Understandably a DSLR ain’t your bag.  While they offer a myriad of options, controls and features, they often prove too daunting for the average photo enthusiast to tolerate.  Olympus’ newest digital camera, the SZ-31MR iHS, eschews just that.

In the image capture department the SZ-31MR appears to be somewhat of a power  house, capable of capturing 16 megapixel photos and full HD video simultaneously (or separately).  Zooming in on far objects most certainly won’t be a hurdle, as it boasts a 24x optical zoom, that Olympus says “double zoom magnification without sacrificing image quality” thanks to the “the camera’s 16-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor and two separate TruePic V image processors,” which mind you were originally developed for DSLR cameras. Up to 10 frames per second can be captured, which should come out blur free thanks to not only the SZ-31MR’s fast response time but dual image stabilization and high-speed autofocus.  Olympus has also included something called Multi Motion Movie IS for shake free video capture.  All of the above options can be controlled with the camera’s 3-inch touchscreen with a 920k dot resolution.  Last, but not least there is a mini-HDMI port for piping home movies and photos in full HD to your big screen when you “return from your adventure.”

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS digital camera will in Black of Silver this April for $399.99.

Think Leica and your brain will probably conjure up an image of an old school camera. No longer my friends.  A few days ago the company introduced the V-Lux 3, and it looks anything like their previous set of point and shoot cameras.

Behind the 24x optical zoom lens, which provides an equivalent 25–600mm focal length to that of the 35mm format, is a 12.1 megapixel sensor.  It can capture full HD video, with the optical zoom intact mind you, and high-speed burst-shooting of 12 frames per second at full resolution, or 60 frames per second at 3.5 megapixels.

On the back sits a 3-inch LCD screen with a 460,000 pixel resolution that is said to deliver “an extremely bright and clear view.”  But what’s really neat, and seems to be a growing trend amongst cameras, is that it can be manipulated to twist and turn in almost any direction allowing you view and capture photos from almost any position.

Other specs include an SD card slot, USB 2.0 input, built-in flash, stereo mic, face recognition and 23 point auto focus.

Leica’s V-Lux 3 will ship January 2012 for a yet to be disclosed price.

Solms, Germany (December 8, 2011) – Leica Camera AG presents the Leica V-Lux 3, a new compact digital camera with an extensive range of features. The camera is extremely versatile, making it ideal for almost all photographic situations. For photographers shooting landscapes, architecture, sport, travel, portraits or wildlife, the V-Lux 3 incorporates an enormously flexible lens. The Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 4.5 – 108 mm f/2.8 – 5.2 ASPH. 24-fold super-telephoto zoom lens covers a wide range of focal lengths equivalent to 25–600 mm in 35 mm format. The newly developed 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor guarantees exceptional image quality for all applications. A truly universal solution for creative photographers looking for an all-in-one camera, the V-Lux 3 also features extensive broad range of video options and offers video quality comparable to premium-range camcorders.

“The Leica V-Lux 3 combines exceptional performance with the handy size of a compact camera. It offers a vast range of focal lengths and covers almost all photographic situations that usually require the use of a camera system. The V-Lux 3 is therefore an attractive alternative to entry-level DSLR cameras with interchangeable lenses,” says Peter Kruschewski, Product Manager for Digital Compact Cameras at Leica Camera AG.

The Leica V-Lux 3 features a very impressive range of video functions, capturing full-HD video in AVCHD format with 1920 × 1080 pixels and 60 full frames per second. This 1080p60 video format not only guarantees the perfect rendition of fast movement in outstanding detail but is also ideal for conversion to alternative resolutions and refresh rates. The entire 24-fold zoom range is available during video recording while an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack.

One of the fastest consecutive shooting cameras in its class, the V-Lux 3 incorporates a high-speed burst-shooting capability: bursts of 12 frames per second at full resolution, or 60 frames per second at a resolution of 3.5 MP.

