Features

• 4.0-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 11-by-15-inch enlargements
• 8.3x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom
• 15 versatile scene modes automatically handle focus, exposure, and white balance
• Store images on 13.5 MB internal memory or use SD memory card slot
• Powered by EN-El1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery

Features

• Designed for use by digital cameras and devices that accept the XD-PictureCard
• Up to 512MB Storage

Reviews (3)

perfect
Whats there not to like about this card?? A little pricey maybe, but you wont have to get another one any time soon!!!

Does not work with Olympus C-50
Be warned: this memory card is not compatible with the Olympus C-50 camera. The best you can get in the 128.

Plenty of Storage
This is a great card if you plan to take many photos. The only caveat is that for use with an Olympus C50 you must get a firmware upgrade which can take up to 10 days and requires you to ship the camera to Olympus. ... Read more

Product Description

The FinePix F10, a 6.3 MegaPixel Super CCD HR digital camera with Fujifilm's Real Photo Technology for improved picture taking in low light situations, more efficient power consumption and faster overall operation.Real Photo Technology, the latest imaging innovation from Fujifilm, is a synergy of three key devices: a sharp Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens, Fujifilm's 5th generation Super CCD sensor and the newly developed RP Processor, which possesses all of the advance signal-processing know-how of the professional FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR camera.With Real Photo Technology users of the FinePix F10 can capture beautiful digital images with very little noise at ISO settings all the way up to 1600 at full resolution. This allows the photographer to shoot without a flash in the "Natural Light" scene position, preserving mood and reducing red-eye. Real Photo Technology also allows for higher shutter speeds that minimize blurriness in photos at even the highest ISO settings.This combination of devices in the FinePix F10, particularly the sensor and processor, has also led to advances in power consumption and operating speed. According to research conducted for Fujifilm U.S.A., consumers are searching for digital cameras that run more efficiently, giving them more pictures per battery charge. The FinePix F10 answers these requests, taking 500 pictures per single, full charge of its lithium ion battery.In addition, the FinePix F10 is fast - very fas ... Read more

Features

• Stores images on xD-Picture Cards (16MB card included)
• 6.3-megapixel sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
• 3x optical zoom; large 2.5-inch LCD display
• Maximum sensitivity of ISO 1600; super-fast start-up (1.3 seconds), shooting interval (1.2 seconds), and shutter time lag (.01 seconds)
• Powered by a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included); 500 pictures per single full battery charge

Reviews (3)

A fantastic camera
I love the simplicity of the F10. No superflous buttons on the back. I'm more of a point-and-shooter, but for more involved photographers, the camera gives you tons of options, which you access through several menus. The huge screen is great. I don't even miss having a viewfinder. And even if the camera had one,I'd never use it. I suspect most people take digital photos using their screens, anyway.

I love taking home movies with the camera. It gives you eight minutes of video on a 512mb card. (The camera comes with a 16mb card). I have about 8 video clips stored and still have room to take about 20 photos in e-mail quality mode. I'd recommend you buy a 1gb memory card if you plan to take a lot of video. Or, to free up card space, just save your movies to your computer to burn to a DVD later!

The best part is shutter lag is practically zilch. No holding smiles for 10 seconds. The camera's ready to go as soon as you turn it on.

Connecting camera to computer via USB requires several cords, (inluded), so it's a bit messy in that regard.

Photo quality looks great to me. The body is small but a bit heavy, as heavy as a light paperweight.

The included software is very basic and doesn't save photos automatically like it should, so I have to save photos manually. Apparently this is a common problem with the software, but I'm fine with manually copying so I'm not going to find out how to fix this.

The battery did last a long time. I must have taken 200 photos, erased, viewed them, replayed videos on it, etc. before it ran low. The battery really started to die when I took about 15 shots in complete darkness. (They came out nice and clear, by the way). I think the heavy flash usage drained the battery faster.

In all, I'm very happy with this camera. The $350 I paid was well worth it.

Great Product
This is a great camera. Besides being compact and slim, the large LCD display is a pleasure. This is also the fastest camera I've ever owned. I can't believe how fast it starts up and is ready to shoot!
I've already printed photos and am extremely pleased with the outome.
I strongly recommend the F10 for all level of users.

Fujifilm F10 is outstanding!
The speed of the F10 is amazing.Start up is super fast and I don't miss shots like I used to because the shutter speed is so fast.Fuji Real Photo Technology is great! ... Read more

Product Description

The EVOLT E-300 is a 100% digital SLR camera that eliminates any photographic limitations. A powerful 8 megapixel CCD combines with interchangeable Zuiko digital lenses, our exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter & other cutting-edge technologies for world-class images. Advances in design make for a durable & portable compact camera you can take & trust anywhere. With impressively fast shooting & operating speeds that ensure you never miss a photo op, & the ability to switch lenses & add flashes so you never miss a beat.Along with the advantages provided by the 8 megapixel Full Frame Transfer CCD & Olympus' exclusive dust eliminating Supersonic Wave FilterTM, images captured with the EVOLT E-300 benefit from a number of additional technologies as well.The full line of Zuiko Digital Specific LensesTM are compatible with the EVOLT E-300 and each is perfectly matched with the 4/3-type image sensor to deliver light more directly to each of the imager's pixels. By filling each pixel more precisely, the outcome is clear, accurate color, sharp contrast & bright images even at the edges.These lenses also feature their own internal CPU which allows them to directly communicate with the camera & transfer data specific to the lens being used to the software where corrections of potential distortions occur automatically.Furthermore, the camera's TruePic TURBO image processor offers significantly improved image quality & combines with anti-blooming techn ... Read more

Features

• Compatible with the complete range of Olympus E-system lenses and new accessories; Zuiko Digital 14-45mm (28-90mm) f3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm (80-300mm) f3.5-4.5 lenses
• Compact design incorporates a built-in flash and hot shoe
• 8.0-megapixel SLR with full-frame transfer CCD (FFT CCD)
• User-friendly menu plus full manual operation; scene program and scene select program modes
• Records to CompactFlash cards and Microdrives

Reviews (8)

Simply Amazing SLR
Hey guess who!? The sinister minister with yet another Digicam review!Well the E300 brings my camera count up to 5 and it may very well decrease it. I have by nature been very weary of the digital SLR's even though I sell tons of them every week, I have used the Canon XT and 20D, and the Nikon D70, consistantly. I have demonstrated them untill I can set one up in my sleep, and as fast and advanced as they may seem I just couldn't get past thier hefty price tags.But then here comes the E300, the first thing you notice about this camera is it looks like no other SLR on the market, it almost like a stealth camera! Size wise it compares pretty evenly with its counterparts, however it is somewhat lighter. Unlike the Rebel XT however this camera is built like a tank, with a good solid hand grip, and a textured metal body. That aside the main thing that attracted me to this camera was the fact that it uses Digital Zuiko lenses, each lens has its own processor! How cool is that! Not to mention the benefits you get when reading light or getting in focus. And to top that off they are sanely priced!! Now the most important feature of any camera my friends is what you buy it for, and that is pictures! The E-300 takes amazing pictures! It takes them fast, clear, and in just about any light situation you can think of. Oh and by the way? thats before you even start to mess around with the settings! Lets talk about a few: ISO: Neat feature the E300 has is a thing called "ISO Boost" you can switch the 2 highest ISO settings on or off (800 & 1600)! Noise in this department was pretty darn good until you shoot at 1600 then it gets a bit spooky, there aren't many cameras that don't (believe me) even the 20D you fantasize about takes a crappy shot with the ISO cranked up! Shutter speeds are about even with most other SLRs, and it even has an 8 minute "Bulb" mode (Hooray) but you have to hold the shutter button down (BOO).Menues: This camera has the coolest, and easiest to use damn menu system I have ever seen! I love it I was running thru things like I had owned the camera for years after just a few minutes, Nothing like the Canons (some things on those I still can't find!!) 8MP: my favorite resolution! I own 4 8MP cameras and I love every one of them! I well tell you now what I tell all my customers at Bestbuy anything over 8MP is a waste of money and time, I think even 8MP is more than most people need.5MP is average 6 is just stupid, 7MP is a good point and shoot. But SLRs need to be at least 8MP (hello Nikon?) The lens ranges work so well with that resolution anything less is really an injustice (I think).Scene Modes: Yes the E-300 has a ton of them (see spec's above) including the "Sunset Mode" (I love Nikon's)This is almost as good although a little too red at times. I haven't had the camera long so I haven't had the chance to run thru them all, but the ones I have used have all been right on the money. Speed: well okay this one has to go to the 20D, speed wise the E-300 is about par, but it's not gonna win any races about 4 frames at 2.5 sec for as long as the shutter is pressed.White balance features are excellent in this camera ranging from auto to 3000k all the way up to 7500k in addition to 4 spaces for custom settings (nice job Olympus).Full AF or manual focus modes as well as several combinations of the two! Flash: the E-300 probably has the best on board flash of any camera I have ever used, and without a doubt the most versitile as far as being able to control intensity, speed, etc. I actually like using it (Normally I hate flash photography). Huge selection of Image formats: this camera will save your pictures in at least 20 different files types and resolutions, not to mention you can completely edit Raw image files directly within the camera! Exsposure, contrast, sharpness the whole deal right on board. Battery life is excellent being as good as my F-828 at 230-220 minutes.Micro-drive capable, and I absolutely love the Zuiko lenses.I have to admit I never thought I would own an Olympus let alone one of thier SLRs, Olympus has a tendency to cut on quality when it comes to thier lower end models the people that own em love em. However I have always heard that Olympus high end cameras are among the best. After using the E-300 I would agree WOW!.This camera has so many other benifits and features that I can't go into here, so check your online review sources and make up your own mind. As I said I am a professional photographer and I sell cameras and aside from some bells and whistles, speed you'll never use, the E-300 is everybit as good a digital SLR camera as its Canon and Nikon counterparts (more so in some ways)The biggest being price!
I added another lens to mine and a Microdrive (4gb) and a Canon would have still cost me more, and I'd still be lost in those menus!Want my advice? Put the E-300 on your short list and decide based on picture and price, not speed. Weather its film or digital, photography has always been about the pictures, SLR's by nature take amazing photographs, is it really worth it to have to take on a second job just to pay for it!? I hope this helps somewhat, after I have used the camera a while I may offer an update, until then Happy shooting!

