Fujifilm FinePix Z30 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Orange)

This ultra-chic camera kicks off with a smooth and curvy metallic surface, perfect for any locations or trendy scenes. Equipped with the newly evolved SR Auto (Scene Recognition Auto) and face detection, scenes and faces can be captured and optimized even more with the detection functions.The superb masterpiece is created with combination of 10 megapixels and 3x optical zoom furnished with the picture stabilization/anti-blur mode, and shooting modes. Fun and entertaining communication ways to share with your favorite people around you! FinePix Z30 offers a large LCD with micro thumbnail and various slideshows to choose from.

Technical Details :
* 10.0-megapixel resolution for large, photo quality prints.
* 3x optical zoom; 2.7-inch LCD screen with Micro Thumbnail View.
* Face Detection, Red-eye Removal and easy-to-use Blog mode.
* Successive movie function.
* 50 MB built-in memory; capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards(not included).



Boasting a high-resolution 2.7-inch LCD screen, the 10-megapixel FinePix Z30 has a Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens and is designed for ultra-portability, making this the ideal camera for the fashionista on-the-go. Like its predecessor, the Fujifilm Z20, the Fujifilm Z30 can Face it, Blog it and Roll it. Users can Face It with Fujifilm's innovative Face Detection Technology with Automatic Red Eye Removal for capturing the ultimate group shots; Blog it with the innovative Blog Mode, making it effortless for social-media-savvy users to post pictures and videos to personal profile pages, blogs and video sharing websites or simply to e-mail to friends; and Roll it with the Successive Movie mode that allows users to create 60 second movie clips.

Automatic Scene Recognition
SR Auto (Automatic Scene Recognition) enables the FinePix Z30 to intelligently recognize six types of scenes automatically. For each picture taken in this mode, the Z30 will optimize the ideal exposure, focus, white balance and ISO for the scene to ensure the best quality picture is captured with ease.
The FinePix Z30 is also packed with the following features:
* Natural Light & with Flash Mode: In this mode, the FinePix Z30 quickly shoots two images in succession -- one with and one without the flash -- saving both. This convenient function lets the user perform an on-the-spot picture comparison and decide whether the FinePix Z30fd produced the most pleasing photo with flash, or without.
* Successive Movie Mode: In-camera editing allows for the creation of a 60-second movie clip, even when shooting in two or more scenes is desired. Start and restart multiple times to build a 60-second compilation, and edit the start and end points.
* Dual Shutter Releases: One button for still capture, one for movie record, for ease of use.
* Special Scene Modes: The FinePix Z30fd has 13 scene positions including Fireworks, Beach and Snow, offering a one-touch setting for almost any situation.
* SD/SD-HC Compatible slot: A single media slot that accepts SD/SD-HC media cards.
* Battery Life: Long-life rechargeable Li-ion battery.

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK :
- This camera is perfect, exactly what I wanted. It looks even better in person!! I've used it out on the town, inside with flourescent lighting, and outdoors, and it's definitely 10.1 megapixels of AWESOME.
- The camera looks expensive, NOT cheap. I was worried about the little stones looking feminine or cheap, but they're very tiny and does NOT make the camera look "girly".
- The sliding door is a great idea, because it protects the lens, and makes the camera ready to GO once you open it! Normally cameras take 10 seconds to ready to shoot (power.. ok, adjust, click, hold, wait..) Not this camera! You open the door, click the button, and view the picture within 3 seconds.
- The sliding door has a nice "click" so don't worry about it opening up in your purse/pocket... really. It's fine.
- I love the buttons on the back of the camera--they're larger than other cameras, easy to read and press, looks more modern, etc.

Sony Cybershot DSC-W220 12.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Black)

This one's got it all. The Cyber-shot DSC-W220 combines point-and-shoot ease-of-use with advanced features in a sophisticated, compact body. Smile Shutter technology allows you to capture a smile the moment it happens, and the Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, and 12.1-megapixel resolution deliver crisp, clear images.

Technical Details :
* 12.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor.
* Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens; Optical SteadyShot image stabilization.
* BIONZ image processor delivers speed and precision.
* Face Detection; Smile Shutter technology.
* 15MB built-in memory; capture images to Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo Media (not included).



Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 Highlights :
- 12.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD Image Sensor.
- Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens with 4x Optical Zoom.
- 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD display (230k pixels).
- BIONZ image processor.
- Face Detection technology.
- Smile Shutter technology.
- Double Anti-blur Solution.
- Optical SteadyShot image stabilization.
- High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 3200).
- Convenient Photo Modes.
- Intelligent Scene Recognition.
- Dynamic Range Optimizer Standard and Plus.
- Function Guide and Easy Shooting Mode.
- MPEG Movie VX Fine Mode.
- 16:9 High Resolution Mode.
- Memory Stick Duo Media Convenience.
- In-Camera Retouching Tools and HDTV Compatibility.

PROS :
- Sharp, clear pictures.
- The HD Video it records in 1080 is excellent.
- 4x optical zoom.
- Scene recognition pics the adjustments for the scene.
- Smile detection automatically takes up to 6 shots when subject(s) are smiling
countless others.

CONS :
- Smile Detection feature doesn't work with small smiles, and in some cases, one of the subjects had to smile very wide to activate it.
- The camera uses the Memory Stick system (like most of Sony's products), not SD Cards like most other cameras.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K 8.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

The 8.1-megapixel Panasonic DMC-TZ4 packs a 28mm wide-angle, 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens in a compact design, ideal for the active photographer who needs a versatile camera. By combining a 28mm wide-angle lens, which lets you capture a wider-framed shot when compared to a traditional 35mm camera, with the TZ-Series 10x optical zoom, you're empowered to take expanded shots, both wide and far. Panasonic's Intelligent Auto technologies are also expanded, with new Intelligent Exposure and Digital Red-eye Correction.
With the addition of Intelligent Exposure and Digital Red-eye Correction, Panasonic’s Advanced Intelligent Auto mode consists of seven intuitive technologies, all which are specifically designed to help make photo-taking an enjoyable and seamless process unnoticed by the consumer -- helping them to take clear photos. When in Advanced Intelligent Auto mode, the following technologies all operate automatically; no settings need to be manually changed.
The TZ4 is also capable of recording 1920 x 1080-pixel high-definition motion pictures, and because of its support of SD memory cards, is easily compatible with Panasonic Viera plasma HDTVs that have an integrated SD memory card slot, so viewing photos is simple. Also, with the newly added HD component output capability, users can also connect the TZ4 to an HDTV and watch a slideshow complete with mood-appropriate music, choosing from natural, slow, urban and swing.

Technical Details :
* 8.1-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for photo-quality 16x 22-inch prints.
* 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens; Face Detection.
* New Panasonic Venus Engine IV improves noise reduction, elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effects.
* 2.5-inch LCD; Mega O.I.S. and Intelligent ISO.
* Captures images to SD memory cards (not included).



Lumix DMC-TZ4A Highlights :
- Intelligent Exposure.
- Digital Red-eye Correction.
- Mega O.I.S.
- Intelligent ISO.
- Intelligent Scene Selector.
- Face Detection.
- Continuous auto focus.

PROS :
- LENS: The quality and range of this lens are ideal.
- ZOOM RANGE: You will not find better.
- FEEL: The feel of this camera is of a well built quality piece. The grip is excellent and it feels good in the hand.
- FAST: Pretty fast for a point and shoot.
- SIZE: The smallest superzoom anywhere.
- BATTERY: Battery life is very good.
- FLASH: Flash is very strong for a camera this size.

CONS :
- PROCESSOR: This camera is a grand slam waiting to happen if they can just put in a better processor.
- On indoor pictures, there is no ability to take a good candid with the camera because it hunts for focus and zoom for too long whereas on outside shots, where you have plenty of light and if people don't move around too much, the camera takes excellent pictures.

Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1 9.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization and 3.0 Inch LCD

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 camera with Exmor CMOS technology offers up to 10fps shooting and features Sweep Panorama mode that can seamlessly combine multiple shots to produce striking images, advance modes that reduce noise by approximately 50 percent even in difficult shooting situations, as well as 1080p movie recording. Additionally it features professional quality 20x wide angle G-lens, 3.0-inch tiltable LCD screen and Intelligent Auto mode.

Technical Details :
* 9.0-megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor for photo-quality pictures up to 13 x 19 inches.
* 20x optical zoom; 28mm wide-angle Sony G-Lens.
* Capture up to 10 frames per second; HD (1080p) movie capture.
* 3.0-inch Clear Photo LCD tilt display; 90-degree tilt, horizontal and vertical.
* 11 MB built-in memory; capture images to Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo media (not included).



Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 Highlights :
- 9.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD Image Sensor : The HX1 features a 9.1-megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor that brings out the full resolving power of the camera’s precision G-Lens to deliver extremely fast speed, high resolution, and stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced noise.
- Professional-quality G-Lens : Designed and manufactured to the highest standards of optical performance, the Sony G-Lens is optimized to perfectly complement the advanced image sensors and image processing technology in Sony’s cameras. G lenses are used in top of the line digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras and advanced pro-sumer HD Camcorders.
- 20x High Zoom : 20x optical zoom extends your reach and helps bring you closer to the action--a real benefit for sporting events, wildlife, distant landscape views and dramatic portrait shots.
- 28mm Wide-Angle Lens : Widen your view and capture more of the city, landscape, or group with a 28mm wide-angle G lens.
- 3.0-inch Clear Photo LCD tilt display (230k pixels) : Compose and show off your images on the large 3.0-inch (230K) Clear Photo LCD Plus display, which tilts up or down approximately 90 degrees for easier high and low-angle shooting and features a special anti-reflective coating for sharp visibility, even in bright sunlight.
- CMOS Sensor : Enjoy extremely high resolution, fine tonal gradation and fast speed that faithfully reproduces every detail of your subject and reduces visual noise. The Exmor CMOS sensor brings out the full potential of the lens to ensure clear, high-precession image quality.
- BIONZ image processor : The BIONZ image processor delivers the high resolution and fast performance you expect from a Sony digital camera.
- High Speed Shooting (10fps) : The HX1 can capture full 9.1-megapixel resolution images at up to 10 fps, helping to ensure you never miss the decisive moment.
- Sweep Panorama Mode : Reach beyond the traditional wide angle lens, and capture more breathtaking shots with the Sweep Panorama Mode. Simply press the shutter button and sweep the camera in the desired direction (horizontal or vertical), and the camera continuously shoots at a high speed and then seamlessly stitches the images together to create one stunning panoramic image.
- Hand-held Twilight Mode : Capture cleaner and sharper night shots without using a tripod. When set to hand-held Twilight Mode, the HX1 captures six images in a fraction of a second with one press of the shutter.

PROS:
- Impressive added video functions.
- High quality zoom lens.
CONS :
- The tilting LCD screen is more a gimmick than a useful innovation.

Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD 32 GB Flash Memory Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom

Canon introduces the HF11 which captures stunning High Definition video with even greater detail and tonal reproduction, with its innovative 24Mbps capability, and a higher internal Flash drive capacity of 32GB plus an SDHC card slot that allows extended recording time. And, like all Canon VIXIA camcorders, the HF11 features: a Canon HD video lens, FULL HD CMOS Sensor, and Canon’s exclusive DIGIC DV II image processor.The HF11 offers the unparalleled combination of Canon’s exclusive SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer to stabilize a wide range of movements, Instant AF for accurate focusing that’s critical for HD, a built-in video light to easily shoot in dark settings, and a 2.7-inch Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD that allows you to view from various angles with true color representation and contrast.

Technical Details
* 24Mbps offers the highest bit rate in AVCHD for High Definition video - enabling improved color reproduction and tonality.
* Record Up to 12 hours 15 minutes of High Definition Video on an internal 32 GB Flash drive.
* Includes a genuine Canon 12x High Definition video lens.
* Comes with a 3.3 megapixel full HD CMOS sensor (1920 x 1080) and a DIGIC DV II image processor.
* Features Canon's SuperRange pptical image stabilizer.




Canon HF11 Highlights
1. Dual Flash Memory -- Taking Video to the Next Level.
2. Record Up to 12 hours 15 minutes of High Definition Video on an internal 32 GB Flash drive.
3. Genuine Canon 12x High Definition Video Lens.
4. RGB Primary Color Filter.
5. Canon 3.3 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Sensor (1920 x 1080).
6. DIGIC DV II Image Processor.
7. 1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording.
8. Instant AF (Auto Focus).
9. SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer.
10.24Mbps Recording.
11.24p Cinema Mode.
12.30p Progressive Mode.
13.Mini Advanced Accessory Terminal.
14.Intelligent Lithium-Ion Battery.
15.3.1 Megapixel Photos.
16.HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface Terminal).
17.2.7-Inch Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD.
18.Microphone Terminal with Audio Level Control.
19.One Touch Power Button.
20.Built-in Auto Lens Cover.
21.Quick Start.
22.Program AE Mode.
23.Simultaneous Photo Shooting.
24.Built-in Video Light.
25.Headphone Terminal.
26.Focus Assist function.
27.Smooth Zoom Control.
28.3.1 Megapixel Photos.
29.Photo Grab.
30.9 Point Ai-AF Mode.
31.Built-in Flash.
32.Histogram Display.
33.Print/Share Button.
34.One Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty.

