GX-20

14.6 MP digital camera

Trust your most important memories with the GX-20 digital camera. It has an incredible 14.6 MP that produces sharp images and super rich colors. And the built-in Optimal Image Sensor gives you clear, steady pictures every time. Worried about rain or other less-than-perfect weather conditions? The GX-20 is also water resistant and comes with a special anti-dust coating. Snap stunning, high-quality photos easily, with the SAMSUNG GX-20 digital camera.

Higher resolution for amazing details

With 14.6 megapixels in an APS-C size (23.4x15.5 mm), the GX-20 offers the greatest resolution in its class. Plus, sturdy 5.0 -size pixels- the smallest in their class-ensure the most vibrant images around.

Crystal clear view with the PentaPrism viewfinder

Taking photos is easier with the PentaPrism viewfinder. Its high magnification (0.95x) provides a clearer, wider view (95%) for optimum shooting.

More natural expressions

While most existing white-balancing functions use only standard values according to the situation, the GX-20 provides delicate, 100K step color temperature adjustments which give a more accurate white-balance control and more natural expressions.

Built-in optical anti-shake feature

With an OIS Image Sensor and Stablization, you’ll be able to take more beautiful pictures. It eliminates any blur caused by unsteady hands and delivers crisp, clear images every time, even when you’re using a lens without an anti-shake feature.

Excellent color representation

GX-20 utilizes a cutting-edge semiconductor processor and high-speed DDR2 memory to produce fast, high-quality imaging. The DSP enables more natural definition, a wide range of gradation, continuous shooting, and a prompt response to dynamic subjects.

Large 2.7" LCD monitor

The GX-20 features a new 2.7" high-resolution LCD monitor that provides an ultra-wide viewing angle covering all directions. The 230,000-pixel high-resolution LCD guarantees a clear image preview as well as convenience when using the menu.

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Hasselblad H3D 31 megapixel

Hasselblad today extends the appeal of its outstanding H3D DSLR camera system to a new professional photographic audience with the launch of the Hasselblad H3D-31, the 31 megapixel version of the H3D-39, the world’s first 48mm full-frame DSLR camera system. Featuring near full-frame capture, the H3D-31 uses a 44×33mm sensor enhanced with micro-lenses to boost ISO rating one stop to a new maximum of ISO 800. The system’s new high-speed capture architecture, which is common to all H3D models and enables the fastest possible operation, also gives the H3D-31 an impressive capture rate of 1.2 seconds per image in either mobile or tethered mode. These features give the H3D-31 the highest burst rate of the H3D family and make it the camera of choice for the professional mobile photographer.

Christian Poulsen, CEO of Hasselblad comments: “To date, we’ve introduced the H3D-39 and H3D-22 and, in doing so, have set new standards in image quality and lens performance for digital SLR cameras. Offering a full-frame, 48x36mm sensor and unique features, such as Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution, Digital Auto Correction and Instant Approval Architecture, the H3D-39 and H3D-22 deliver unsurpassed image quality, including moiré-free color rendering, and have become the cameras that professional commercial photographers aspire to.

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Samsung NV100HD

Samsung is breaking new ground with the launch of the world's highest 14.7 megapixel 28mm Wide angle lens digital camera. The Samsung NV100HD continues the style and smart functionality of the NV range and boasts impressive high definition technology.

The new flagship of the NV range – the NV100HD has a world class 28mm Schneider Kreuznach Wide Angle Lens incorporated into its sleek body design and features Samsung’s intuitive Smart Touch 2.0 User Interface, Smart Touch makes it easier to navigate the cameras comprehensive set of features and with the ‘Matrix Menu’ users can now change functions even faster. Incorporating Smart Touch within a touch screen gives the user fast access to creative settings as well as intuitive control of images, for example, a simple X on the screen signifies delete.

The 14.7 megapixel NV100HD enables users to record high definition videos and super sharp movie-quality recordings. The camera’s High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) delivers crystal-clear images and movies via a single cable for ease of use. Users can now watch their movies and pictures on a big-screen LCD or plasma - with superior HD quality. Samsung’s Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) means that it is possible to control the NV100HD and compatible Samsung TVs with just one remote control.