I Love this Camera!
The E-300 is one outstanding digital camera.I have been doing 35mm for many years, and it was nice to find a digital camera that has the look and feel of a high end 35mm.It even has the sound of the shutter clicking and the film winding sound also.A very easy to use camera, once I figured out the menus.Pictures are outstanding even at the middle of the resolution range.Good job, Olympus!But... I could mention two complaints, neither of which will make me return the camera.One, the camera does have a bit of a problem taking flash pictures in low light conditions.And the other problem, an obvious money-grubbing device (Bad Olympus!), the AC adapter that sells for $130 or so could be replaced by any $10 wall wart, except for that little proprietary connector on the camera.Come on, Olympus, what's up with that?

Best bang for the buck, by far
When I decided to go fully digital I read every review I could find.Not having $6-7000 to spend I kept it under $2500.

This is the best camera out there in this price range.It is sharper than any of the others.There are minor complaints about color acuracy, but that is a lot easier to fix than lack of sharpness.

Very powerful flash.Amazing for its size.

Nice weight and balance.

If you want a DSLR this is really the best you can get for under
$1000 and that is with 2 lenses.

THE BEST SLR AND THE BEST LOOKING CAMERA I HAVE SEEN!
Before, I bought the E-300,I looked at the other SLR camera's and was impressed by some of them. But, not as impressed by the E-300. The E-300 caught my eye by it's looks and it's functions. Also, all things it can do! Plus it was easy to use! When I first started using the camera I was "VERY" impressed by how well the pictures were coming out. I am pretty impressed with the E-300! I am "GLAD" I choose this camera and I would not trade it in for anythings else.

Nice Digi SLR camera with this price
Nice pictures, good price, bring me total different feeling comparing with my other digi cameras. ... Read more

Product Description

12x Optical Zoom and a Brightness of F2.8 to 3.3 The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens is a small, lightweight lens that packs the samezoom power as a big, clunky 400mm-class film camera lens. This 12x optical zoom lens is super-bright too, at F2.8 to 3.3 with a focal length of 6 to 72mm (equivalent to 36mm to 432mm in a 35mm film camera).You've got all the power and flexibility you need to take exquisitely beautiful shots all the way from telephoto to wide angle and macro. The DMC-FZ5 also has a 4x digital zoom. Use it together with the 12x optical zoom and you've got ultra-powerful 48x zooming, roughly equivalent to a huge 1680mm lens on a 35mm camera.MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer Helps Eliminate Blurry Pictures Jitter from shaky hands is one of the main reasons why cameras produce blurry images. We don't expect everyone to have hands of stone when taking pictures, that's why Lumix cameras help solve the problem of unsteady hands with advanced MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer technology.The DMC-FZ5 has a built-in gyrosensor that detects any hand movement and relays a signal to a tiny microcomputer inside the camera, which instantly calculates the compensation needed. A linear motor then shifts the Optical Image Stabilizer lens as necessary to guide incoming light from the image straight to the CCD. You won't even notice it working-all you'll see are the outstanding results!Snap Off Consecutive Shots at 3 Frames per Second! Yo ... Read more

Features

• Stores images on Secure Digital (SD) cards; 16MB card included
• Powered by a Lithium-Ion battery pack (7.2V, 680 mAh); battery charger included
• 5.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
• Amazing 12x optical zoom gets you close to the action without sacrificing image quality
• Super-fast shutter times: .008 seconds to release (not including AF time) and .4 seconds between shots

Reviews (8)

Pansonic Got It Right!
This camera has far exceeded my expectations. I am one of those geeks that research everything on the market before making a purchase. There are plenty of cameras that looked like they would meet my needs, but as I researched and tested, too many had glaring flaws or fell short on critical features.

I'm not going to waste your time and mine repeating all the details of every feature from the earlier reviewers. They did a great job of listing its strengths and weaknesses. Instead, I will waste our time sharing my personal impressions on the use and results of this fine camera.

The image stabilizer is like magic. I have been able to take indoor, hand held shots that would have been impossible with an un-stabilized camera. I cannot overstate the value of this feature. In well lit pictures the stabilization makes for a crispness I haven't seen in a point and shoot type camera (perhaps the massive Leica lens may have had something to do with this too). The flash has impressed me as well. It seems to meter very well compared to my Cannon A70. No more flash blown out shots on close up groups. Rarely did it get it wrong.

I spent yesterday at the Point Defiance Zoo in Seattle, running the FZ5 through its paces. The resulting pictures blew me away. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face looking at the pics on my computer afterwards. I'm no pro, but some of the pics were. It was a bit humorous to hear comments all day long by other Point and Shoot photographers "I wish I had more zoom", all the while I am taking crisp 12x close-ups of all the fuzzy critters in cages.

Also, I like a camera that looks and handles like a camera, not some kind of Star Trek shuttle craft with a lens on the front. The Minoltas look goofy and handle goofy. Scotty, beam me up.

Is it perfect? Nope, but so close I'm still smirking with smug satisfaction. After the zoo trip, I would like a manual focus option. There were times that glass or chain link fence made focusing a chore. Would I trade for a bigger, heavier camera that had manual focusing? Not for my uses. You can keep your bloated and clunky DSLRs. This camera carries like a Point and Shoot, but functions like a much bigger beast. Toting it around was barely noticeable (that is a key feature for me). This is a camera that you can carry easily and it excels at 95% of any use I may deem for it. The size is perfect. A gargantuan 12x stabilized lens on a camera this small is unreal (somebody pinch me).

Of course, please upgrade the included SD card. I get annoyed when reviews gripe about the small included memory cards in today's cameras. I don't want the camera company deciding for me which high capacity card to use (and jacking up the price of the camera). I say put in a tiny inexpensive card to allow camera testing, then let the end user pick their favorite card. This camera is already speed demon compared to my Canon A70. Imagine my surprise after plugging in a SanDisk Ultra II card and watching the write speeds cut in half. It was dramatic. Get a fast 10mb SD card and snap pictures at will.

As far as the review by "jjmmdd" I have to say "Either you don't know how to hold a camera still, or the camera is defective" If it is the former, spend more time on your technique. If it is the latter, then for heaven sakes, get the camera fixed or replaced. Across the board Panasonic puts out some of the most consistently reliable consumer products available. "jjmmdd", you were so very right. Every positive review written for Panasonic products is written by a Panasonic employee. Dude, put on your aluminum foil hat, check yourself for alien implants, and "buy a vowel".

Regarding the review by "D. Rosenfeld", as far as I am concerned, any "movie mode" in a "still camera" is a defect, not a feature. If you need a video camera, buy a video camera. Anyone buying a still camera for its video features is looped. It is consumers like you that make me fear the camera companies will start putting cell phones in digital cameras. D'oh! Oh another thing "D".... The stabilizer "ROCKS!!!"

It has been a while since I purchased a toy that lived up to my expectations after I lived with it for a while. The Panasonic FZ5 did just that. I'm now dreaming of this same camera with manual focus and a magnesium chassis......mmmmmm, magnesium. Wake up man!!!In the category of "Stellar, Point, and Shoot, Mega-Zoom, Cameras" This baby is getting all 5 stars from me.

(Subliminal message to follow)

Panasonic, please release the DMC-FX8 in the US market..... Panasonic, please release the DMC-FX8 in the US market..... Panasonic, please release the DMC-FX8 in the US market.....

Great Camera
Okay, maybe I'm not qualified to give it a 5 star rating since this is the first digital camera I've owned, but I've been very happy with this camera and it's performance.I've been a traditional SLR user for about 10 years, and while this camera doesn't have the full range of control of an SLR, it seems to be the best for the price if you want some manual controls and a great zoom compared to it's competitors in the same price range.I'm stopping here, the other reviews already give a lot of detail about the camera.

Almost perfect
This review should really be 4.7 stars. The only 'flaws' I have found are the absence of manual focusing (if you need that, get the Panasonic FZ20) and spot focus being potentially aimed outside of the little focus box (test where yours is).

I knew about the lack of manual focus going in, and weighed against the larger (3/4 inch wider, 1/2 inch taller, and 1 inch deeper), more expensive 20 oz. FZ20, the smaller 11 oz. FZ5 wins easily.I already own the FZ10 which is very similar to its replacement the FZ20, and its sheer size and weight prevented carrying it regularly.Its bulk is the reason I replaced it.

I'm not certain yet if my spot focus is aimed correctly, but others have had problems, and a few of my pictures have been out of focus.Many of those seem due to hand shake with a slow shutter speed.When zoomed even image stabilization/antishake technology won't compensate for slow shutter speeds - use the flash or a higher ISO.

You have the flexibility to do that because other than manual focus, you have endless options.At least 4 ISOs, shutter priority mode, aperture priority mode, manual mode, and a variety of pre-programmed shot settings if you don't want to mess with the details.Fireworks, party, night landscape, night protrait, sports, macro and on, it's all there.The exposure system is the most accurate I've seen in not over-exposing and losing white tones and highlights.The white balance is actually accurate enough that you may need to adjust it, although 'auto' does pretty well.Focusing can be whole screen, spot, high-speed spot, etc.It also has two image stabilization modes, one that gives you the greatest accuracy stabilizing, another that makes focusing easier.

An often ignored consideration in picking a camera is whether it has a focus assist light.Inside, especially at night under incandescent light, many cameras may have trouble getting enough light to focus correctly.You won't notice this in a well-lit store or outside, but when you need a picture of a birthday party or other event, half your shots will be out of focus.This has the light.I believe only Canons also have this feature consistently.

If you've made it to this camera, you are probably already aware of the benefits of an extended zoom.It's wonderful to be in total control and able to get as close as you want to your subject.Since I'm unable to hand-hold even at 6x zoom, image stabilization is vital in an ultrazoom model.

There are cameras available with more megapixels. While more pixels may give you the ability to capture more detail, that must be weighed against the file sizes created by more megapixels.You'd need extra or larger memory cards to hold those files, or compress them and lose resolution in order to fit in a smaller size.If you're only printing 4x6s or even 5x7s, it's too small to see that detail.Most web images are less than 1 MP, and a standard 1024x768 screen is also less than 1MP.If you are sending images by email, larger images and files only making it harder to send those to people with dial-up.Don't buy a camera on megapixels alone - it may be more trouble than it's worth.

Other than the FZ20, only the Konica Minolta Dimage Z5 is comparable to this model.The Dimage is heavier and larger, making the Panasonic the best option for me so that I carry it as often as possible and get the most from my investment.Other than hard-core photography afficionados who need the manual focus (or a hot shoe which this also lacks), I doubt anyone would be disappointed.

Panasonic DMC-FZ5

I just bought one and am very disappointed to find that a user can not change the degree of zooming when in movie mode; in other words, once you select a focus that includes a certain amount of telephoto zoom, you are stuck at that zoom level till you stop the movie and start a new movie. BUMMER!

