of each nation's vote is tied to its quota, which is determined by the size of their economy, currency reserves and openness to trade and capital flows.

"The fund needs to be reshaped," Mr Strauss-Kahn said.

"Times have changed. Some emerging countries have much more economic influence than they had."

What could not be agreed was which nations would give up quotas and votes, he said.

"The result must be a shift in quotas from developing countries to emerging ones. The question is how big is this shift going to be - who is going to lose [some quotas], who's going to win."

The G20 brings together developed and emerging economies that together represent two-thirds of the world's population, 90% of gross domestic product and more than 80% of world trade.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Review

Barely half a year after the introduction of the DMC-FZ8, Panasonic added another model to its popular range of compact 'super zoom' Lumix cameras in the shape of the FZ18. Although obviously based on the FZ8 (they are externally almost identical), the FZ18 doesn't replace it; it's a sort of 'big brother' with a bigger zoom, more pixels and a smattering of new features.

The biggest news is the optically stabilized lens, which has 'grown' at both ends and now sports a whopping 18x (28-504mm equiv.) zoom, putting the FZ18 into direct competition with Olympus' SP-550UZ (now updated to the SP-560UZ) and Fujifilm's recently announced FinePix S8000fd.

Almost inevitably the FZ18 squeezes even more pixels onto its 1/2.5-inch sensor, although the increase has been fairly moderate from 7.3 to 8.3 megapixels. Other new features include a dedicated AF/AE button, Face Detection and a new Intelligent Auto mode which integrates Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection and Scene Detection into a 'Super' Auto Mode.

Despite the usual noise issues you would expect from a tiny sensor/big zoom camera (and our dislike of Panasonic's approach to noise reduction), overall we were pretty impressed with the FZ8 when we reviewed it a few months ago. This was to a large degree due to the superb LEICA lens. So let's find out how Panasonic have tackled the noise challenge - and if the new lens, with it's much more ambitious zoom range, can match its predecessor, starting with a look at what's changed:

Major differences to DMC-FZ8

• 18x optical zoom (28-504mm equiv.) - FZ8 has 12x (36-432mm) zoom
• Smaller maximum aperture at long end of zoom (F4.2 vs F3.1)
• 8.3 megapixel sensor (vs 7.2 megapixel)
  
• Face Detection
• Intelligent Auto mode
• Manually selectable ISO 1600
• ISO 6400 High Sensitivity mode
• AF/AE lock button and dedicated AF/MF button
• 1cm macro (was 5cm)
• Custom mode and extra scene modes (plus 'advanced scene modes')
• Five level Noise reduction (was three level)
• Slower continuous shooting (burst)
• Heavier and slightly larger