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Hasselblad H3D

Hasselblad is today firmly positioning itself as the pre-eminent provider of high-end digital cameras with the launch of the Hasselblad H3D, the world’s first 48mm full-frame DSLR camera system. The H3D is the result of Hasselblad’s strategy of taking photographic flexibility and image quality to new levels, as yet unseen in any competing product. When compared with high-end 35mm DSLRs, the H3D delivers unmatched pixel resolution, better colors and detail rendering and a new choice of viewfinders for creative image composition. In comparison with digital backs, the H3D delivers image quality with a higher level of detail and true sharpness thanks to Hasselblad’s Digital APO Correction (DAC) and the advances of its new Ultra-Focus functionality. The H3D’s full-frame concept offers unique control of image composition and with its new 28mm lens, the H3D allows photographers for the first time ever to take wide angle shots on a 36 x 48mm sensor.

Christian Poulsen, CEO of Hasselblad comments: “The digital revolution prompted many professional photographers to adopt high-end 35mm DSLRs as their back-up or even their main camera. But as the most demanding photographers have become acquainted with the technology, the feedback we’ve had indicates that high-end 35mm often doesn’t offer the required image quality. Many photographers also miss the high-end camera system’s additional photographic flexibility that is beyond the physical parameters of the high-end 35mm DSLR, which was originally designed for ultra-fast shooting environments. Hasselblad has been deluged by requests from traditional camera back buyers for true wide angle photography and extended image quality. We’re confident that in the H3D, a logical evolution of the H1D and H2D, professional photographers will find the complete photographic solution for these needs. What Victor Hasselblad managed to develop with the classic V camera system, the H3D now extends into the digital age.”

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150

Panasonic is introducing a 14.7-megapixel model to its Lumix FX Premium range of digital cameras, both stylish and compact this camera also boasts high-end specifications. The astonishing 14.7-megapixel resolution means that the DMC-FX150 meets the needs of a wide range of consumers looking for an attractive compact camera that makes it easy to take clear, sharp photos with outstanding detail.

Equipped with a 28mm wide-angle lens, the* FX150 lets users capture images of expansive scenery just as they appear to the naked eye. The wide-angle lens allows the user to capture a much wider scene into one shot – something not possible with most ordinary cameras. And when shooting in tight or crowded indoor spaces, the wide-angle lens fits more people in the photo. The 14.7 megapixels – the most offered in a compact camera – ensure that photos are crisp, clear and sharply detailed even when enlarged. This high resolution also means you can crop unwanted parts of an image and enlarge the rest, creating a beautifully composed photo that retains outstanding detail.

One key aspect of the FX150 is Panasonic's high-speed, high-performance, next-generation image processing system. The Venus Engine IV not only helps render exquisitely beautiful images in burst mode or when shooting in low light, it's also more energy-efficient than any predecessor models, allowing 330 pictures (CIPA) per battery charge.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28

Panasonic introduces the Lumix DMC-FZ28 digital still camera, featuring a 27mm wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with an 18x optical zoom*. Joining Panasonic’s popular FZ series of cameras that pack a high-powered zoom into a compact body, the FZ28 also boasts 10.1-megapixel resolution and adds a number of enhanced features that boost user fun and convenience, represented by an advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) mode.

The super-powerful 18x zoom lens makes it easy to pull in subjects from far away or to take dramatic close-ups. For an added boost, zoom power can be increased to 32.1x with the Extra Optical Zoom function**. The 27mm wide-angle feature is ideal for both broad landscapes and tight indoor shots, letting photographers capture a wider view. The 10.1-megapixel resolution allows photos to be greatly enlarged while still retaining outstanding detail, or edited by trimming and enlarging parts of the photo to print.

For image processing, the FZ28 features the high-speed, high-performance, Venus Engine IV. Thanks to the Venus IV, the FZ28 can snap off consecutive shots at a fast max.13 frames per second for subjects with fast motion in High Speed Burst Shooting mode***. In High Sensitivity mode, the FZ28 can capture stunning photos with sensitivity up to ISO 6400 in extremely low light situations****. The engine allows the FZ28 to shoot up to 460 photos (CIPA) on a single battery charge thanks to improvements in power efficiency.

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Sony Alpha DSLR-A200

By Lars Rehm, July 2008

Sony's start into the world of Digital SLRs was quite a slow paced one. The first Sony branded model, the A100, appeared on the scene in June 2006 and it took over a year for it to be joined by a companion, the A700 prosumer model which was launched in September 2007. More recently though Sony has stepped up a gear and launched not one, but three cameras to replace the A100 - the DSLR A200, A300 and A350.

There is now something for everybody in the Sony line-up. The A350 for the feature-loving photographer on a budget, the A200 for those whose number one buying criterion is value-for-money and the A300 for bargain hunters who want a balance of the two. The A200 is, in terms of specification, not a million miles away from the veteran A100. It's got a larger screen, comes with an ISO3200 mode and user controlled High ISO noise reduction but in turn lacks the A100's depth of field preview (it's unsurprisingly much cheaper though).