A reliable aid to photographers in the precise composition and assessment of images, the 3″ LCD display with 460,000 pixel resolution delivers an extremely bright and clear view. The monitor screen of the V-Lux 3 can be twisted and turned in almost any direction, opening up entirely new horizons for image composition from even the most unusual angles. When shooting stills or video from above their head or down close to the ground, photographers using the V-Lux 3 always remain in full control.

The design of the Leica V-Lux 3 is characterized by a compact form and extremely simple handling. The camera’s integrated handgrip keeps it steady and its light weight allows for one-handed shooting. All controls are clearly laid out and simple to use. For instance, video recording can be started quickly and easily at the touch of a button on the top deck of the camera.

Supporting Leica Camera’s commitment to an uncompromised customer experience, the Leica V-Lux 3 comes complete with a two-year warranty. The camera also is supplied with a comprehensive software package, including Adobe® Photoshop® Elements and Adobe® Premiere® Elements. The image-processing software Adobe® Photoshop® Elements offers users options for viewing, organization and administration in addition to a wide range of image-processing solutions. Adobe® Premiere® Elements is especially designed for video processing and offers optimum features for processing videos recorded by the V-Lux 3 in AVCHD format, enabling the creation of professional audio and video effects. Both programs are available as free downloads from the Leica Camera website after registration of the camera.

The Leica V-Lux 3 will be available from Leica Camera dealers beginning January 2012.

2.5 out of 5 stars

A camera is a camera is a camera. Until it isn’t. These days, there are plenty of devices with a camera…but only a few cameras act as more than a device to save memories. That’s where the Nikon S1100pj comes in. Packing a projector into the camera body, does this unique design make for a great tool for both saving and sharing moments, or does it fall flat by trying to offer too much?

The Nikon S1100pj is a stocky compact digital camera with a 14 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, a 3” LCD touchscreen display and, perhaps most importantly, a projector capable of displaying full-size images up to 10’ away. Shutter speed is from 1/1500-2 seconds, the camera has an active ISO rating of 80-6400, and has an f/-number of f/3.9-5.8. It can record 720p video at 30fps in H.264, and shoots stills in JPEG. The S1100pj supports SD and high capacity SD (SDHC, SDXC) memory cards, but does not have much internal memory.

It’s a big camera, mostly due to the built-in projector, which sits firmly in the center of the camera like Sauron’s eye. The left top has an extended lens housing which protrudes from the main body two centimeters. The lens has an automatic protective cover that opens and closes whenever the lens is in use. It’ll automatically close the lens off when reviewing images or in projector mode. The entire front panel is silver and sturdy, with a thin metal plate protecting 90% of the front. Even the projector has a metal ring around it to protect from falls. The lens also has a metal ring, but the entire lens is recessed into the camera.

On the bottom of the S1100pj is the standard battery and SD-card slot, as well as a small slide-out plastic tab to put the camera at an angle for projecting images slightly up. It’s a neat feature, but frankly I’ve had trouble ever finding a surface at the perfect height to project onto a suitable wall, so the tab was mostly useless for me. Battery life, labeled for 220 shots and 1:35 of 720p video recording is about right, though this will depend highly on how much you use the projector. I didn’t see a serious drop in battery life after using the projector, going down from 200 to 150 shots after 15 minutes on the projector. That’s to be expected.

However, considering that the camera is made for sharing, I am disappointed that there is no easy plug-in option to charge the battery. For avid photographers who want to share everything, being able to charge by a quick plugin is convenient. Being forced to remove the battery every night so that there’s enough battery life for the next day isn’t. An A/V out port sits on the right side and uses a proprietary connector cable.

The rear of the S1100pj is mostly barren except for a speaker, video record button, scene selection button and play button. Most functions can be controlled via the resistive touchscreen, which is small and difficult to navigate with. It has trouble reading finger presses, as most resistive screens do. Instead, it’s easier to use a fingernail to select between various options or focusing the lens. Simple touch controls include turning flash on and off and quick settings changes, such as timer controls, picture and video resolution, setting the focus and exposure settings. A deeper settings menu is also available, which includes options for vibration reduction, AF assist, digital zoom settings, using the flash for lighting when taking video, and general camera settings.