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 specifications

Street Price	• US: $360 • UK: £270
Body Material	Metal and plastic
Sensor	1/2.5" Type CCD • 8.3 million pixels total • 8.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 3264 x 2448 • 2560 x 1920 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 1280 x 960 • 640 x 480 • 3264 x 2176 (3:2) • 2560 x 1712 (3:2) • 2048 x 1360 (3:2) • 3264 x 1840 (16:9) • 2560 x 1440 (16:9) • 1920 x 1080 (16:9)
Movie clips	• 640 x 480 @ 30 / 10fps • 320 x 240 @ 30 / 10fps • 848 x 480 @ 30 / 10fps (16:9)
File formats	• JPEG Exif v2.2 • DPOF • QuickTime Motion JPEG
Lens	• 18x optical zoom • 28 - 504 mm (35 mm equiv) • LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT • F2.8 - F4.2
Image stabilization	MEGA O.I.S. (Mode1 / Mode2)
Conversion lenses	Yes
Digital zoom	up to 4x
Focus	AF-Macro On/Off, AF/MF Switchable, Manual Focus(Joystick), One Shot AF, Continuous AF On/Off
AF area modes	Face / 1-point / 1-point high speed / 3-point high speed / Multi-point / Spot
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	• Normal: 30 cm-infinity (wide) 200 cm - infinity (tele) • Macro: 1 cm-infinity (wide) 200 cm - infinity (tele 6-11x) • Tele Macro (at 12-18x) : 100cm - infinity
Metering	• Intelligent Multiple • Center-weighted • Spot
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1250 • ISO 1600 • High Sensitivity mode Auto (ISO 1600 - 6400)
Exposure compensation	+/- 2EV in 1/3EV steps
Exposure bracketing	+/- 1/3 EV -1EV step, 3 frames
Shutter speed	• Program AE: 1-1/2000 sec • Aperture Priority AE / Shutter Priority AE: 8-1/2000 sec • Manual: 60-1/2000sec. • Starry Sky Mode: 15, 30, 60sec
Aperture	F2.8 - 8 (wide) F4.8 - 8 (tele)
Modes	• Intelligent AUTO • Program AE • Aperture Priority AE • Shutter Priority AE • Manual • Custom • Portrait mode • Scenery mode • Sports mode • Night portrait mode • Scene • Motion picture • Print • Playback
Scene modes	• Food • Party • Candle Light • Sunset • High Sensitivity • Baby1 • Baby2 • Pet • Panning • Starry Sky • Fireworks • Beach • Snow • Aerial photo
Advanced scene mode	• Portrait mode : Normal, Soft Skin, Outdoor, Indoor, Creative • Scenery mode : Normal, Nature, Architecture, Creative • Sports mode : Normal, Outdoor, Indoor, Creative • Night Portrait : Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Illuminations, Creative
White balance	• Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Shade • Halogen • Flash • White Set 1/2
White balance fine tune	2-axis adjustable, ±9steps each, Blue/Amber and Magenta/Green bias
Self timer	2 or 10sec, 10sec / 3 images
Continuous shooting	Full-Resolution: 3 frames/sec or 2 frames/sec max. 7 images (Standard mode), Max. 5 images (Fine Mode)
Image parameters	• Contrast • Sharpness • Saturation • Noise Reduction • 5 levels (-2 to +2)
Flash	• Auto • Auto / Red-eye reduction • Forced On • Forced On / Red-eye Reduction • Slow Sync / Red-eye reduction • Forced Off • Flash output adjustment 1/3EV step, +/-2 EV • Range: 0.3 - 6.0 m (wide) 1.0 - 4.0 m (tele)
Viewfinder	0.44" Color EVF (188K Pixels), Field of View : approx. 100%
LCD monitor	• 2.5-inch Polycrystalline TFT • 207,000 pixels • Auto Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode, High angle mode
Connectivity	• DC in • AV out • USB
Print compliance	PictBridge
Storage	• SD / SDHC / MMC • 27 MB built-in memory
Power	• Li-ion battery pack • Optional AC adapter
Weight (no batt)	360 g (12.7 oz)
Dimensions	117.6 x 75.3 x 88.2 mm (4.6 x 3.0 x 3.5 in)

Nikon Coolpix P5100 Review

Based on a production Nikon Coolpix P5000 Firmware version 1.0

Announced just six months after the launch of the P5000, the Nikon P5100 is a gentle re-working of the existing model with a slightly larger, more pixel-dense sensor and hardware-based face-detection. Beyond that, the changes are predominantly cosmetic alterations to the existing model. The camera is Nikon's flagship compact camera, with the 'P' denoting 'performance.' Although it may not visually leap out from a line-up of contemporary compacts, its magnesium alloy body and manual exposure controls belie the unassuming appearance. It aims to offer a greater degree of manual control than the majority of compact cameras and has a strong feature set to help it stand apart. We were actually very impressed with the P5000's image quality and feature set, and only really complained about the sluggish performance. So has Nikon fixed the P5000's Achilles' heel in this update? Lets find out!

Differences compared with P5000

• Faster, hardware-based face-detection, allowing more faces to be identified
• Expeed processing 'concept'
• Continuous flash shooting mode (3 consecutive frames at ~1fps)
• Distortion control to counteract lens distortion
• Improved user interface
• Marginally larger sensor making the lens slightly wider-angle (35mm vs 36mm)
• Fractionally shorter battery life (240, rather than 250 shots, CIPA standard)
• 1:1 aspect ratio shooting mode
• Can add black borders to images

Unlike the names applied to image processors by many of Nikon's rivals, Expeed doesn't specifically refer to any particular technology or set of features. Rather, it is a "digital image-processing concept," so shouldn't be taken to imply any kinship to the D3 and D300 DSLR models that share the name, beyond the the use of similar Nikon algorithms and know how.