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37

Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new Lumix 10.1-megapixel DMC-FX37 with astonishing 25mm equivalent ultra-wide-angle* LEICA DC lens and a powerful 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 25mm to 125 mm on a 35mm film camera), which captures almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance compared to ordinary 35mm cameras, resulting in remarkable images with unprecedented width and depth. The world-acclaimed FX series pursues high picture quality and unique features in an urbane, sophisticated profile to which the DMC-FX37 proudly joins.

Panasonic’s iA (intelligent auto) mode, which makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos, has been further enhanced. The newly added AF Tracking function automatically tracks the subject once the AF has been set even if the subject moves around, making it easier to capture sharp, well-focused photos of decisive moments. The FX37 continually monitors the light source and automatically activates the backlight compensation function if it detects that the light source is behind the subject. Face detection accuracy has also been increased, allowing continuous AF/AE adjustment even if a face moves or turns sideways to the camera. The Intelligent Exposure function helps capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights.

For image processing, the FX37 features the high-speed, high-performance, next-generation Venus Engine IV. The engine allows the FX37 to shoot up to approx. 310 photos (CIPA) on a single battery charge thanks to improvements in power efficiency.

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Canon PowerShot A720 IS

By Jeff Keller

Canon includes a 16MB memory card along with the A720, which holds just three photos at the highest image quality setting. So, unless you have a larger memory card sitting around, you'll need to buy one right away. The A720 supports all kinds of different memory card formats, including SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, and HC MMCplus (which I didn't even know about until now). I would recommend a 1GB card as a good starter size. Buying a high speed card is a good idea, though you don't need to go overboard.

Like its predecessor (along with most of the other A-series cameras) the A720 is powered by two AA batteries. The alkalines that come in the box will quickly find their way into the trash, so you'll want to pick up a four pack of NiMH rechargeables plus a fast charger right away. Once you've got those installed, here's what kind of battery life you'll get out of the camera:

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Canon EOS Rebel Xsi

By Jeff Keller

One of the big changes on the Rebel XSi is the switch from CompactFlash to Secure Digital flash memory. The only surprise here is that it took so long to happen. Canon doesn't include a card with the camera, so it's up to you to supply one. The camera supports both SD and SDHC cards, and I'd suggest a 2GB card to start with. It's definitely worth spending the extra bucks for a "high speed" card.

The XSi uses an all-new battery known as the LP-E5. With 8.0 Wh of energy inside its plastic shell, this battery is 50% more powerful than the one on the Rebel XTi. Here's how that translates into battery life:

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Nikon D60

By Jeff Keller

The D60 is an updated version of Nikon's popular D40x entry-level D-SLR. The D60 ($749) retains most of the features that made the D40x a great camera. Those features include a 10 Megapixel CCD, super-fast performance, a 2.5" LCD display, an easy-to-use interface, and lots more.

How did Nikon top that? By adding these features to the D60:

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Olympus E-3

By Simon Joinson

Four years is a very long time in the digital camera market, and four years in the digital SLR market is virtually a lifetime. In the four-odd years between the launch of the Olympus E-1 - the camera that heralded the first all-new SLR system for over a decade - and its successor the E-3, the DSLR landscape has changed beyond recognition, with prices dropping and capabilities soaring. The world moved on whilst the Olympus professional system stood still, looking more and more irrelevant and less and less like a serious contender to the long-standing Canon/Nikon duopoly in the pro market.

Of course the Olympus range itself wasn't standing still, and after a few false starts (mainly caused by the almost suicidal tendency for Olympus industrial designers to produce cameras that didn't look like cameras) and some flashes of inspired innovation (bringing live view, kicking and screaming, to the SLR market, for example) the E-series started to be taken a lot more seriously.

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Canon SD1100 IS Digital ELPH (IXUS 80 IS)

By Lars Rehm

The Canon Powershot SD1100 IS (IXUS 80 IS in Europe) is as fresh off the Canon engineers' drawing boards as it can get. It was announced only a few weeks ago for the PMA trade show in Las Vegas and already has made its way into the basement vault which accommodates the dpreview labs.

