(Credit:
ZOL)
We hope the specs listed for this uber-media player didn't get lost in the translation from its Chinese manufacturer's site but, if that turns out to be the case, it wouldn't be surprising. According to PMP Today, the L1200 made by Newman-Hyun has a built-in 12-megapixel camera that can rotate up to 180 degrees, along with its 3-inch QVGA screen, SD card slot, and MP3 and video playback features. As of all that weren't enough, it's supposedly selling for only 999 yuan, or about $132. They had us at the 12 megapixels.
12 megapixels and 6x zoom for $299
Canon is bringing a new lens and a new image processor to its PowerShot A-series of digital cameras. The PowerShot A650 IS and the A720 IS both include 35 to 210mm-equivalent 6x zoom lenses with optical image stabilization and Canon's DIGIC III image processor, an upgrade from last generations' DIGIC II processor that Canon claims offers improved speed and image quality. Both cameras also keep the same manual exposure controls as the models they replace, the PowerShot A630/A640 and A710 IS.
The PowerShot A650 IS joins the PowerShot G9 and SD950 IS as Canon's first 12-megapixel non-SLR cameras. Like the more advanced G9, the A650 sports a 6x zoom lens with optical image stabilization. It also keeps the 2.5-inch flip-out, pivoting LCDs found on the PowerShot A630 and A640. It will be available in September with a suggested retail price of $399. If that seems a bit too steep for you, Canon also announced the PowerShot A720 IS. It keeps the same image-stabilized 6x zoom lens and basic design as the A650 IS, but it features a much more modest 8-megapixel sensor and a stationary LCD screen. You can also pick it up in September, for the much lower price of $249.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100
(Credit: Panasonic)In a move bound to surprise no one after both Casio's and Sony's recent announcements, Panasonic has announced a new 12-megapixel compact camera called the Lumix DMC-FX100. However, this new Panasonic distinguishes itself from the competition with a 3.6X optical, 28mm-to-100mm, f/2.8-to-f.5.6 zoom lens, which should prove useful for snapshooters trying to compose photos of friends in tight quarters, such as a crowded nightclub. The new Lumix also includes Panasonic's Mega O.I.S. optical image stabilization, as well as a 2.5-inch, 207,000-pixel LCD screen.
Panasonic has reached new heights in misleading marketing with what it calls "Extra Optical Zoom." Despite its inaccurate name (tantamount to lying to its loyal customers in my opinion), this feature crops in on the image you could capture at a given focal length, thus narrowing your field of view to an equivalent of a longer focal length. For example, if you choose this shooting mode and want to shoot at an equivalent field of view of a 7x zoom, the camera will show you that preview on the LCD, but also note that you'll only get a 3-megapixel image if you do. In effect, this is just a more-transparent digital zoom process, which is good, but the name could easily make people believe they're getting something they are not, which is horribly disreputable.
Other features that Panasonic's marketing team wants to highlight are a more powerful flash, compared to previous Panasonic FX models, and a top sensitivity of ISO 6,400. However, if you read the fine print, you'll note that ISO 6,400 can only be reached if the camera rolls its pixel resolution down to 3-megapixels, which is what happens when you activate its high-sensitivity mode. In this mode, the camera varies sensitivity between ISO 1,600 and ISO 6,400, instead of topping out at ISO 1,600 as the camera does in its regular shooting modes.
Despite my gripes with the company's marketing tactics, the DMC-FX100 should prove an able competitor in this year's compact 12-megapixel market, as long as its image quality passes muster. Look for our review in the next couple of months to find out. Panasonic plans to make the Lumix DMC-FX100 available in both silver and black colors this July.
Casio Exilim EX-Z1200
(Credit: Casio)Casio has announced its plan to participate in the latest round of the camera world's now-futile megapixel war with its forthcoming Exilim Zoom EX-Z1200. The company's next top model will sport a 1/1.7-inch, 12-megapixel CCD imaging sensor. A 3X optical, 37mm-to-111mm equivalent, f/2.8-to-f/5.4 zoom lens will funnel light toward that sensor, while a 2.8-inch, 230,400-pixel LCD will let you view your work.
More exciting than this new camera's abundant pixel count is Casio's decision to include CCD-shift image stabilization. This is the first time the company has offered anything other than its Anti-Shake DSP to combat blur due to camera shake. Another first for Casio with the EX-Z1200 is face detection, which is another feature that has been springing up in most of its competitors' offerings over the last couple of years. Less common place is the Z1200's auto-tracking AF, which promises to follow your subject if it moves after focus has locked. To power this fancy autofocus mode, Casio has fitted the Z1200 with its new Exilim Engine 2.0 image processor.
Like the company's EX-Z1000 before it, the Z1200 has a top sensitivity of ISO 400, though a couple of special modes let you reach up to ISO 1,600. Still, that'll make this new Casio a tough sell compared to Sony's upcoming W200, which boasts a top sensitivity of ISO 3,200. Casio says the Exilim EX-Z1200 will be available in silver and black colors and is slated to hit stores in the middle of July for about $400.
On Sale Now: $299.95
View the latest prices for Casio Exilim EX-Z1200 (black)
On Sale Now: $299.95
View the latest prices for Casio Exilim EX-Z1200 (silver)
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