Key features

• 12 megapixel 1/1.8-inch CCD
• 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor lens
• Lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction)
• ISO 64-1600 (3200 in 5MP mode)
• BSS (Best Shot Selector) identifies and saves the sharpest image automatically from ten sequential shots
• P/A/S/M modes plus 16 scene modes
• Compatibility with system-expanding accessories
• Macro shooting enables shooting from as close as 4cm (1.6 in.)
• SDHC card compatibility
• Approx. 52 MB of internal memory
• Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting
• 2.5-in wide viewing angle TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating

Nikon Coolpix P5100 specifications

Street price	• US: $370 • UK: £260
Body Material	Metal and plastic
Sensor	• 1/1.72 " Type CCD • 12.43 million pixels total • 12.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 4000 x 3000 • 3264 x 2448 • 2592 x 1944 • 2048 x1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 1280 x 960 • 1024 x 768 • 640 x 480 • 3984 x 2656 (3:2) • 3984 x 2232 (16:9) • 2992 x 2992 (1:1)
Movie clips	• Motion JPEG (AVI) with sound • TV movie (640) at 30fps/15fps, • Small size (320) at 15fps • Smaller size (160) at 15fps • Sepia (320) at 15fps • Monochromatic (320) at 15fps • Without sound: Time-lapse movie at 30fps
File formats	• JPEG Exif V2.2 • DCF • DPOF • Motion JPEG AVI
Lens	• 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor (35-123mm equiv.) • f/2.7-5.3 • 7 elements in 6 groups
Image stabilization	Lens-shift VR
Conversion lenses	Yes (optional)
Digital zoom	up to 4x
Focus	• Contrast Detection AF • Macro • Infinity lock
AF area modes	• Auto (9-area automatic selection) • Manual (99-area manual selection) • Center • Face-priority AF mode
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	• 30cm (1 ft.) to infinity (∞) [W], 70cm (2 ft. 4 in.) to infinity (∞) [T] • Macro close-up mode: 4cm (1.6 in.) to infinity (∞) [W], 40cm (1 ft. 4 in.) to infinity (∞) [T]
Metering	• Through-the-lens (TTL) metering • 256-segment matrix • Spot • Center-weighted • Spot AF area
ISO sensitivity	• Auto (64 - 800) • ISO 64 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600 • ISO 2000 • ISO 3200 (5MP or lower only)
Exposure compensation	• -/+ 2EV • in 1/3 EV steps
Exposure bracketing	• 3 shots • +/- 0.3, 0.7, 1.0EV
Shutter speed	1/2000 to 8 s
Aperture	• Six blade iris diaphragm • 10 (in steps of 1/3 EV)
Modes	• Auto shooting mode • Program (auto) • Shutter Priority Auto • Aperture Priority Auto • Manual • Movie mode • Scene mode • High-sensitivity shooting mode • Anti-shake mode
Scene modes	Face-priority AF, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Portrait, Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Close up, Museum, Fireworks show, Copy, Back Light, Panorama Assist, Voice recording
White balance	• Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Fluorescent • Incandescent • Preset
Self timer	• 10 or 3 secs
Continuous shooting	• Single • Continuous (approx.1.0fps ,image quality Normal, image size 12M) • Continuous flash • Interval timer shooting
Image parameters	Normal, Softer, Vivid, More vivid, Portrait, Custom, Black-and-white
Flash	• Built-in • Range: (W) 0.3 to 8.0m (1 ft. to 26 ft. 3 in.), (T) 0.3 to 4.0m (1 ft. to 13 ft. 1 in.) • Flash Hot Shoe • Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction, Anytime flash, Flash cancel, Slow sync., Rear-curtain sync.
Viewfinder	• Real-image zoom viewfinder • Approx 80% vertical x 80% horizontal
LCD monitor	• 2.5-in wide viewing angle TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating • 230,000-dot • Approx 97% vertical x 97% horizontal (record mode)
Connectivity	• USB • AV out (NTSC / PAL)
Print compliance	PictBridge, DCF, DPOF, EXIF print
Storage	• SD / SDHC / MMC card (optional) • Approx 52MB internal memory
Power	• Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5 (supplied) • AC Adapter EH-62A (optional)
Weight (No batt)	Approx. 200 g (7.1 oz.) without battery and SD memory card
Dimensions	Approx. 98 x 64.5 x 41 mm (3.9 x 2.5 x 1.6 in.) excluding projections