Secondly, even though everyone raves about the image stabilizer, I have to say that my old Sony Mavica MVC-FD91 had/has a far superior stabilizer.

The new Canon S2 may be the way to go.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0504/05042201canons2is.asp

Nicely done Panasonic
I have been very pleased so far with the DMC-FZ5.I have been taking very sharp pictures indoors and outdoors with the Lumix.The LCD is very readable (might not be as easy in full sunlight), and I was able to figure out most menu items without the instructions.

Image stabilization works wonders on this long zoom camera.I took a 12X zoom picture outside in a 25 mph wind, and the result was outstanding.The wind was shaking me all over, but the pic came out as crisp as can be, thanks to the image stabilization.

To Ann I say that the DMC-F5Z may be kind of big by your standards, but I would have to say this Lumix is a very compact camera, even compared to my Canon G2, which is no monster by any stretch.

To Jimmy, I am certainly not a Panasonic employee, but I can't give this camera a poor review.If 75% of your shots are blurry with the Lumix, then either your camera is defective, or the operator is defective!Is it possible to take a blurry picture with this camera?Yes, but it's pretty hard, especially with Image Stabilization turned on.

For mid-priced long zoom cameras, the Lumix DMC-FZ5 has to be at or near the top of its class, at least for right now.For those who can wait, you might want to compare this camera to the Canon 2S IS, which is coming in June. ... Read more

Product Description

4.1-megapixel effective recording * 2-1/2" color LCD * optical viewfinder * 3X optical zoom (up to 2X digital/6X total zoom) * JPEG options: 2304 x 1728; 2304 x 1536; 2048 x 1536; 1280 x 960; 640 x 480 * ... Read more

Features

• Powered by AA-size batteries (NiMH rechargeable batteries supplied); up to 400+ shots per charge
• 4.1 MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 12 x 15-inch prints
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens; large 2.5-inch LCD
• Real Imaging Processor LSI allows for fast start-up and shot-to-shot times, plus extended battery stamina
• Stores images on Memory Stick media; features 32MB internal memory

Reviews (3)

Great Camera
This Camera is one of the best in its price range. It takes beautiful clear pictures and can be used right out of the box, but its worth learning all its features. The included memory holds about 20-25 pictures so I upgraded to 128mb. I reccomend getting a 128mb card and the Sony camera case. Not only is this one of the best cameras in its class it includes decent software and rechargeable batteries that are at least a 20$ value.
HIGHLY reccomend over canon,kodak, and fuji. One more thing this camera has CARL Zeiss lens (if you dont know, great lens) all the competetors have generic lens.

Excellent camera... period.
After much deliberation and research, given I was about to shell out over 300 bucks, I went with the Sony DSC-S90. I won't go on and on about specifications since you can read them for yourselves.But after using this camera for almost one week, I have found it to be very easy to use, it gives you great looking pictures (thanks toCarl Zeiss and 4.1 megapixels), and it even takes MPEG movies. The HUGE 2.5 inch LCD screen is bright and clear, and you're given the option to use the optical viewfinder. A handy feature in bright sunlight.

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of the lackluster design of the data/video/audio cable. It plugs into the bottom of the camera, which means you have to lay it on it's back (the LCD side, ouch!) or its front (the lens side, double ouch!!). I'd hate to damage or scratch either of these, although in all fairness, the lens is closed during file transfer process.

I'd recommend this beauty, but get yourself at least a 256 Meg Memory Stick Pro, a small carrying case, and add those to the price.ENJOY!!

Very pleased with my first digital camera-easy to use!
Although this is my first digital camera, I did a fair amount of research and shopping to decide on this camera.I am a "techie" and "gadget guy" by nature, but this camera is very easy to use right out of the box.A primary reason I bought this camera was for its ease of use for my wife and children.

My decision came down to two cameras:this and the Canon Powershot A520.They have very similar specifications.However, for the same price, the Sony came with rechargeable batteries and charger and has a WHOPPING 2.5 inch LCD screen!

I am very pleased with my purchase and how the camera performs so far.

... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The performance features of the C-60 are as impressive as its stylish metal exterior. In addition to a 6.1-megapixel resolution, the compact, durable C-60 features Olympus's new TruePic TURBO image processor, a dual autofocus system usually found in SLR-style digital cameras (like the C-8080), and sunshine LCD technology that makes it easy to review your photo shoot even in bright daylight. The C-60 also offers a 3x optical zoom lens, USB 2.0 connectivity, PictBridge compatibility, and movie mode with audio.

Optics and Resolution The C-60 has a maximum resolution of 2816 x 2112 pixels, which will produce 30 x 40 print enlargements. It also offers these lower resolution modes: 2560 x 1920 (5 MP), 2288 x 1704 (4 MP), 2048 x 1536 (3 MP), 1600 x 1200 (2 MP), 1280 x 960 (1 MP), 1024 x 768 (SVGA), and 640 x 480 (VGA). The 3x optical zoom aspherical glass lens has a 35mm equivalent of 38mm-114mm. It also features a 4x digital zoom, for a 12x total zoom.

Movie Mode
In addition to still images, the C-60 can record video with sound at two resolution modes: 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 (both at 15 frames per second). Movie length is only limited by the size of your memory card. The included 32 MB XD card will record approximately 80 seconds of high-resolution video.

More Features
The C-60 is one of the first Olympus models to feature TruePic Turbo, a new image processor that sharpens image clarity, contrast, and color for life-like results. This feature also makes the camera 30% faster in processing images and is combined with a super-fast shutter release time. Other features include:

• 1.8-inch low-temperature poly-silicon LCD (approximately 134,000 pixels)
• Thirteen shooting modes give you the flexibility to capture amazing images for various situations
• Full aperture and shutter control in Manual mode
• Built-in multi mode flash and Dual Auto Focus system is designed to ensure your subjects are properly lit and in focus quickly
• Stitch up to 10 images together to create a single panoramic with an Olympus-branded XD memory card

Olympus Sunshine LCD Technology
Olympus' new sunshine LCD technology enables you to review your shots even in direct sunlight. A standard display reflects sunlight from its surface and therefore in bright sunshine it is difficult to review an image. The sunshine LCD, however, has semi-transparent layers which enable the sunlight to penetrate a few layers into the panel. This light is reflected by the underside of the liquid crystal layer, and images are clearer and brighter thanks to this additional "back light." The display also adjusts its brightness to cater for the surrounding light conditions, whether it be on a beach or in a brightly-lit room.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on tiny XD memory cards, and a 32 MB card is included with the C-60. You'll be able to store 7 shots of SHQ (or 14 HQ) 2816 x 2112 pixel images on the included card. The C-60 transfers images to Macs and Windows-based PCs via a speedy USB 2.0 connection.

Direct Printing
The C-60 is PictBridge compatible, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to a compatible printer (such as the Olympus P-10), without a PC or image-editing software. All PictBridge devices share three basic features: camera-to-printer connecting, single-image printing, and uniform error messages (in case something goes wrong).

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LI-12B). The C-60 measures 3.9 x 2.22 x 1.6 inches (WxHxD) and weighs a lean 7 ounces without batteries or recording media.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Olympus C-60 digital camera, 32 MB XD memory card, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LI-12B), battery charger, remote control, wrist strap, USB and A/V cables, and CD-ROM with Camedia Master software. ... Read more

Features

• 6-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 14-by-19-inch enlargements
• 3x optical zoom combines with 4x digital zoom for 12x total zoom
• Movie mode with audio; PictBridge enabled
• Store images on xD memory cards
• Powered by rechargeable lithium ion battery (included with charger)

Reviews (7)

Great camera, weak flash
Strengths: Very compact & light, quick startup (slower with bigger XD Media cards), lots of great features (like continuous shooting mode and red-eye reduction), long battery life.
Weaknesses: Weak flash, red-eye reduction not available in continuous shooting mode, slow startup with big XD Media cards.
Summary: This is overall a great camera (see list of main strengths above). My biggest complaint is that the flash is pretty weak, and cannot be brightened in "auto" mode. However, if you switch the camera to one of the manual modes, you have more control over the brightness of the flash -- but I've found that increasing the brightness washes out the subjects too much. So you're stuck between a rock & a hard place. The perfect flash I ever used was on a Nikon Coolpix 995 camera, but that camera is big & bulky & slow compared to this camera. So if you're going to be doing a lot of daylight shooting or outdoor shooting that doesn't require heavy use of a flash, this camera is for you. If you're doing a lot of nighttime or indoor shooting (like me), you'll be hard-pressed to get rid of this spritely little camera that's chock-full of features, and instead you'll find yourself turning on lots of overhead lights to flood more light into the room.

Good camera
I have this camera for 2 months.
Good quality photos. Easy to use.
No digital zoom in auto mode.
I can't buy extra battery LI-12B

Olympus has done it again
Simply love it, I purchased this camera about a month ago this is my 2nd olympus the 1st lasting for 5 years (and still going strong) but just a 1.3 megapixel only good for 4 x 6 prints My wife & I wanted a camera capable of larger prints. We have had 8 x 10s printed from the camera and they are excellent. We were told you could get a 20 x 30 print if we wanted. Some may have trouble with the controls but this is not just a "point and shoot camera" it has all of the bells & whistles that photo buffs demand, but also an Auto mode and the camera will do all the work.

A Great Little Camera
I have been getting excellent results with this little beauty. I don't understand the comment on battery life, since I am getting 200-250 pictures on a charge. My only complaint is the size of the XD card that they supply with the unit. For a 6 Megapixel camera, you would think they would give you more storage to start with than 32MB. other than that the quality is excellent, pictures are high resolution and the Camedia software supplied with the camera does an excellent job.