On the top is the shutter release and zoom in/out ring, which houses the shutter release for easy control. The projector button and focus ring sits beside the on/off button, and pressing it automatically starts the projector and shows the most recently taken picture. Like those old projectors you’ve seen in classrooms, it needs to be focused depending on the distance from the wall. The projector can display images from about 1’-11’ in distance.

The overall build quality is solid, but fat. The touchscreen is a letdown, and I’d happily give away the rest of the back’s real estate and stretch the screen another inch. Resistive technology today is almost always a mistake, as it is in this case, especially if there is no included stylus. Having such a hefty camera is fine, so long as the quality of the images holds up.

Image Quality

After far too long testing the S1100pj (my own fault, so I apologize to our readers and Nikon for taking so long with this review), I’m not impressed with the picture quality. Under good light conditions, the S1100pj performs well, providing accurate colors, though lacking vibrancy. However, most cameras can do well under nominal lighting. I tested the S1100pj to determine how well stills come out in twilight, night, day, indoors, and in various environments.

The first thing I noticed is that in twilight (that is, a moderate amount of surrounding light but in relatively low levels. Easily visible to the human eye) the S1100pj slows down tremendously, and most images are blurry because the lens takes too long to snap a picture. Several examples below show how surrounding light, which is generally fine for shooting, isn’t enough for the camera. The level of noise can be tremendously high even at ISO 400.

When I played around with the ISO settings, pictures often came out too noisy in low light, especially at 800 or higher. I did find that leaving the ISO setting at automatic proved safer than manually adjusting it per shot, as more photos came out cleaner and less noisy thanks to very specific ISO counts. The image below, for instance, has an ISO of 193, F-stop of 3.9 and 1/30 second exposure time. It came out great…though I had time to see the shot, set the camera up, and take multiple shots. The picture below is the best of five.

Motion proved to be an equally big problem for the S1100pj, especially in mid- to lower-light conditions. Even the slightest shaking would blur the images. Several shots taken inside a moving car, as seen below, didn’t come out so great.

Video quality is fair to good, with some noisy video and an overly sensitive microphone, but I was pleasantly surprised with how videos turned out. Obviously we’re not looking for the same depth in color and contrast in videos as with stills, but if users have a strong interest in shooting video – especially HD 720p video – the S1100pj does a fine job at it. Users will not be disappointed. Viewing videos is not as enjoyable because so much of the quality is lost on the projector, and sound quality playing from the S1100pj, especially loud volumes to fill a room, is tinny and sharp. Unfortunately there is only a proprietary A/V cable, no standard auxiliary jack to plug into a speaker system or media center.

Shooting in the day was fine, but as stated earlier, colors were somewhat dull, lacking in vibrancy. The first picture below, taken from a boat off the Hawaiian coast, lacks the deep blues of the deeper waters, but is has accurate colors and came out great on the first try. The other three images, as you can see, were equally rushed (as one expects from any camera…the best shots are never expected) but they lack vibrancy and some details disappear under brighter light. They are all a little dull.

Click to enlarge

However, it is important to note that while some images shown may not look good on a high resolution computer screen, most looked great on the built-in projector. This shouldn’t come as a surprise; the projector downscales the images to VGA (640×480), has no back light source, and isn’t as sharp and clear as a screen.

But those reasons may not matter. Sharing photos isn’t always about storing them on a computer to look at anywhere from weeks to years later. Sometimes it’s about shaing them with friends and family instantly. Instead of taking time to transfer pictures and videos, all that’s needed is to darken the room and use a clear wall. Within a matter of seconds even weak photographs – the ones you would delete in an instant on your computer or cringe at when shown in public – look just fine plastered to the wall ever so briefly.

That’s the real strength of the S1100pj, the chance to instantly share pictures without any limitations. Just turn the lights off and close the shades. For that, Nikon has done an excellent job. There is no better way to take and share pictures.

Having said that, more serious photographers will find the S1100pj lacking because ultimately the actual picture quality is what matters. As you viewed above, the slow speed is a huge problem. Poor ISO causes very noisy images. A giant build makes it cumbersome to carry around. Finally, $350 is a high price to pay for such a camera, though a quick search will reveal lower prices.

