Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1

Sony has introduced the Cyber-shot DSC-G1, their first camera to support wireless image transfer. The G1 can transfer photos and movies to other devices that support the DLNA protocol, which isn't terribly common yet. If you have a bunch of friends with G1's, then you can trade photos with each other (why does this remind me of the Zune?). Anyhow, here are the details on this new camera:
Cyber-shot DSC-G1

6.0 effective Megapixel CCD
F3.5-4.3, 3X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 38 - 114 mm
Optical image stabilization
3.5" LCD display with a whopping 921,000 pixels (originally I listed 3 inches, that was incorrect)
Ultra slim metal body
Has a whopping 2GB of internal memory; there's also a MS Duo slot should you need more space
Can share photos and movies with DLNA compliant devices, including other G1's; you cannot wirelessly transfer photos to just any Wi-Fi device: they must use DLNA
Point-and-shoot operation
Automatic image management system; photos can be organized by keywords and labels, and can even be filtered by face, color, and composition
Records movies at 640 x 480 (30 fps) with sound, possibly using a different codec than other Sony cameras
Uses proprietary lithium-ion battery
USB 2.0 High Speed supported
Ships in April for a rather hefty $600

Sony is advancing wireless digital photo sharing with today’s introduction of the 6-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-G1 digital camera.
The G1 model is Sony’s first digital camera with the ability to send photos wirelessly to other Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)-enabled devices, such as another camera or a PC.
“This is a step towards realizing a platform for networked photo communication,” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “We will continue to explore the possibilities for networked digital imaging as broadband Internet becomes more pervasive in American homes.”
One-Touch Wireless Photo Sharing and Archiving
The G1 model features a 3.5-inch LCD screen with resolution of 921,000 pixels. Lubell said that’s four times higher than the average compact digital camera and all previous Sony Cyber-shot models. The new camera’s slide show with music function makes sharing photos directly on the camera even more enjoyable.”
“Sony popularized the use of large LCD screens on compact cameras, with the understanding that simply passing the camera around is a means of sharing,” Lubell said.
The new models’ camera-to-camera wireless capability makes it possible to send your friends a photo at the push of a button. It’s also possible for up to four camera users to send each other photos in real time. With a DLNA-compatible PC, storing and sharing photos becomes simplified through wireless image transfer from the camera to the PC.
Mega Storage Capacity and Sophisticated Image Management
The G1 unit is the ideal vacation camera with 2GB of internal memory, saving you from having to manage extra media cards. It becomes a virtual photo album in your pocket as it can store up to 7,500 VGA-quality photos or 600 6-megapixel pictures. If additional storage is needed, the camera's capacity can be expanded with an optional Memory Stick Duo ™ media card or Memory Stick PRO Duo ™ card, now available in capacities up to eight gigabytes.
In addition to storage capacity, it incorporates an auto image management system with sophisticated search functions. You can organize your photos by events, such as vacations or birthdays, and retrieve them later by keywords or labels. It’s also possible to select an image and search for other photos with the same face, same color, or a similar composition.
Armed with features for optimal shooting and sharing, the new model also integrates built-in technologies to minimize image blur, including Super Steady Shot® optical image stabilization. It also has high light sensitivity, up to ISO 1000, to facilitate shooting at higher shutter speeds, as well as low-light conditions for more natural exposures or for settings where flash is not permitted.
This new Cyber-shot model also features a distinctive design. Its Carl Zeiss® 3x optical zoom lens is wrapped in an elegant metal body. You slide the lens cover across, instead of down as with previous models, and you’re ready to shoot in less than a second.
The DSC-G1 digital camera will ship in April for about $600. Additional accessories will include lenses, filters, batteries, travel chargers, sports packs and cases. All can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin on Feb. 28 at www.sonystyle.com/newcameras.