BIG DISAPPOINTMENT
I received this camera as a birthday present. I have an Olympus C-3000 and since I have had such luck with this Olympus, wanted to upgrade to something smaller and better. Well, the C60 looks and feels great but I was terribly disappointed in the quality of the pictures, as well as not being user friendly. Battery life is also TERRIBLE. ... Read more

Features

• 5-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 13-by-17-inch enlargements
• Pentax SMC 3x optical zoom lens with 4x digital zoom
• 2-inch LCD display; movie mode with sound; PictBridge compatible
• Store images in 9.3 MB of built-in flash memory or on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (memory card not included)
• Powered by rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack (included with charger)

Product Description

MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer Helps Eliminate Blurry Pictures Jitter from shaky hands is one of the main reasons why cameras produce blurry images. We don't expect everyone to have hands of stone when taking pictures, that's why Lumix cameras help solve the problem of unsteady hands with advanced MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer technology.The DMC-LZ2 has a built-in gyrosensor that detects any hand movement and relays a signal to a tiny microcomputer inside the camera, which instantly calculates the compensation needed. A linear motor then shifts the Optical Image Stabilizer lens as necessary to guide incoming light from the image straight to the CCD. You won't even notice it working, all you'll see are the outstanding results!6x Optical Zoom in a Compact Body Use the 6x optical zoom together with the 4x digital zoom1 to enjoy up to 24x zoom power, which approximates a 888 mm zoom lens on a 35mm camera, with a body size as compact as an ordinary 3x optical zoom camera. Snap Off Consecutive Shots at 3 Frames per Second! You can take up to 5 images in Standard Mode and 3 images in Fine Mode with fullresolution. In addition, the Unlimited Consecutive Shooting function lets you continue shooting until the memory card or built-in memory is full. All this is made possible by the Venus Engine Plus, which reduces power consumption by about50% compared with our previous Venus Engine. The multi-task image processing inthe Venus Engine Pl ... Read more

Features

• 5 MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
• 6x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.0-inch LCD display
• 14MB built-in memory
• Stores images on SD memory cards; powered by 2 AA-size batteries

Reviews (3)

Amazing quality picture, tons of features, compact design
Panasonic blows the big name competitors away with this model digital camera. This is the only compact digital camera on the market to offer 6x optical zoom. It is also the only camera in this price range equipped with image stabilization and all for well under $300.
The picture quality is simply remarkable. Camera has both simple menus for the novice user as well as many manual controls and advanced menus for the pro.
The camera is super fast, not only at initial startup, but also shot to shot pictures. Huge 2- inch LCD display with great battery life. Excellent camera with lots of features, good design, compact and very light weight. I have no regrets neither will you.

Strengths:
6x optical zoom, image stabilizer, sharp clear images, compact size, extended battery life, 2-inch LCD, SD media, 5MP, movie mode with audio, works with regular AA batteries, 4x digital zoom.

Weaknesses:
No viewfinder but you won't need it because of the camera's huge LCD and extended battery life. The LCD however is only average resolution, but does display sharp, clear images in low lighting or direct sunlight. A higher resolution LCD screen wouldn't hurt.

Get this camera. You will not have any regrets.

One Great Camera!
This is one great camera!I also have a Canon Powershot A75, so I have another great camera to compare it to.I thought the Powershot took excellent pictures until I got the Panasonic DMC-LZ2.The LZ2's pictures are even better.The 6x optical zoom is one of the reasons I wanted the LZ2, and it works great!I took some pictures of my kids racing (swimming) in the pool using Auto, and they came out beautifully.They were not blurry at all, and you can even see the splashes of water in the air. I thought they might be blurry since I didn't use the "Sports" mode, but they were not.I also took several pictures of them from about 100 feet away and zoomed in the whole way with the optical zoom.The pictures are very close, clear, and look terrific.I am no where near a professional photographer.I am just a Mom who wants to take great-looking pictures of her family in all situations.I am very impressed with this camera, and I highly recommend it.

AMAZING! (LZ1 review since there are none for LZ2)
I've known what I wanted in a digital camera for several years:
1. Fast shutter release (my Canon S-200 takes 3+ sec., 5+ flash).
2. Small and light (for backpacking, travel).
3. Point and shoot zoom(5X plus with image stabilization).
4. 4+ megapixel, under $250.
5. No proprietary batteries, 2 AA preferred.

Up until now, nothing has come close. Then I read in Business Week that the LZ1 and LZ2 had become the best selling cameras in Japan within several months of their introduction. No independant reviews were available (even CNET) so I bought the LZ1 on the strength of it's technical spec's and my previous experiences with Panasonic products.

I took the LZ1 to the rodeo several days ago to test it under demanding conditions. I used the "sports" setting and burst mode(four exposures in about 1 1/2 seconds under those circumstances), all freehand. The results were stunning! No noticeable shutter lag, no blurry or out of focus pictures, all action frozen. Simply put: point, shoot, you got it!

Notes: Actual weight with 2 batteries is 8.2 ozs. The user interface is the best I've seen- full functioned and simple. Flash shots have shutter lag of approx. 1/2 second. I use Panasonic 2300 mah nmh rechargeable batteries purchased at Costco. Panasonic specs claim 370 pictures with those batteries, 30 seconds between shots, flash every shot, full zoom in and out each shot. This camera has no optical view finder. I use Panasonic high speed 256mb SD memory cards- expensive, but after having a Viking card quit and swallow 200 pics on another camera, I don't pinch pennies on memory. I may try a Sandisc Ultra II SD card if Amazon gets some in stock. ... Read more

Features

• A 3.2-megapixel CCD for superior high-resolution imaging and photo printing up to 10 x 14 inches
• Only 16.7 millimeters thin with a stylish stainless steel body that's the size of a business card
• Large 2.0-inch digital interface TFT LCD screen for easy viewing
• Rapid start-up allows pictures to be taken approximately 1.4 seconds after the power is turned on (with the flash off)
• All-metal construction from body and lens down to the screws for a true feeling of high quality

Amazon.com Product Description

The SD500 is the first Digital ELPH from Canon to be equipped with 7.1 megapixel resolution -- a major step forward for a camera this easy to use. With Canon's exclusive DIGIC II image processor, a big, two-inch LCD screen, and an outstanding set of features and capabilities, the SD500 is a digital camera designed to lead Canon's impressive Digital ELPH line.

The SD500's 7.1 megapixel CCD (the highest resolution in the Digital ELPH line) delivers images with unprecedented detail. Meanwhile, the powerful 3x optical zoom provides plenty of close-up excitement with a focal length equivalent to 37 to 111 millimeters in a 35-millimeter film camera. The camera's stylish new perpetual curve design -- a first in digital cameras -- fits your hands perfectly, and though its body is superbly slim, the SD500 has an oversized two-inch LCD screen that makes for easy framing and playback.

Designed to improve processing speed and image quality, the SD500's DIGIC II processor provides markedly faster camera startup, auto-focus and playback. Plus, it assures that every image is more accurate, with a broader range and vibrant colors. The processor is so fast and powerful that it could change the way even a die-hard film photographer feels about digital camera image quality and performance.

Canon has added nine special scene modes to help you take the best pictures in various situations. "portrait" sets a large aperture, focuses the subject, and artistically blurs the background to make your subject appear clear and bright. "foliage" captures excellent organic shots, like autumn leaves, greenery, or blossoms. "beach" gets clear shots at sunny locales without darkening faces. Other scenes include fireworks, night snapshot, kids and pets, indoor, and snow.

You can also set the camera to "digital macro" to shoot larger-than-life close-ups, or turn the dial to "underwater" to snap images with reduced backscatter, so you'll see the fish and coral, not your flash. If you're interested in taking pictures underwater, you'll want to make sure you pick up the WP-DC70 from Canon -- a waterproof case made especially for the SD500.

Ready for some filmmaking? With this camera, you can shoot great full motion video at an astonishing 60 frames per second (fps) -- perfect for capturing fast moving subjects. Always thinking, Canon designed the SD500 to also offer a 30 fps movie mode that is perfect for creating video files that are small enough to email.

The SD500 is the first of Canon's compact digital cameras to support the USB 2.0 high-speed standard. You'll enjoy the highest data transfer speeds with any USB 2.0 compatible computer, making it easier than ever to download your digital images from the camera and clear your memory card. Also, this camera's performance level is high enough to take full advantage of super-high-speed SD memory cards.

What's in the Box
PowerShot SD500 digital camera, wrist strap, SD memory card, battery pack, battery charger, digital camera solution CD-ROM, AV cable, and interface cable. ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced movie mode with 60 fps recording
• 7.1 megapixel digital ELPH camera with curved, metallic body
• Large, two-inch LCD screen for easy, on-camera viewing
• DIGIC II image processor for fast processing, crisp colors, and excellent image quality
• USB 2.0 high-speed support for fast downloads and transfers

Reviews (22)

Mindless, professional results
I've been a user of a Canon G3 for 3 years now, but I wanted a high quality/ very compact point and shoot camera for travel.The key here was buying something I or my wife could put into a pocket to carry and not have the quality of the results suffer due to size.

Being a reseach psycho before buying anything, I narrowed the field down to 3:Sony DCXT7, Casio Exilim z750, and the Canon SD500.Then I went to the store to try them out (I can not stress this enough...it is worth the trip to a store to play with these), and the number of cameras being considered went to two.The Sony, the sexiest camera of the group, was so thin it was nearly impossible for me to get a firm hold on (camera shake and red eye are the main problems with small cameras, all three of which have these issues to an extent, but Sony's camera was overly hard to hold, making it by far the worst for camera shake ), so I removed it from consideration...really too compact...plus it was 5 mp vs. 7 on the other two...for the same price.That left the Exilim and Canon.

One note on megapixels...more is better if you like to digitally play with photos on photoshop elements or another program (crop pieces out, etc) or want a 13 X 19 blow up ability should you capture the perfect picture. If neither apply's to you, the SD400 (same feature set, lens, processor) or another 5 mp would work just as well for less money...and give you the highest quality results needed up to 8X10 and a little bigger.Me, I like to play with photos after the shoot, which is why I wanted the extra resolution.

Just picking up and shooting with the SD500 produced great results (easy and mindless), and it was small, but not too small, to work with.My wife does not care about F stops or shutter priority (which it does not have).She wants to pick a subject, snap, and have amazing, mindless 7 mp results that rival the leading current prosumer G6 from Canon.I suspect that a large number of people buying digital camreas want the same thing.

If this is what you want, along with a great movie mode, useful scene modes, longer flash range than any camera this size, and a few fun fuctions (though you can do it on Photoshop, I enjoy the "color swap" (easily swap colors in a picture), & "color accent" (neat with B&W photo, think "Sin City" for a camera)) this is the camera you want.Mindless, stunning, professional results.You really can't go wrong picking this camera.

If you want or need full manual controls on a camrea this size, check out the Casio Exilim Z750, which came in a close second.

And speaking of manual, thank you Canon, for including a compact printed manual for the SD500.I've become tired of having to print manuals out on my computer for many new products.

Small camera great pictures
I read reviews before buying this camera.The reviews really helped my decision on the purchase.So, I guess I appreciate my reads by contributing my part.

My take on this small beauty:

Good:
* great resolution
* great colors
* really like the my color and color swaps capabilities
* small & sleek design (It fits in my tiny purse with the camera bag)
* video with zooming function
* decent battery life (get a generic brand that gives 20% more)
* underwater photography capability WITH its underwater housing case (sold separately).This is great for trips to the beach, snorkeling, and (not so deep water)diving.