I recommend the Coolpix S1100pj to photographers who shoot mostly in the day and who don’t necessarily care about storing every picture they take on the computer for future use. If you find that most of the time you share pictures once or twice, this is a great camera. It’s even better knowing that you can store whatever pictures you like and then put them back on the camera, and it will still be able to project those same images. Ironically, video quality is good but watching videos on the projector isn’t, mostly because of the small, tinny speaker and the projector’s relative weakness when compared to standard projectors and television sets. So even if you’re not fond of the ‘camera’ part, the projector may be well worth the buy.

The Nikon Coolpix S1100pj is available for purchase from Amazon and other retailers.

The price is $359.99 – $200.04 savings + free ship = $159.95

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• 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor.
• ISO 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800) for shooting from bright to dim light.
• Improved EOS HD Video mode
• Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor for shooting at low angles and 1,040,000-dot VGA with reflection reduction.
• 5.3 fps continuous shooting up to approx. 58 Large/JPEGs and 16 RAW.

The price is $899.99 – $15.05 instant savings – $15 coupon (LOYALTY15) + free shipping = $869.95

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Today only (11/12) Amazon offers $50 off select Digital point and shoot cameras.  There are some solid deals in here without a doubt and many of them would make for fantastic Holiday presents.  To receive the discount punch in this coupon at checkout: U78ECOP5.

• Canon Powershot S95 10MP Digital Camera
• Canon G12 10MP Camera
• Nikon Coolpix P7000 10.1MP Digital Camera
• Fujifilm Finepixl Read 3D W3 Digital Camera

Abe’s Of Maine has it for

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While I enjoy photography, I can’t say I’m a photographer. Lens lengths and quality go directly over my head. But Sony’s new NEX series caught my eye for a couple reasons — they’re mirrorless, and they’re the lightest interchangeable lens cameras in the world. Here’s what I can tell you: Specs across both cameras include 14.6 MP sensor, a 3-inch, 900,000 pixel LCD, and an ISO of 12,800. The NEX-3 has 720p video while the NEX-5 has 1080i. The NEX-3 will be available in black, red, and silver, while the NEX-5 is available in black and silver.

The included Sweep Panorama mode is interesting — you hold down the shoot button and sweep across a vista, and the camera can automatically piece the images together.  There is also an HDR mode, which is all the rage these days. Check out the PR for all the technical details.

Both cameras are available this July. The NEX-5A and NEX-3A cameras, which are supplied with SEL16F28 lens, will cost about $650 and $550, respectively. NEX-5K and NEX-3K cameras, supplied with SEL1855 lens will cost about $700 and $600 respectively.

SAN DIEGO, May 10, 2010 Sony today introduced two innovative (alpha) compact interchangeable lens digital cameras (models NEX-5 and NEX-3) that provide the quality of a digital SLR in a compact body that is easy to slip into a small purse or jacket pocket for ultimate portability.

Consumers want better picture quality in a smaller form factor. Sony has made that a reality with these cameras. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras truly embody Sony’s make.believe spirit, said Kristen Elder, director of Sony s alpha digital imaging business. These new cameras are the game-changers everyone has been waiting for and will revolutionize the consumer experience by offering outstanding picture quality with a totally pocketable size.

With breakthrough video performance, these models are the world s first interchangeable lens cameras with an APS-C sensor to continuously adjust focus and exposure while recording video. The NEX-5 camera offers Full HD movie capture (1080i AVCHD and 720p MP4) with Full HD 60i recording.

These cameras are perfect for point and shoot users looking to advance from snapshots to creative photography as well as existing DSLR users searching for a no compromise compact alternative.

Innovative Design

Unlike conventional DSLR models, the mirrorless construction of the new models reduces the thickness of both camera bodies to just about an inch at their slimmest point (excluding grip and mount portions). The NEX-5, constructed from magnesium alloy, and the NEX-3, with a polycarbonate casing, offer a newly developed 14.2 megapixel Exmor”! APS HD CMOS sensor. About 60 percent larger than the sensor in micro four-thirds cameras, this sensor is key to the exceptional image quality, extremely low image noise and creative defocus background effects that are familiar to DSLR users.

