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ultracompact

Fujifilm FinePix Z30 Quick Take

The 10-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix Z30 is, for the most part, a fairly basic ultracompact camera with a 3x optical zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD. But along with its interesting looks there are a couple other extras to make it stand out from other youth-oriented models.

For example, you get face detection and automatic scene recognition to help with fast shooting, but there's also a Blog Mode (a carryover from the Z20fd), which preps shots and video so they can go right online for sharing.

There are separate buttons for the still photo shutter release and movie record taking … Read more

Pentax goes deeper with Optio W80

There's been an explosion of waterproof and rugged cameras and camcorders this year, and Wednesday Pentax added one more to the list (though it's been making them since 2003). The Optio W80 is a water/dust/shock/freezeproof 12-megapixel camera with a 2.5-inch LCD selling for less than $300.

The W80 can apparently survive an impressive dunk: down to 16 feet for up to two hours. It'll also take a decent fall of up to 3.3 feet and keep working in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

On top of its "proofing," the W80 has fairly good camera specs, too. The internal lens has a zoom range of 5x and is wide angle, too, at 28mm. It records 720p, HD-quality video at 30fps. It also has the expected convenience features such as face, smile, and blink detection; auto scene recognition; and a bunch of other automatic shooting options.

About the only thing missing is optical image stabilization; the W80 only has Pentax's digital Pixel Track SR, which though it's good, still degrades photo quality. … Read more

Sony's T900 is very good, except when it's not

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 is one of those cameras that you pay more for because of its coolness. A camera so small you'll likely forget it's in your pocket, yet it has all the latest "auto" features Sony has in its point-and-shoot arsenal, a 12-megapixel resolution, and captures 720p HD movies.

The T900 may be a good, fast snapshot camera that's very attractive and extremely compact, but its battery life is a little short, its touch screen won't please everyone, and some will find the photo quality unworthy of the camera's price tag. … Read more

Sony Cyber-shot T77 reviewed...finally!

It was a long time coming, but we have a full review up of the very, very popular Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77. On the upside, it can now be found for $60 less than its original $299 price, and it's no less of a camera. Well, aside from it being less of camera.

The T77 is impossibly small, though still able to capture good photos (if a little on the soft side). It's easy to see why the T77 is so popular, with its 3-inch touch-screen controls, a 4x optical zoom, and 10-megapixel resolution. And it's fast for … Read more

Nikon, Panasonic offer two good cameras for $220

One's an easy-to-use, fashionable point-and-shoot, the other's an advanced shooter with just as many manual-setting options as auto modes. Both have 3-inch touch-screen LCDs and 10-megapixel resolutions--and you can have your pick for $220 or less each from reputable dealers.

From its stylish S series of ultracompact cameras, the Nikon Coolpix S230 is the follow-up to the very popular S210.

Its features are pretty basic, but Nikon adds the requisite face, smile, and blink detection I expect to find on cameras in its class. You also get the advantage of the touch-screen interface for things like a touch-based … Read more

Alternatives to the third-gen iPod Shuffle

Rarely has a device so immediately inspired as much scorn as the latest Apple iPod Shuffle. Within 12 hours of its release, the third-generation of the littlest iPod had no shortage of complaints railed against it. It's too small, shuns compatibility with third-party headphones, and doesn't have a screen or even any buttons. At least one tech editor has even gone so far as to call it a disaster. Still, like most things, the iPod Shuffle undoubtedly has a few redeeming qualities, and some people have come to its defense.

Having spent some hands-on time with the teeny … Read more

Casio EX-Z250 fun for the frugal snapshooter

If there is such a thing as a camera with too many automatic features, the 9-megapixel Casio Exilim EX-Z250 might be it. This ultracompact--with an MSRP of $250, but sells for less than $200--is brimming with detection, recognition, and preset shooting options to the point where the camera's Auto mode ironically provides you the most control.

Luckily it also produces very good photos, as long as you don't mind some softness. It's not all that fast, but that still doesn't stop it from being a respectable pocket camera.

Read the full review of the Casio Z250 .… Read more

Canon's dramatic Spring Elphs

Some years it seems like Canon makes no real changes to its designs. Then there's 2009. Almost every camera the company has announced thus far looks significantly different from its predecessors as well as completely unlike its linemates. Unsurprisingly, this is most evident in the new PowerShot ultracompacts.

At the top of the pack is the SD970 IS, which replaces the SD890 IS. While many of the SD models retain their optical viewfinders, the SD970 forgoes one in favor of a larger LCD, 3 inches up from 2.5. Since I complained about the small LCD in my review … Read more