Bad:
* Because it is so small and heavy with its metallic body, it's easy to drop and have bad impact on the camera body.I dropped mine to the ceramic tile floor.The point of impact was the corner of the battery compartment.I force-open the battery cover (kissed my warranty good bye) with a thin piece of metal because I didn't want to send it to the service center - I was afraid to lose my pictures in the card!
* Camera shake due to its small body.Canon should have done better to fix this.
* Pricey
* SD card comes with the camera is TOO low on capacity
* No direct in camera link to power chord.You need to buy separate AC adaptor kit which costs you some bucks.
* whining sound on video playback


Every camera has its pros and cons.SD500 is worth the money for me.

Hindsight is always 20/20 - Made the right decision up front
Before I took the family on a Disney Cruise to the Carribean, I shopped for a digital camera.I spent many nights reading reviews from various sites, compared prices vs features, size, megapix, accessory cost, memory card price,etc.I narrowed it down to a Sony Cybershot vs the Canon.I can say that I am not a pro photographer in any sense, but I enjoy snapping "tourist" photos and ones of the family so one day when I am senile I will remember.THIS CAMERA TOOK FANTASTIC PHOTOS, FOOEY ON THE NAYSAYERS.The only reason their pictures turned out blurry is because they cant hold their hands still!

WHY I'M GLAD I DIDNT BUY THE SONY:
Sony memory cards are a rip off (try pricing their high-speed ones versus regular SD high speed), their spare batts are a cha-ching, and their fragile LCD's are complained about a lot.Even though the Canon camera itself costs more than the Sony camera did, the Sony accessories would have cost me more than a fully loaded Canon w/ accessories! I'm sure the photos would have been nice also, but the features on the Canon are better and I have a higher megapizel camera for an overall cheaper cost of ownership.

CANON'S COOL FEATURES!
1.Besides taking gorgeous, rich, color photos, I spent a few minutes reading the manual.If you set it to SCN scene mode, there are a ton of pre-programmed modes that compensate for every setting, beach, night, indoor, close-up plants, and even fireworks.I played with the various modes and I easily figured out which was best for the picture about to take. The Disney cruise ship did fireworks from it and the pix are awesome.Cant wait until the 4th of July!
2.Super fast 1 second, ready to shoot time from the pocket. Didnt miss a single action moment!
3.Photostich- allows you to take panaramic photos left, right, up and down, then the included software automatically pastes the pictures together!It rocks!
4.Battery life was fantastic.I wasted my money on the spare battery (which was a generic Digipower from Best Buy and it died after 20 shots!) I used the camera all day, took photos and motion video and used up the 1gb storage space and the battery never died that day.
5.I bought a 1GB high-speed SD card for it from Fry's and I took motion videos with this camera!They play back in Windows media player and I emailed those out; people thought it was from a camcorder!I owned a Panasonic D-Snap and promptly sold it after my trip to Australia last fall.Wish I took the Canon there instead!Make sure you buy the high speed SD cards not a super Sunday sale cheap 512 card for $59!A 1gb high speed is about $80-$100.Also, dont forget to do a low level format 1st!
6.Their included software is a little cumbersome to learn, but it works well once figured out.Just wish it had more editing features in it instead of having to use an external software for advanced editing.
7.LCD can be seen at 50% level even in full sunlight & zoom was decent for a compact dig cam.

CONS (IF ANY)
I dont really have any true complaints, but to be fair here are some.Why pack a 32mb SD card?That's worthless, it holds like 7 pictures, Canon ditch it and lower the price instead!Dont like the flappy door thing covering the USB jack, seems cheesy. Camera can get slippery, use the hand strap at all times, thats cheap insurance!

Hope this review helps, I know I appreciate the other reviews people posted here, it helped me make the right decision for an investment that costs over $700 with all the accessories.

Dissapointed in audio recording quality, but otherwise nice.
I am/was a huge fan of the Canon powershot cameras, I started out with the 2 megapixel S110 then upgraded to a Canon S230.

1. First, the SD500 takes great photographs, that is not my complaint.

2.I purchased this camera for its video capabilities because it can record 30 frame per second video at 640x480 resolution (regular television standard).

I had fell in love with the S110 and S230 despite the limited amount of time you could do 640x480 clips for the amount of time supported by the card you are using until it fills up versus only 30 seconds with the S230.

The audio recording quality of the S230 is actually pretty good, in fact good enough that I was able to use the camera to record concerts (mainly organ/classical music concerts for friends who were playing etc, which is really neat from such a small camera.

>>>>
However the audio recording quality of the SD500 is nothing like the S230, in fact it sounds like someone took the camera and threw it in a well somewhere near what you are trying to record.It is muddy and just nothing in comparison to the S230.

That is my 2 cents.

Otherwise it is a great camera, but if you are doing it for audio recording I'd recommend finding another camera, I have went back to using my S230 even though it only records 30 seconds at a time, and is only 3 megapixels.

LCD display is big but fragile
Think twice before buying the Canon SD 500 camera. The LCD displays are large but extremely fragile. Mine was cracked on the second day. It was NOT dropped or abused.

I also have a Canon S110 and have taken just over 5,000 photos with it since Christmas 2001 without any problems. Apparently, in an attempt to make the new models light and the displays large, Canon sacrificed durability.

In some cases Canon will "waive" the LCD repair cost. In others they demand $165 for the repair.

Canon repaired mine as a favor.And I've since purchased a 'da Protector Model 104 - LCD protector.A thin plastic shield that fits well over the LCD window and is stiff enough to shield the LCD from any contact. ... Read more

Features

• 10x magnification in a compact design
• Built-in optical image stabilization uses 2 AA batteries
• Super Spectra multicoating and lead-free glass lenses
• Long 14.5mm eye relief
• Weighs only 21 ounces

Reviews (27)

Why image stabilization is a revolution in binoculars
If you want to get a quick idea why image stabilization (IS) is the next revolution in binoculars, that's easy: take any binoculars that you can get and look through them at some object (a printed page of paper with several font sizes is ideal). Then look again at the same object from the same distance, but this time with the binoculars moudnted on a steady support (don't touch em!). You will notice that the actual resolution increases by a factor of at least 2 or 3 when mounted. That is, you can discern details that are at least two or three times smaller, because mounting eliminates the smear caused by the shaking of your hands. IS is like having this support available any time and anywhere you need it by a push of a button! In most conditions, the practical resolutions I can get with my Canon IS cannot be matched by any hand-held, unstabilized binoculars in the market, including those fancy Nikons, Swarovskis, Leicas and Zeiss that cost three or four times as much. No matter how good (and how expensive) is the optics of these top-of-the-line binoculars, their limiting factor in the field is the shaking of your hands. You may have heard that IS is important because it eliminates eyestrain and headaches, or because you can use the binoculars from a boat or a moving car. While these are good reasons to buy the Canon, the best reason is that they let you see much more detail in any given distance. And this is the reason why you buy binoculars in the first place.

If you are a birder like me, and you are looking for a top of the line binoculars, do not buy anything before you try this one. In my opinion IS is going to revolutionize the whole field, so a costly pair of Swarovski or Zeiss, that normally could be considered as a good investment for life, will not be top of the line anymore in two or three years. In addition to the IS, the Canon has quite good optics, good field of view and is much smaller and lighter then most models you probably considered. This makes the Canon very close to the ideal birding binoculars: Highest resolution, less weight, and less money. I did not have the opportunity to test the larger Canon IS models, but I don't think I'd buy them even if I had the money, because they are twice as heavy and (very important for birding) has smaller field of view.

Note one general disadvantage of the Canon, however: They are not as tough as the top roof prism binoculars. They are water resistant but not water proof, and the IS requires batteries (a pair of NiMH for several hours of birding. This is the digital camera procedure: get a charger and at least one replacement set). While the binoculars feel sturdy, dropping them is not good for the IS mechanism, and this is probably why Canon gives only one year warranty. So the Canon are not the best pair to take for an expedition in Alaska, but for a Sunday birder like me, these are easily the best in their price range, and probably the best in any price.

Canon brings a true revolution in binoculars!
Although expensive, my experience trying the 10x30 with Image Stabilizer from Canon in a store was unbelievable
At the push of a button the image was rock steady allowing to finally see near diffraction-limited details, this in my hands! I could read signs at the other end of the room. I never thought IS correction could be so effective. And optics are great anyway, even with no IS.

I give it a 5 star (even if the 10X is a bit week, a zoom module would help, and there is no dig camera inside!).

This binocular or rather technology is definitely a revolution, like color TV was to black and white TV. Forget about your other binoculars (unless they are IS too)!

Note: Are they going to install the same technology on a conference laser pointer so even after a cup of coffee the spot is rock steady?

Comfortable 10X magnification
This is the first binocular that allows me to move up to 10X magnification & not feel eye strain. I can focus on tiny details without my brain hurting from the movement. I had the opportunity to do a side by side comparison with a pair of Leica 10X binocs. & the Canon optics were VERY close. The stable image made the difference though. At night I can look at the moon & see so much more than ever before. The Canon IS binoculars are a totally unique viewing experience. Really, they're that good!

3 Year Warranty
I just received my 10x30IS, my first pair of high quality, made in Japan binoculars, and found out about the 3 year warranty provided by Canon USA. I bought it thinking it had just 1 year. This makes for a very sound investment in a marvelous technology.

It works great on regular AA rechargeables. No expensive proprietary li-ion packs or hard-to-find batteries to deal with here.

Binoculars nice - Canon service and case not so good
Got these binoculars for my wife at Christmas this year so they are about 3 months old. We went on around 5 short hikes when the stitching binding the strap to the case came completely out of one side dropping the case to the ground. I emailed Canon expecting an apology and a new case. I got the apology, but it was with an explanation that the cases have NO warranty and I was out of luck. After spending over $300 on this product by a well-known company with a high reputation and owning it only 3 months, I expected better. The binoculars are nice, but what happens when the strap on your unwarranted case breaks, drops and breaks your binoculars, and you call Canon? Very poor quality cases. Right now I cannot use the binoculars because I have no case and have to figure something else out. So what good are great binoculars you cannot use?