HD Movie Recording and Fast, Silent Autofocus

The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are the first cameras to offer the extra convenience of high definition video recording. In addition to 720p HD recording, the NEX-5 also captures

Full HD (1920 x 1080i) video in high-quality AVCHD files that can be easily enjoyed on a compatible HD television via the cameras built-in HDMI”! terminal (cable not included). The NEX-3 shoots 720p HD video as compact MP4 files. Both Sony cameras include built-in stereo microphones for high-quality audio recording.

Still and video image quality is further refined by Sony’s powerful BIONZ processor that ensures quick DSLR-style shooting response with fast, precise autofocus and minimal shutter lag. Both cameras can also capture fast-moving action with a high-speed burst of full-resolution images at up to 7fps (AF/AE fixed from first frame).

Sweep Panorama

The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are the first cameras featuring Sweep Panorama. Capturing large group shots is as easy as press-and-sweep. Sweep Panorama mode lets consumers capture breathtaking shots up to 226-degree horizontal or 151-degree vertical shots.

Both models will be ready for 3D Sweep Panorama this July (with firmware update). With 3D Sweep Panorama mode, these cameras can shoot 3D panoramic still images with a single lens. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using innovative processing techniques to automatically create detail-packed 3D panoramas. These files can be enjoyed in stunning 3D on compatible 3D televisions (other accessories may be required).

These cameras provide the advantages of multi-frame capture featured in Cyber-shot cameras, including Hand-Held Twilight and Anti-motion Blur modes, which offer extraordinary low-light performance.

Simple To Use

Overcoming the complexity and intimidation that often come along with DSLR use, the NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras have a new easy-to-use interface. It makes their performance advantages and features including the techniques of creative photography simple to master for consumers stepping up from compact digital still cameras and simultaneously offers easy access to the important camera controls that DSLR users demand.

Images and camera settings are displayed on the 3-inch (diagonal)wide-typeXtra FineLCD”! display withTruBlack”! technology and 921kdot high resolution LCD that tilts up or down for comfortable viewing in any shooting position. The screen features an auto-brightness control function for excellent visibility, even outdoors. TruBlack screen technology enables an even more vivid, high-contrast view of images and camera settings.

E-Mount Lenses

Three new E-mount lenses are being introduced, including a 16mmF2.8 wide angle prime lens (model number SEL16F28), an 18mm-55mmF3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens(model number SEL1855)and an 18mm-200mmF3.5-6.3 (model number SEL18200) high magnification zoom lens.

The E-mount lenses provide the cameras with extreme compactness as well as the performance required for quiet continuous auto focus and auto exposure during HD video capture. These all new lenses are of premium construction, with brushed aluminium barrels and steel mounts. An optional LA-EA1 Mount Adaptor extends compatibility to the family of 30 lenses, plus a huge range of other legacy A-mount lenses (Manual Focus only).

Ideal for everyday shooting, the low-profile E 16mmF2.8 lens minimizes bulk, allowing the camera to easily be carried in a coat, pants pocket, or purse. This lens creative possibilities can be expanded even further by the VCL-ECU1 Ultra Wide Converter which provides a 12mm view, and VCL-ECF1 Fisheye Converter that delivers impressive curvi-linear distortion.

Featuring in-lens Optical SteadyShot”! image stabilization for clearer handheld images, the E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS zoom is a perfect travel partner. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are available in kit form with either the 16mm prime or the 18mm-55mm lens. The E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS zoom lens offers a powerful 11x magnification range plus Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active mode that is used in the most advanced Handycam camcorders.

Accessories

Both cameras are supplied with a super-compact clip-on flash that attaches via the smart accessory terminal when needed. Other optional accessories include the FDA-SV1 Optical Viewfinder plus stylish cases and shoulder straps.

As an option, the accessory shoe on both cameras accepts a compact ECM-SST1 Stereo Microphone that captures even more high-quality sound for HD video recordings than the cameras built-in stereo recording.