Panasonic HDC-SD100 Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom

Panasonic is proud to present the latest edition to it's High-Definition suite of products, the HDC-SD100 -- one of the world's first AVCHD camcorder with a 3MOS system which provides superb video image quality. The HDC-SD100 records to SD Memory Card. HDC-SD100 includes manual functions for the user wanting more precise control over zoom, focus, iris, shutter speed and white balance. SD100 also includes Panasonic’s new Intelligent Auto (iA) mode, an intuitive set of technologies that automatically activate, making video shooting an easy, seamless process.

Technical Details
* Panasonic's first AVCHD camcorder with 3MOS system -- provides improved color reproduction.
* Comes with Advanced O.I.S.; HD advanced pure color engine.
* Includes a new Leica Dicomar lens -- with improved resolution and contrast.
* 'iA' mode enables image stabilization, contrast correction and face detection to be automatically activated.
* 12x optical zoom; Records to SD Memory Card.



HDC-SD100 Highlights
1. 3MOS System
2. Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization).
3. HD Advanced Pure Color Engine.
4. New Leica Dicomar Lens.
5. Manual Ring- controls zoom, focus and exposure settings.
6. On-Screen Assist
7. Mic Input and Headphone Jack - Sounds that are hard to pick up with the internal mic, like birds singing and water flowing, are clearly captured by an external mic.
8. 1.9-sec Quick Power-On
9. 0.6 sec Quick Start
10.iA (intelligent Auto)-In iA mode the image stabilization, contrast correction and face detection functions are automatically activated.
11.Face Detection
12.Hand-Shaking Detection - Advanced O.I.S
13.Contrast Detection - Intelligent Contrast Control
14.Scene Detection - Intelligent Scene Selector
15.Rre-Rec Function
16.5.1-Ch Surround Sound & Zoom microphone & Focus microphone.
17.Zoom Mode
18.Focus Mode
19.12x Optical Zoom
20.24 Frames/Sec High-Speed Burst Shooting.

PROS:
Good image quality and compact.
CONS:
Low light performance.

Tips about camera options (zoom, RAW, picture size)

Tip 1 (Image size on the camera): In earlier days, cameras used to be 4-7 MP, and these used to be good enough for everybody. However, even many higher-end point and shoot cameras are now coming with above 10 MP options. There is a temptation to shoot at the highest MP possible, but keep in mind that these images occupy space on the memory card, and then on the computer hard disk if you decide to store them. Make a grid about the types of image sizes you want to set - so natural beauty could be the highest possible size, photos of friends and families at a slighter lower size. If you are also fond of shooting a lot, then get in the habit of making sure that you are optimizing your image sizes.

Tip 2 (Using RAW or TIFF modes): You may have bought a camera that produces output in RAW or TIFF or DNG mode, but be sure whether you really need to do the kind of manipulation that you need for these modes. They occupy a lot of space, and this has an impact everywhere - imagine that you are trying to display your images to family, then keep in mind that RAW or TIFF will take slightly longer to render on the computer.

Tip 3 (Using RAW + JPG): If you are more of a casual photographer, but are impressed by RAW, then select the option of RAW + JPG. This tells the camera to produce a JPG along with the RAW, so that when you transfer to the computer, you have JPG's to show to friends / family quickly, or even for your own review.

Tip 4 (Using Digital Zoom): Many cameras give the option of Optical Zoom, followed by digital Zoom. Digital Zoom may look great, since you would think about gettting 20 times the magnification, but the fact is that digital zoom is like taking the image on your computer and then zooming in (optical zoom in contrast actually manipulates the lend and results in no quality loss). Expect that there will be loss in quality if you use Digital Zoom.

Tip 5 (Camera buying and Zoom): If you are attracted to a camera by the prospect of the zoom it has, consider only optical zoom as the true factor (disregard digital zoom as a factor). Also consider that when you use a higher optical zoom, camera shake gets magnified, so using something like > 10X optical zoom will produce a lot of blurriness unless you use a tripod of shoot with a higher shutter speed.