Binoculars - 5 stars; Case - 0 stars; Canon - 1 star ... Read more

Features

• Up to 4,800 x 1,200 color dpi resolution
• Print and copy speeds up to 25 ppm black, 17 ppm color
• 35-page auto document feeder, dual paper path, built-in 2-sided printing
• 48-bit color scan depth
• USB 2.0 interface, PictBridge-compatible direct photo printing

Product Description

Real KODAK pictures Everything you need to capture, print and share in seconds!Zoom in to capture extraordinary detail with the Z740 Zoom Digital Camera. 10X optical zoom, 5.0 MP, and advanced manual and custom controls everything you need to get the shot you want. Then simply dock your camera and touch a button to print real KODAK pictures that last a lifetime* KODAK XTRALIFE lamination makes them waterproof and durable.A photo solution with everything you need start to finish.Bring your artistic aspirations to life with the Z740 Zoom Digital Camera and Printer Dock Series 3. Capture amazingly close details with ease and control thanks to a 10X optical zoom lens and advanced manual and custom controls. Then dock your camera to print spectacular KODAK pictures in seconds, with just one touch.A powerful zoom. Because close isn't close enough. Get close to your subjects with 10X optical zoom and 5X advanced digital zoom (50X total zoom) Create unbelievable-quality prints up 20"x30" (50x75 cm) with 5.0 MP Get rich, vibrant color under a variety of lighting conditions with the exclusive KODAK Color Science Chip Capture consistently crisp, precise pictures thanks to the auto-focus system with assist lamp.Create unbelievable-quality prints up to 20" x 30" with 5.0 MP More pixels means you can crop and enlarge, and still have great quality. With the exclusive KODAK Color Science Image Processing Chip, your pictures come to life just the way you rememb ... Read more

Features

• Runs on 2 AA-size batteries; accepts SD/MMC memory cards
• 5.0 MP resolution captures enough detail for photo-quality prints up to 13 x 17 inches
• 10x Kodak Retinar all-glass optical zoom lens and 1.8-inch indoor/outdoor display
• PictBridge compatible; captures QuickTime movies with MPEG4 compression
• Features a range of shooting modes, from fully automatic to manual

Reviews (10)

Great camera with a great zoom
There's no doubt about it, the Kodak Z740 is a great camera. Its small enough to carry with you (though a little too big for pockets), has a nice LCD, boasts amazing 5MP resolution, as well as professional quality 10x optical zoom (not junky digital zoom, like other cameras). You can print out an 8x10 poster of your photo without having to stretch the image, that's how great 5MP really is. Also, its got tons of features for a non-SLR model that are easy to use for camera beginners. At about $500, it is a little expensive, however. [...]

Excellent!
This Camera is remarkable. I remember when I got my first digital camera a few years ago, and it was a 1mp camera and everyone was so excited when those made there way on to the market. Now only a few years later, consumers are able to buy, 5, 6, and even 8 megapixel digital cameras. That goes to show you how far digital photography has come these days. - One thing that makes this camera stand out from all the rest is it's 10x Optical Zoom Lens. This lens can get you up close and personal with anything your trying to capture, and the quality does not degrade, because it isn't the digital zoom. I would suggest getting a Higher Capacity SD card, 256mb is sufficient for most people (159 photos at 5mp Resolution) but if your taking a long vacation get a 512 or even a 1gb card for this camera and you won't regret it. Overall this is a good value, and if your in the market for a Printer as well, check out the printer dock, it makes a great companion for this Kodak z740.

ANOTHER SATISFIED CUSTOMER
I purchased this camera as desperately needed upgrade from my HP 812xi digital camera.After over 2 months of research I decided that Kodak was my best bet as an upgrade and MAN OHH MAN am I pleased! When viewed from the camera display, the pictures look good, but when actually downloaded to a computer or printed they look fabulous.I especially like the fact that the movie mode allows me to film quite a bit of footage and the battery that accompanied the camera is very strong.I was able to purchase three rechargeable back-up batteries on Ebay for $5.00 each.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CAMERA!

Grrrreat Camera
I love this camera. I do not know alot about cameras but all I have to do is point and shoot set it on the printer dock and hit the print button. The camera is so easy to use. I would advise you to buy this camera and the printer dock. Hope you love it as much as I do.

Wonderful Camera
I researched for a very long time before deciding on the Z740.I am sooooo HAPPY with my purchase.Kodak's cameras are so easy to use and this one is no exception!The pictures I have taken are AWESOME!I love having the 10X zoom, I can get some amazing closeups.I recommend this camera to anyone who is looking foran easy to use camera that has the capability to do a lot with! ... Read more

Features

• 600 x 600 dpi resolution, laser printing and faxing
• 6 pages per minute print speed
• 30-sheet automatic document feeder
• 33.6 Kbps modem speed, up to 3 seconds per page
• USB interface; 1-year warranty with exchange

Reviews (1)

Great little machine
I've owned the Canon L80 for about a month now. I find it to be a great laser fax machine, and it also doubles as a fine copier for small jobs when collating and a flatbed copier are not needed. For my small office needs, this Canon works perfectly for me. ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 2.0-megapixel CCD
• 11x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 220x) and image stabilizer
• 3.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation
• Make MPEG-4 movies and send them straight to your computer
• Record for up to 110 minutes on one battery charge

Reviews (5)

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Looking for camrecorder with transfering tape to tape or DVD
i'm looking for a MiniDV camrecorder that will be able to tranfer video to tape or DVD and bilt-in camera still, if anyone know ,please give me an advice

Love this Camcorder
Purchased this Camcorder in January 2003. Did lots of research on comparable Panasonic and Sony models - was totally confused, finally went with the Optura Xi. Am very very happy - yes, it is bigger than the very small models. But I find it very comfortable to work with. The optical stabilizer is great - even video from a moving boat looks good. Another surprise - even though they say you won't use the still camera much on a video camcorder - I found myself using it all the time, so I was happy I had the 2 megapixels on the Optura. Not as high quality as my digital still camera - but great for web and viewing on the laptop screen. As a recent switcher from PCs to Mac - I have also been delighted with the ease of connectivity and use with my new PowerBook.

A good camera
First the caveats. This is my first camcorder (after my family's circa 1980's VHS camcorder), and I've had it for a week. I also seriously considered the panasonic pvdv953, but decided on the Optura Xi because of perceived improvement in low light conditions, known Macintosh friendliness of Canon products, and hot accessory shoe. Though the Panasonic may have an edge in color reproduction, to my untrained eye the differences are arguably unnoticable.

First this camera isn't the smallest, but it fits comfortable in my hand and the 3.5" LCD is nice. The zoom slider is easy to control, and most of the camera's functionality is easy to learn. The "special" effects are cheesy and awkward to use. Luckily if you have good video editing software (e.g., iMovie) you don't need these. Optical stabilization works well, and it takes decent photos (the 8MB SD card supplied with camera is practically useless due to its size). USB and fireware connectivity are plug and play, and work as advertised (on G4 laptop).

"Low light" filming seems to be something that's continually revisited. What the heck does 1.5 lux mean anyhow? One 60 watt light? Shaded, bare, or broken and a lit candle in the corner? This camera works decently with sufficient indoor lighting (think two 60 watt in overhead frosted fixture). The low light modes are useless unless you hold the camera perfectly still. Since the white LED is underneath the lens to the right, the ultra low light mode casts a dark moon across the upper left of the video frame.

When played back on my computer or on the TV, the video images look crisp and the colors vibrant. Overall I'm very satisfied with this camera.

Wonderful performer in its price range.
After considerable research, comparing this unit to the similarly priced Sony TRV70/TRV80, and the 3CCD Panasonic PV-DV953, I opted for the Canon Optura Xi. I wanted a digital camcorder:

1. That was compact enough to "take it along" without it being a hinderance
2. That had acceptable low-light performance (by low-light I mean average lighting indoors after dark)
3. Had a decent 16:9 widescreen mode (using the entire CCD)
4. Had a decent interface (easy to use with good stabilization)
5. No proprietary parts unless there's a darn good reason

Initially I looked at the ultra-compact models, but their unattractive low-light abilities combined with the difficult ease-of-use (hard to keep stable, many buttons on a small area) made me change my mind towards these models.

For #1, the panasonic was the largest and heaviest of the three (almost too big for me), the sony the smallest and nicely designed. Since the Optura XI just came out, I never had an opportunity to hold it, but was pleased to see that it's compact enough for my purposes.

For #2, the Panasonic did not have acceptable low-light performance for indoor home use. Its 3CCDs give it the best color representation of the three by far, however it needs a considerable amount of light to make a difference - better suited to budget-minded professionals who ensure their subjects have enough light. Sony's low light performance was only marginally better than the Panasonic's. The Canon's low light performance is top-notch.

For #3, the sony has a 'wide CCD' which allows for more pixels width-wise which was a nice bonus. The Canon and the Panasonic both use an 'anamorphic' lens that widens the camera's view and forces the widened image onto the 4:3 CCD, which can be later be burned onto a DVD as 16:9 that plays widescreen on widescreen TVs, and letterbox on 4:3 TVs. So all three had good 16:9 modes, with the Sony having a slight edge - and the bonus of presenting the image on the viewscreen as 16:9 as well!

For #4, the Sony loses in my estimation - the fact that I have to use the touchscreen during a shoot to change a picture aspect was a big downfall here. Using a touchscreen during playback is nice, but I don't want to have to use it during shooting and risk camera shake or losing my subject! Also, I have heard many criticisms about Sony's too-sensitive zoom feature. The Panasonic has great ease-of-use, however I found the myriad of manual options a little intimidating - a big plus for professionals, though. The Canon has a wonderful look and feel, it's easy to hold, all its buttons are easily accessible, and its optical image stabilization is the best you can find.

For #5, too bad for Sony, I do not want to have to buy memory sticks. Period. The nice thing about having SD cards around, for example, is the ability to transfer them to your PDA, or your digital camera if needed.