The new cameras accept both Memory Stick PRO Duo”! (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo”!)and SD (including both SDHC and SDXC formats) media (all sold separately). Sony s new Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX offers 30MB per second transfer rates that save you time when downloading images.

Pricing and Availability

The NEX-5A and NEX-3A cameras, which are supplied with SEL16F28 lens, will cost about $650 and $550 respectively. NEX-5K and NEX-3K cameras, supplied with SEL1855 lens will cost about $700 and $600 respectively. The NEX-3 will be available in silver, black and red, and the NEX-5 in silver and black.

The SEL16F28 and SEL1855 lenses will be available for about $250 and $300. (The SEL18200 zoom lens will be available this fall for about $800.)

The cameras, lenses and a range of accessories will be available in July at Sony Style retail stores (www.Sonystyle.com/retail) and at authorized dealers nationwide.

Making it easy for kids to get into digital photography, the KidZoom Plus Digital Camera is a great way to get them started.  The internal memory of 256mb’s can be upgraded to 2GB’s through the SD card slot and the camera also shoots movies and has games.

The camera also has TV hookups and a small onboard editing program in addition to a CD-ROM photo editor for adding silly frames, stamps, funny face effects, kaleidoscope and distortion effects.

Buy one now for your budding little voyeur for only $50.

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Another day another point and shoot…or is it?  Sony’s TX5 is a tough as nails digital camera that is ready to go a few rounds with the elements and then some.  It can survive in down to 14 degree F, be dropped 5 feet, submerged in up to 3m of water and kicked around in the Mojave’s dust and keep on ticking.

On board is a 10.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, 4x optical zoom with image stabilization, 3-inch touchscreen LCD, a 720p movie mode and 10fps burst mode.  It looks like it will be available in a variety of finishes and hit the street this April for $350.

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Joby GorillaPod’s have been a welcome new species over the last several years in the digital camera arena.  The SLR version is a giant GorillaPod capable of handling the weight of these larger cameras while still allowing for the expressive stylings Joby is known for.

What I’ll mention right away is that without the “sold separately” ballhead attachment, the SLR Gorillapod just ain’t that cool.

Not a great way to start a review, but the fact is that the ballhead attachment is where all the action’s at. Without it, the Gorillapod is extremely limited in what it can do and it seems worthless to me that these products aren’t coupled together.

That’s not so say that the absence of the ballhead makes the SLR Gorillapod totally undesirable.  It can still do stuff, but the upper most joints in the legs prevent you from achieving more angular and creative shots.

The thing is, is that Joby’s website lists the standard version for $40 as well as the ballhead sold separately for $40.  That’s $80 for what professional photographers would call a secondary tri-pod.  Can I get an emoticon?

It held up fine using a standard SLR (Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30) in terms of being able to handle the weight while grasping objects9seen above), it was really precarious when attached to my buddy’s Canon EOS-1D Mark II with a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens (seen in 1st pic) and couldn’t really hold it safely.

This leads me to another point.  Joby actually has a more expensive SLR Gorillapod designed for the heaviest of SLR’s.  Why not just have one and spare us the trouble if we have multiple camera’s or plan to buy a heavier one down the line?

Other than that, it takes a while to screw on and off and it looks like a gymnast performing a routine on that stationary horse thing.  It’s a bit tedious and unlike the regular (small digital camera) Gorillapod, it doesn’t have a quick release tab allowing for faster attaching and removal.

The movable balls that give the tri-pod it’s unique shape changing abilities are stiff and rugged and I don’t question the quality of construction one bit.  It is bigger than you’d expect so making room for it needs to be taken into account.

Keeping this review short and simple, we know what it does, but the regular SLR Gorillapod by Joby just isn’t strong enough to stand on its own.  The missing ballhead needs to be included and the price needs to drop in order for this product to be taken seriously.  Seriously.

Pros:

• Solid build

Cons:

• No ballhead
• Tedious attachment/removal
• Overpriced

Buy the Joby GorillaPod SLR  for $45