Via Dcresource

Pentax Optio A20

As is the nature of this business the Option A20 replaced the A10 only seven months after that model had been announced (and is itself about to be replaced by the further upgraded A30). The A10 was one of the disappointments of last year, offering typical Pentax high quality output and wealth of features but with serious performance issues that made using it frustrating to say the least. The A20 has a new ASIC (processor), two million more pixels (10.0 MP 1/1.8-inch sensor) and a handful of new features. We decided to find out if Pentax has solved the problems that stopped the A10 from being a really great camera, starting as ever with the headline features:
10.0 effective megapixels High-performance smc PENTAX 3x zoom lens New ASIC SR (Shake Reduction) Face Recognition AF & AE Auto-tracking AF continuously focuses on a moving subject High-quality movies with an anti-shake function Auto Picture mode automatically determines the best settings for the shooting conditions ISO 64-800 Shutter Priority, Manual and numerous scene modes SDHC support Post-shot red-eye removal

Via Dpreview

Olympus Stylus 770 SW Digital Camera

The Olympus Stylus line has always been the go to camera for “weatherproof” cameras – cameras that are water resistant and dustproof. Over the last couple of years, they’ve also had at least one shockproof and fully waterproof camera in the Stylus line. The Olympus Stylus 770 SW is the latest camera to be fully waterproof. The Stylus 770 SW is a 7.1 megapixel camera with 2.5 inch LCD and 3x optical zoom. It is also waterproof to 33 feet, shockproof against 5 foot drops, cold proof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and crushproof to 220 pounds. Read on for our full review of the Olympus Stylus 770 SW.
The Olympus Stylus 770 SW succeeds the Stylus 720 SW and does get a few new features. It still has the same 7.1 megapixel resolution and 2.5 inch screen, but the 770 gets more resolution in the LCD (from 115K to 230K pixels). The waterproof feature is also improved, allowing you to submerge the camera to 33 feet under water. Olympus has also added some more “rugged” features – it’s crushproof to 220 pounds and it is freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. A built-in manometer records air pressure or water pressure and altitude to your image data and a built-in LED illuminator are other new features to the latest shockproof, waterproof camera from Olympus.

Via Digitalcamerareview

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2

Small, light, portable, but very powerful, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 has a lot going for it. To start, you get a full 10 megapixels to play with. You'll also find a mode dial, a focus switch, and other physical controls right on the camera body. My favorite feature, though, is the Aspect Ratio switch, which lets you quickly change between 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9 aspect ratios. The 16:9 ratio is most commonly seen on HDTVs, which Panasonic also makes.

Via PCMag

Kodak Easyshare C875

Announced in August 2006 the C875 is the new flagship model in the entry-level Kodak EasyShare 'C' range, and the most interesting yet. Where most previous C series cameras have offered basic, beginnner-friendly 'point and shoot' operation at very low prices, the C875 transplants the functionality of Kodak's higher-end Z and P series cameras into an inexpensive, compact body. This - plus the 5x optical zoom and 8MP resolution - puts the C875 in direct competition with Canon's A series and some of the higher-end models in the Olympus FE range, yet the price (well under $200 if you shop around) is incredibly low for the features and specification on offer. So we decided to find out if this budget-priced Kodak really is punching above its weight or if it's a lightweight through and through. Let's start with the headline features:
8.3 million pixel 1/1.8" CCD sensor
5x (37-185mm equiv.) Scheider-KREUZNACH Variogon lens
2.5-inch wide viewing angle LCD screen
P/A/S/M modes
22 scene modes
ISO 64-800
Smart scene feature
KODAK PERFECT TOUCH technology for better, brighter pictures
MPEG-4 VGA movie mode

Via Dpreview

Pentax K10D Digital SLR Camera

The PENTAX K10D offers advanced photo enthusiasts an array of innovations in image capture technology and camera functionality. These include a 10.2 megapixel CCD contained within the PENTAX developed Shake Reduction system that offers 2.5 to 4 stops of compensation for shooting in low light or with telephoto lenses. The new PRIME image processing engine is supported by 22-bit A/D conversion for truer color tones with richer gradation, and an improved buffer memory that increases capture speed and allows for in camera image processing. All this is housed within a rugged weather and dust resistant body that incorporates CCD Dust Removal system. The unique PENTAX exposure modes adjust for any shooting situation and the 11-point autofocus system and 16-segment meter will give sharp, perfectly exposed images even in the most difficult lighting conditions.