The camera comes as a replacement for the SD1000 (IXUS 70). The key features of this ultra compact aren't anything to write home about but the SD1100 promises to be another solid point and shoot tool coming out of the Canon stables. It combines an 8MP sensor with a 3x zoom (38-114mm equiv, optically stabilized) and lets you view images and menus on a high resolution 2.5 inch screen.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Panasonic introduced four new Lumix cameras today, and the most interesting one (to me, at least) is the DMC-LX3. Those of you who remember the "good old days" of cameras with fast lenses will be pleased to see these specs:

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Nikon D300

By Phil Askey

Just under two years since the D200 Nikon reveals the D300, the range of changes is so significant that it wouldn't be inappropriate to call it a 'compact D3' (less the full-frame sensor of course). From the top there's a new CMOS sensor with twelve megapixels, a new auto-focus sensor with 51-points (15 of which are cross-type sensitive), there's focus tracking by color, scene recognition, Picture Control presets, six frames per second continuous shooting (or eight frames per second with a battery pack), Compact Flash UDMA support, Live View (with contrast detect AF) and the mighty impressive 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor (oh and HDMI video output). It's an impressive list, the D200 was a fair step up from the D100, the D300 can be seen as just as big a step, certainly more than enough to make the competition sweat.

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Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH (IXUS 950 IS)

By Lars Rehm

The SD850 IS (IXUS 950 IS in Europe) was first announced in May 2007 as a replacement for the Powershot SD700 IS. It constitutes only a relatively subtle upgrade. Visually the SD850 is virtually indistinguishable from the older model (only the color of the camera back has changed, from black to gray), and there are only a handful of modifications to the specification of the camera. Most notably the sensor now records 8MP images instead of 6 and the resolution of the 2.5" screen has been increased to 230,000 pixels. The 'digital heart' beating in the SD850 is now the latest generation of Canon's imaging processor, the DIGIC III. With the new processor there come a couple of new features too: Face Detection and the useful Auto ISO shift option.

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Konica Digital Revio KD-400Z

By Jeff Keller

The KD-400Z has a Hexanon Zoom lens (or is it the other way around?) with an aperture range of F2.8 - F4.9. The focal range is 8 - 24 mm, which is equivalent to 39 - 117mm. It also happens to be the fastest extending/retracting lens I've ever seen. It's not threaded.

Just above the lens is the built-in flash. The working range of the flash is 0.5 - 3.5 m at the wide-angle end, and 0.5 - 2.0 m at full telephoto. No external flash options are available, as you might expect. Just below-left of the flash is the light sensor.

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Nikon Coolpix P50

By Richard Butler

The Coolpix P50 is Nikon's attempt at a middle-ground camera: it's neither a point-and-shoot-only ultra compact nor a fully-fledged photographers' camera. Instead it's a pocketable digital camera that marries a sensible sensor to a useful lens and keeps the frills (and the cost), to a minimum. This is a camera to take everyday photos with, rather than one for getting particularly serious about photography. But in such a crowded market does the P50 have what it takes to make it onto our recommended list? Let's find out. Let's start by having a look at the headline features.

• 8.1 Megapixels and 3.6x wide-angle zoom
• Face priority mode
• In-Camera Red-Eye Fix
• D-Lighting
• SDHC card compatibility
• Approx. 52 MB of internal memory

The P50 processing incorporates Nikon's Expeed "processing concept." This doesn't mean that it has the same processor as the Nikon D300 or D3 (in fact Nikon says that it doesn't refer to any specific parts or features). Instead, "Expeed" refers to "Nikon's original comprehensive concept of digital image processing... a system that embodies Nikon's intense passion for digital images." Which doesn't appear to mean a lot more than: 'contains Nikon picture cleverness.'

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Casio Exilim EX-P505

By Jeff Keller

Casio is one of those camera manufacturers who doesn't include a memory card with their camera. Instead, they build some memory right into the camera. Unfortunately Casio gives you an absurdly low amount of built-in memory -- just 7.5MB. Yes, you read that right. That holds just THREE photos at the highest quality setting. So consider a larger memory card to be a required purchase. I'd recommend a 256MB or larger Secure Digital (SD) memory card to start with. Casio doesn't say that a high speed memory card is required for the fancy movie mode, so it looks like you can save your money on this.

Battery life on the P505 is above average. The camera uses the same NP-40 lithium ion rechargeable battery as several other Casio cameras. This battery has 4.6 Wh of energy, which is decent. That translates in to 220 shots per charge using the CIPA battery life standard. Compare that with 500 shots per charge on the upcoming Canon PowerShot S2 and 160 shots on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1.

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Canon Digital Rebel

By Jeff Keller

If there was one camera that really changed the landscape of digital photography in 2003, it's the Canon Digital Rebel. The 6.3 Megapixel Digital Rebel, also known as the Digital Kiss and EOS-300D (depending on where you live), is the first digital SLR with a list price of under $1000. In fact, it's just $899 for the body only kit, or $999 for the body plus an 18 - 55 mm lens. The other camera companies must be nervous.

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