If still photos are important for you, all three provide equally nice stills, with an edge in favor of the Panasonic. ... Read more

Product Description

The D50 is the smallest, lightest and easiest-to-use Nikon digital SLR camera to date, The Nikon D50 outfit, including the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens is designed for the broadest range of photographers including family memory-keepers looking to take advantage of the image quality, speed and responsiveness Nikon digital SLR's offer, as well as photo enthusiasts and amateur photographers who want to capture brilliant digital pictures with vibrant color and immaculate sharpness. The new entry-level D50 makes exceptional digital SLR photography a reality for everyone. Nikon is intend on bringing a fulfilling digital SLR photography experience to more photographers than ever before and help them capture their most precious memories with great quality and ease. The D50 inherits the high image quality, responsiveness and speed consumers have come to expect of Nikon's digital SLR cameras, while also embodying a simple, intuitive and compact design, so anyone in the family can use it without hesitation. The Ultimate Family Camera - The D50 stands out as ideal for families searching for that perfect camera to capture timeless memories during important occasions and life events such as weddings, first homeruns, birthdays, prom night, and golden anniversaries, among others. The D50 is the perfect combination of intelligent, easy-to-use features and impeccable image quality, and represents an excellent value for its capabilities. ... Read more

Features

• Stores images on SD cards; powered by Lithium-ion battery (battery and Quick Charger supplied)
• 6.1-megapixel sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
• Compatible with AF and DX Nikkor lenses; kit includes 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor lens
• Continuous shooting at 2.5 frames per second for bursts of up to 137 pictures
• 2.0-inch LCD display; 7 scene modes, including new Child mode

Amazon.com Product Description

Boasting an impressive 8-megapixel resolution and 8x optical zoom lens, the Nikon Coolpix 8700 is a great choice for professional and advanced amateur photographers. Compared with its predecessor--Nikon's Coolpix 5700--the Coolpix 8700 has a faster start-up time, faster data recording, shorter release time lag and a new AF-Assist illuminator for quick AF operation in low light. It also features a movie mode with audio, a lightweight magnesium alloy body, PictBridge compatibility, and much more.

Optics and Resolution
The ultra-high resolution Coolpix 8700 has a 2/3-inch-type CCD that captures up to 3264 x 2448 images for poster-size print enlargements. Other resolution modes include 3264 x 2176, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480. The 8x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens (f/2.8 - 4.2) offers a focal range of 8.9-71.2mm (equivalent to 35-280mm in 35mm format). It also has a 4x digital zoom. The lens incorporates two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that minimize chromatic aberration for sharp, clear images. Additionally, the Optical Low-Pass Filter is optimized, which helps the high-definition CCD image sensor get the best optical performance.

See detailed views of the 8700's features: Front Back Top

Movie Mode
In addition to snapping brilliant still photos, the Coolpix 8700 can also capture video with audio. It offers four movie modes: TV movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30 fps) with audio, Small movie (320 x 240 pixels; 15 fps) with audio, sepia movie (320 x 240 pixels; 5 fps) with audio, and time-lapse movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30 fps).

More Features
The Coolpix 8700 offers Programmed Auto, Shutter-Priority Auto, Aperture-Priority Auto, and Manual, as well as Exposure Compensation for an exceptional degree of exposure control. Nikon's 256-segment Matrix Metering system enables optimal exposures in even the most challenging lighting conditions, while its Matrix Auto White Balance neutralizes color deviations created by ambient light sources.The convenient Best Shot Selector (BSS) function automatically selects the sharpest image from a series of consecutive shots--especially valuable during macro or telephoto shooting.

The 5-shot buffer mode retains the last 5 shots when the shutter button is continually pressed and then released in order to capture unexpected or fleeting moments. The continuous shooting feature captures 2.5 (H) or 1.2 (L) frames per second. Alternatively, you can use the new Multi-shot mode to capture 16 consecutive frames in a single image.It's equipped with a large, vari-angle 1.8-inch LCD monitor for increased visibility--even during bright daylight and a high-resolution EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) that offers greater contrast and clearer images.

Other features include:

• Continuous shooting of up to 5 full-size (3,264 x 2,448-pixel) pictures at 2.5 frames per second (fps)
• 12 Scene Modes: Portrait, Party/Indoor, Night portrait, Beach/Snow, Landscape, Sunset, Night landscape, Fireworks show, Close up, Copy, Back light, and Panorama assist
• RAW mode image recording
• Accessory shoe to accommodate attachment of external Nikon SB-series Speedlights
• Fast shutter speed of 1/4,000 seconds and maximum 10 minute long exposure mode (along with noise reduction mode for long-time exposures)

The camera's magnesium alloy body is rugged and lightweight.

Storage and Transfer
Images and video are stored on CompactFlash memory cards (Type I/II), and the Coolpix 8700 is compatible with MicroDrives (no memory card is included with this package). Files can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1 connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (EN-EL1, included, captures approximately 210 images). It can also be powered by the optional MB-E5700 battery pack (6 AA batteries). It measures 4.4 by 4.1 by 3.1 inches and weighs 17 ounces (excluding battery).

What's in the Box
This package includes the Coolpix 8700 digital camera, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (EN-EL1), battery charger (MH-53), lens cap, camera strap, USB and A/V cables, and CD-ROM with Nikon View editing software and drivers. Optional accessories include: Fisheye Converter (FC-E9), Wideangle Converter (WC-E80), Telephoto Converter (TC-E15ED), Step-Down Ring Lens Adapter (UR-E12), Lens Hood (HR-E5700), Lens Hood (HN-CP11), AC Adapter (EH-53), Car Battery Charger (MH-53C), Remote Cord (MC-EU1), and Soft Case (CS-CP11). ... Read more

Features

• 8-megapixel sensor captures 3264 x 2448 images for poster-size plus print enlargements
• 8x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom (for 32x total zoom)
• Movie mode with audio; 5-shot buffer mode; fast start-up time
• Store images on CompactFlash type I/II memory cards; Microdrive compatible; no memory card included
• Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included); connects via USB 1.1

Reviews (8)

Flexible high resolution camera
This camera is well made and capable of creating very high quality images, if you take the time to learn to use it. Some of its functions are less than intuitive, but it will reward your time spent with the manual with professional quality images. In particular, the metering, white balance and macro capabilities are pro-quality. However, due to shutter lag, this isn't a good choice for shooting sports. The 8 megapixel resolution lets you make 13X19 inch prints or larger that are photo quality. Using a tripod will also pay off with razor sharp close ups and excellent color saturation. This is a wonderful camera for portraits, scenics, and especially close up shots,where the fold out, tilting LCD screen really can be helpful in getting unique angles on your subject. This camera also allows you to use many of Nikons Speedlights (electronic flashes) to get the light on your subject when it is too far for the built in flash. This is a very flexible and capable machine. I do recommend getting a second battery and the lens hood to eliminate lens flare under most conditions. I highly recommend this camera to those who choose not to go with a digital SLR. It is the next best thing and it is MUCH more portable and flexible.

The Best Out There!
Okay, I tested all the 8MP out there and so far this is the one I have to say is the best. It is a little bit harder to get used too, but believe me. Once you get the hang of it, there is no going wrong. I do recommend getting the fastest memory card there is. I am shooting "raw images" and the faster the card the faster you get the picture. It is a NIKON.

Undecided..Great Tool but...Color Cast is too Blue for Me.
Dont misunderstand, this is no dought a wonderful Camera, but I have to compare these Images to My Sony 5meg all the time and this camera is just not as easy and doesnt take photos of people as well. I have studied the Manual since day one, and have taken over a thousand pics...The Sony has Very rich fleshtones, Nikon is Blue, thats the only way I can describe it, I have to Import alot of the images into photoshop to get rid of the Blueish cast, probably my fault and need to study the book more but why should I have to?..The Sony has much better AUTO features, and way better focusing abilities...I bought this camera because of the power and size of the lens...It will fit through a chain link fence, where as the Sony will not, and I am constantly behind fences at sporting events, The Size of the Sony 8meg was just too big to throw into my pack, the Nikon is easier to carry and has an unbelievable lens range for a camera of this size...35-280 is the best of the bunch in the 8meg range...So..my humble opinion, if you want a compact 8meg...this camera is a good tool, just be ready to study and practice with it...If you want 8megs and an easy auto camera, with better focus and much better pictures of people then get the Sony8meg...This Nikon has frustrated me from day one and I am pretty good at photography...I own six digital cameras and this is my first Nikon...Nikon does have an incredible range of accesories for this camera and it is a keeper, I will just have to keep practicing with it and try to figure out why the Hue seems too blue for me...It takes incredible photos of landscapes and the outdoor shots are wonderfull, the lens range is worth keeping it alone...It is so much smaller than my Sony F717...8megs is better for printing 13x19 high quality...No pixelation with my Canon S9000...So...Nikon=serious tool and learning curve....Sony=Auto mode point and shoot with not much study/practice...I now own both so I know...If you aint gonna practice with the Nikon then Get the Sony 8meg or 5meg...Hope this is helpful...cause these are thousand dollar choices.

Great Camera!!
I upgraded to a Coolpix 8700 from a old Kodak DX3500, now my kodak took wonderful pictures, and continued to amaze me. But after download the first pictures I took with this camera in their eye popping glory I was caught, hook, line, sinker.

While this camera is perfect for an amateur aspiring professional it would probably be lacking to any real professional, and I plan to compliment it with a 35mm SLR.

The learning curve on this camera can be quite high, with alot of features and buttons to learn, but after a few hours of playing I managed to get most of the features down. The button layout is also nicely placed, I find it easy to navigate the buttons by touch while using the view finder.

But why talk when you can show! Here are some pictures I took the day I received this camera not 20 minutes after the battery finished charging! No special lighting, in fact it was overcast and raining and sorta dark the day these were taken. (...)Simply amazing! (...)

The best fixed-lens SLR digital camera.
This is Nikon's upgrade from the excellent Coolpix 5700, and it is a truly excellent piece of engineering. If I were in the market for a digital SLR with a fixed-lens, this would easily be my choice. Cameras such as this one illustrate convincingly that film is all but dead for serious photographers. This camera's 8 megapixel resolution will produce stunning images that the user can view at once, without the hassle of the processing lab.

The 8X optical zoom lens on this camera seems excellent both for portrait shots, landscapes, and nature shots, and only professionals or very serious amateurs will miss the ability to switch between lenses. The pictures I took were sharp and bright. Make no mistake, this camera produces excellent images.

Finally, Nikon put an AF-assist on a prosumer-grade camera. This is a significant improvement over the excellent Coolpix 5700, the predecessor to this camera. The buffer is bigger too, allowing the user to take more shots before the camera has to write to the CF card.

With this camera, the photographer can take a large number of digital photographs, upload to one's personal computer, and either print out pro-grade prints with an inexpensive printer (OK, the ink cartridges aren't that cheap but the printers are) or email the photos to any of several processing labs, who will mail you your prints in a day or so. Or, you can do it the old-fashioned way, and take your images to a processing lab and download the images there for printing, similar to dropping off a roll of film in the old days. You can do this AFTER you pick only the pix you want to keep--one of digital's many and major advantages over film. Further, Nikon's Capture 4 program, or Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements gives us a "digital darkroom" that is more powerful than what pros can do in a $20,000 chemical film darkroom. With just a moderately powerful personal computer. The digital darkroom has truly arrived.

Ergonomically, I really like the size and layout of this camera. It is significantly smaller than the interchangeable-lens SLRs, although this is no pocket camera. It has a wonderful quality feel to it--the user knows immediately that this is a world-class precision instrument. I found the camera to be a joy to handle and use. The pictures are commensurate.