Via Photographyreview

SONY’S CHARMING CYBER-SHOT DIGITAL CAMERAS BECOME THE LIFE OF THE PARTY

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 27, 2007 — Sony is introducing a line of slim and stylish Cyber-shot T-series cameras that are destined to be the fashionista crowd’s favorite party companion.
The 8-megapixel DSC-T100 camera is a showstopper with the most powerful zoom and largest LCD screen in Sony’s T-series. With its Carl Zeiss® 5x optical zoom lens and 3-inch LCD screen, this model will debut in red, black and silver.
The 8-megapixel DSC-T20 camera features a Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5-inch LCD screen, and will hit the scene in pink, white, black and silver.
In colors to match your party gear and less than a half-inch thick, both cameras can easily slip into a clutch purse or the pocket of a jacket. They can be fashionably protected with four different styles of matching camera cases in colors such as pink, red, green, grey, crème, brown and black, which will be sold separately.
“There’s a generation of style-conscious, tech-savvy people who want the brands and products in their lives to reflect who they are,” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “Our new T-series cameras can give these customers the form factor and advanced technologies they’re looking for.”
Let Sony Take You Higher
When it comes to entertaining, the living room is the hub. Sony’s new T-series cameras feature high-definition output so you can bring your photos to the party and take full advantage of the HD equipment already in your home. Once you have viewed photos in the utmost clarity, color and detail on an HDTV set, there’s no going back to huddling around a PC. And tech-savvy snappers know that standard-definition equipment can’t display the full glory of even a 2-megapixel picture.
Sony’s new cameras have three accessory options for high-definition photo viewing. All are compatible with the Sony VMC-MHC1 HD component cable for simple connection to an HDTV set. They can also be connected to the new Sony CSS-HD1 high-definition Cyber-shot Station™ with a bundled component cable and a remote commander. Connect all your devices to the station just one time and it also works as a charger for the camera.
The complete high-definition photo viewing solution is the Sony DPP-FPHD1 package, which includes the high-definition component cable, a Cyber-shot cradle, a remote commander and a high-definition printer with component HD output. Designed to complement any living room, this new printer comes in elegant black and can be positioned horizontally or vertically. As you view your pictures, you can print the ones you want to hand out as party mementos, on the spot, in about 45 seconds.
All of the new cameras are equipped with a built-in slide show function. You can play back your images, complete with dynamic transitions choreographed to your choice of music clips.
Don’t Let Bad Photos Kill The Buzz
The party people will look fabulous in every shot with Sony’s new face detection technology. It can identify up to eight faces in the camera’s LCD frame, and automatically adjust white balance and flash as well as focus and exposure for sharp, clear photos.
Shooting in low light doesn’t have to result in blurry, grainy photos. Sony’s Super Steady Shot® optical image stabilization counters camera shake and stabilize images so you can easily shoot with longer exposure times. Armed with high light sensitivity (up to ISO 3200), you can also shoot at higher shutter speeds without using the cameras’ flash and spoiling the mood of the pictures. Sony’s Clear RAW ™ noise reduction technology will help reduce the picture noise common to low-light exposures.
Technology That Won’t Slow You Down
Sony’s new T-series cameras are powered by the Bionz™ processing engine, first used in Sony’s Alpha digital SLR camera system. Not only does this robust processing engine deliver the fast image processing speeds needed to produce color-rich, detailed pictures for true high-definition photo viewing, it also speeds up the cameras’ response times and extends battery life.
Slide their lens covers down and these cameras are ready to shoot in less than a second and prepared for the next shot in about a second. They’ll keep snapping for the duration of the party – on a full charge, up to 380 shots for the T100 camera and 340 shots for the T20 model.
You can edit PC-free with these cameras’ internal functions. Red-eye correction and dynamic range optimization to adjust under- or over-exposed areas can be performed without having to make a lot of adjustments to the camera. Photos can be retouched and enlivened on the spot with up to four filter selections, such as the fish-eye filter for an amusing fishbowl effect.
The T100 camera will ship in March for about $400, and the T20 will be available in April for about $330. Options will include batteries, travel chargers, lenses, filters, sports packs and cases. All models can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin on February 28 at www.sonystyle.com/newcameras.

Via Dpreview