The main issue with this camera is one of choice and preference: do you spend the money for this camera, with its excellent fixed zoom lens, or do you opt for a full SLR digital camera such as Nikon's D70, D100, or other comparable cameras that allow one to use the full line of autofocus lenses. This camera costs almost as much as these semi-professional grade SLRs, so the buyer should think about this before buying.

This is an excellent upgrade over the superb Coolpix 5700 and users will enjoy taking excellent images with this precision instrument. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The affordable, ergonomic Olympus D-535 digital camera makes it easy and fun to capture the memories of your life with its easy-to-use one-button, one-function operation. It features a 3.2-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, built-in pop-up flash, 12 MB internal memory and XD Picture Card compatibility, and a movie mode with sound that can capture as much video as your memory card can handle.

Optics and Resolution
The 1/2.7-inch CCD captures 3.2-megapixel images for printed enlargements up to 11 x 17 inches. Image resolutions include: 2048 x 1536 (3 MP), 1600 x 1200 (2 MP), and 640 x 480. The lens, which is seated in the top-right corner of the camera's front, has a 5.8-17.4mm focal range (35-105mm equivalent in 35mm photography) with an f2.9 to f5.0 aperture range. The camera has a 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom for a total 12x zoom.

Movie Mode
The camera's QuickTime Movie Mode (at 15 frames per second, or fps) without sound can be used to make mini movies limited only by the amount of available memory (internally or externally). It features the following movie resolutions: 320 x 420 and 160 x 120.

More Features

• 1.5-inch TFT color LCD (approximately 130,000 pixels)
• Super macro mode as close as 2cm
• 4 scene modes: Portrait, Landscape, Indoors, and Night Scene
• Exposure compensation: +/- 2 EV (exposure value)steps in 1/3 EV steps
• Flash modes: auto, red-eye reduction, fill-in, and off
• Self timer of up to 12 seconds

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored either within the 12 MB internal memory or on optional XD memory cards. The XD card's small size, about the same as a postage stamp, helps to keep the camera size down. The internal 12 MB memory will store approximately 14 images at 2048 x 1536 pixels (at HQ, JPEG setting) without sound. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1 connectivity.

Direct Printing
The D-535 is PictBridge compatible, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to a compatible printer (such as the Olympus P-10), without a PC or image-editing software. All PictBridge devices share three basic features: camera-to-printer connecting, single-image printing, and uniform error messages (in case something goes wrong).

Power and Size
This camera is powered by 2 AA batteries (alkalines supplied; NiMH rechargeables recommended). It measures 3.4 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 4.9 ounces without battery or media card.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Olympus D-535 digital camera, 2 AA batteries, wrist strap, USB cable, A/V cable, CD-ROM with Camedia Master 1.0 software and PDF QuickStart guide, basic instruction manual, and reference manual. ... Read more

Features

• 3-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 10-by-14-inch enlargments
• Optical and digital zoom combine for a 12x total zoom
• An easy-to-use physical mode dial allows you to quickly switch between six shooting modes: portrait, landscape, indoors, night scene, and more.
• Save images and videos with 12 MB of internal memory or using a compatible xD-Picture Card
• Easy USB connectivity and PictBridge technology for convenient printing on the spot

Amazon.com Product Description

Canon's 18x50 IS binoculars incorporate an optical image stabilizer for shake-free viewing and minimal eye fatigue. This technology was first developed for Canon video camcorders and is now available in many of Canon's binoculars. The system employs a Vari-Angle Prism, dual transparent plates, independent vertical and horizontal sensors, and a dedicated microprocessor to continuously adjust the prism to maintain a steady image.

The 18x50 IS binoculars feature a water-resistant, shock-resistant rubber coating for a nonslip grip and better durability. If you get caught in the rain and still want to view, you don't have to worry about the optics fogging up. These binoculars deliver high magnification and wide-field viewing. Controls for focusing and image stabilization are centrally located and accessible by both hands. These binoculars provide long eye relief for extra comfort.

Image Stabilization and More
With any high magnification binoculars, most users will experience frustrating image shake. Unless fixed to a tripod, image shake can render high magnification binoculars useless. Canon's IS technology is remarkably effective at eliminating this problem and is widely used by the television industry with Canon's professional broadcast quality video recording equipment. A special VAP (Vari-Angle Prism) corrective IS system sits between the objective lens group and the porro prism on each side of the binoculars. Within thousandths of a second of the binoculars being moved from their optical axis by vibrations, a detection system activates the IS mechanism. The VAP shape alters to refract or 'bend' the light path by precisely the right amount, thus fully compensating for the vibration. It is this essentially immediate response that effectively suppresses image shake.

Super Spectra Coating
A number of optical factors affect the brightness of an image, including the amount of incidental light that is reflected by the lens. An uncoated lens will refelect away as much as 8% of the incidentail light, significantly dimming the image. Canon's Super Spectra Coating prevents that reflection.

What do the numbers mean?
15x50? 8x25? The two numbers used to describe any pair of binoculars are their magnification — 8x, 12x, 15x and so on — and the diameter of their objective lenses — 25mm, 36mm, 50mm, and so on. The larger the first number is, the larger the object will appear to be in the objective lens. For instance, if you use a 10x lens and look at an object that is 100 yards away, it appears to be the same size as an object located just 10 yards away. The second number, the size of the objective lens, is important because the larger the objective lens, the more light it can admit for brighter, more detailed images, and the better suited they will be for lowlight situations.

A look inside

... Read more

Features

• 18x magnification
• Built-in optical image stabilization uses 2 AA batteries
• Wide, extra-bright field of view
• Lenses are multicoated for contrast, clarity, and color fidelity
• Shock- and water-resistant

Reviews (17)

Stabalized image at high power worth the money
The optics and general quality are what to expect for binoculars at one third the price. But image stabilization changes everything. At 18X power, conventional hand-held binoculars, even thousand dollar ones, require support; either tripod or at the very least, elbows carefully resting on a car roof or on both knees when sitting on the ground. (The latter two methods rule out skyward viewing or sweeping views). The base is threaded for tripod use, which serves as a reminder of what you would need if you forgot to put in the two AA batteries. The Image Stabilizer feature is fingertip selective, so that fully comparing the IS image with the non-stabilized image is easy in all situations. The stabilization is not perfect, as there is still some need to hold them steady. But the residual image-shake is less than for 6X power unstabilized binocs, and the effect at 18X is very pleasing, even startling -- binocular Image Stabilization is no gimmick. One-handed viewing is nearly as good as with a two handed grip, something out of the question for ordinary binoculars. A limitation of the IS feature is that when attempting sweeping views, or when following moving objects like airplanes, there occurs minor blurring as the system tends to misunderstand the user's deliberate movement as jerkiness. Thus it is necessary to follow objects smoothly. These binoculars came without lens caps for the objective lenses, a remarkable omission since the objective lenses are not well protected in the shallow recess of the encircling frame ridges. Presumably this is to keep bulk to a minimum. The eyepieces have somewhat oversized fold-back rubber cups. While these cups are not ergonomically shaped, as they could be -- bumping the eye brow while still admitting light at the sides -- they fold back for eyeglass wearers, and offer good incidental lense protection when extended. The soft, padded, lightweight nylon carrying case is adiquit, but could use a waist belt loop for easy carrying. (A premium quality hard case would be a nice accessary.) The carrying weight is not bad, feeling about the same as ordinary 50 mm porro prism binoculars.

Best technology and best price on the market
To my knowledge there are only two image-stabilised binoculars on the market -- Canon's 18 x 50 or 15 x 50, and Zeiss' 20 x 60. In the UK the latter retail for just under 3,000 pounds.

Having looked both at the Zeiss and the Canon, my (admittedly not very expert) judgement is that Canon has by far the better image stabilisation system. The Zeiss system is not battery powered but rather mechanical and does not eliminate as much wobble as the Canon system. On the other hand Zeiss are world leaders in producing crystal clear, bright images. The Zeiss binoculars are marginally better than Canon's in producing a bright image -- especially at sunrise and dusk.

In the end, the Canon binoculars win because of the wonderful stabilising system -- and that fact that they are about 1/3 the cost of Zeiss.

The Canon binoculars are ideal for bird watching and back-yard astronomy (looking at the moon through these binoculars is a truly wonderful experience). Although hardly low-cost they are a fantastic buy -- a marvel of modern technology and a source of lasting pleasure.

An Interesting High-Tech Toy
I bought the Canon 18x image stabilizer binoculars a month ago and I love them.

The reason I bought these high-powered binoculars is I want to identify all the major landmarks in the San Jose South Bay area. My wife and I ride up to the mid-hill of Mt. Hamilton once a month. Most of the time before we are ready to turn back and coast down the hill, we spend a fair amount of time looking at the spectacular scenery of the San Jose and South Bay area. We want to identify as many landmarks as possible. With our compact Minolta 10x binoculars, we get a clear look at downtown San Jose and of course the Lockheed aircraft hangers. But we could not find the San Jose airport. With the new Canon binoculars, we can identify the airport and many other places. We can even find the street intersection that is only one street away from where we live. The interesting thing is once we identify a place, we can also use the compact Minolta to see the landmark, although with smaller vision. These Canon binoculars make excellent spotter.

The image stabilizer is an interesting high-tech feature. It helps to get a clear and stable view if you press the stabilizer button. However, the binoculars weight 2.6 lbs. I am tired after holding them for two to three minutes. Last time we rode up Mt. Hamilton, we bought a regular camera tripod with us. These Canon binoculars come with a built-in screw thread that can accept a standard tripod quick-release plate. With the binoculars mounted on the tripod, we spent a good half hour looking down the beautiful landscape. The obvious question is, does the use of the tripod defeat the purpose of paying extra for the image stabilizer? How much something is worth is a very personal question. It differs from person to person. I am not going to attempt to answer this question.

We are very happy to own these binoculars. This is a very pricey toy, but we love it. I first saw the Canon 15x image stabilizer binoculars at Wolf's Camera web site and they have a price tag of around $1,200. I was shocked by the price. I told myself some day I might buy it. A year later, amazon.com was carrying this 18x version at a much lower price. I was overjoyed and broke down and bought this toy the following month.

Nice Binoculars!
I really like these binoculars. Please read the other reviews to gain knowledge on the product's high points. Also note, I have not found any of the low points mentioned to be present or affect my viewing in any way.

Love My Binocular!!!!!!
These are a great binocular. A little pricey, but give exceptional optics with rock solid stability for viewing. ... Read more