Leica C-LUX 1 Review
A user submitted review over on DigitalCameraReview.com is quite well written, and it summarizes the Leica C-LUX 1 quite well.
The Leica C-LUX 1 is essentially a rebadged version of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01. The ultra compact C-LUX 1 features a 28mm wide angle Leica DC zoom lens and a high sensitivity setting of up to ISO 1600. It also incorporates built-in optical image stabilization and is available in black and silver finishes. Aside from minor styling and bundle differences it is exactly the same camera as the Panasonic model.
In the end it is listed as being an excellent camera, with price, noise, and lack of certain manual controls being listed as the negatives, and image quality, controls, and build quality being listed as the positive areas for the C-LUX 1.
Check out reviews on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01.
Norcent’s DC-10: Just a 10 MP Digital Camera
Want to show off a ten megapixel camera, but don’t have much money? Norcent has got you covered with their DC-10. For $200, you can get a 10.1 megapixel digital camera, but don’t expect to get any other bells and whistles as the camera is pretty much sub-par in every other respect.
It has a 2.4-inch LCD, maximum ISO of 200, 3x optical zoom, VGA video capture and 32MB of built-in memory. All pretty much standard or sub-standard fare.
The camera runs on a pair of AA batteries which makes it easy to take lots of horrible pictures at a resolution that is way beyond what you need. A better choice, but costs twice as much would be the Canon PowerShot A640.
Rollei dx63 Overview from LetsGoDigital
LetsGoDigital talks about the Rollei dx63. While not a company I know anything about the camera looks decent and the specifications while they don’t blow me away, they are reasonable, but the main features of this camera are both its design, which is said to be amazing for both professionals and amateurs and its wide set of features.
But when you think we mentioned all the features of the Rollei dx63, you are wrong. With a self timer that can be set to 5, 10 and for example 20 seconds photos that would fail before will now be captured with all the people on board. Those of you who are not into still images will be able to record video with the Rollei dx63 camera. The video clips will be recorded with a VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels) at 30 frames per second or 320 x 240 pixels. The data will be recorded in JPEG (EXIF), DCF, DPOF, DPS and MPEG4 format. As the Rollei dx63 incorporates a microphone and speaker you will also be able to record voice memos.
You can expect to see this any time now in Europe, for €299 including VAT, which converts to around $375 USD.
Acer CP-8660
Acer recently revealed a new 8 megapixel digital camera, the CP-8660. The design is meant to look more like a slightly more classic film camera, but that does not mean it is not an impressive device.
The Acer CP-8660, other than its 8 MP resolution, has a 6x optical zoom, and a 8.5x digital zoom. The camera is also equipped with Anti-shake DSP (Digital Signal Processor) technology which compensates for hand movements. On the back of the camera you will find a 2.8″ LCD with what is called low temperature poly silicon that enhances the overall brightness and contrast of the screen.
Acer put a slim 25 MB of memory onboard, and while that is not enough to take many pictures, it is better than many other cameras on the market that don’t offer any. Of course you can always get an SD card and expand it up to 1GB.
The camera has dimensions of 96 x 61 x 29 mm and weighs about 180 grams without its battery. It also includes a video recording mode at maximum 640 x 480 pixel resolution at 30 fps.
No word on pricing or availability but Acer promises an affordable price tag.
Leica M Lenses Coding
Here is an interesting story, it seems Leica has announced a new lens system called M which will carry a new 6-bit code of black and white dots. These dots will allow the upcoming digital M series camera to identify which lens is being used and also store this information in the metadata of the captured image. This will allow you to know more about how the images were shot, as well as letting budding photographers understand better what lenses really worked well for them in past shots.
One other little thing for thos other there thinking this is a great idea, but they already bought a M series lens. You can get them coded so the digital M camera will recognize them. I don’t really understand why someone would want to upgrade their current non-coded M series lenses, but Lecia offers that service for 95 EUROs each.
PRAKTICA DCZ6.3
If modern colour psychology is right, red stands for passion and the desire for happiness. PRAKTICA is adapting this passion – this fire –to its latest model – the DCZ 6.3.
Every single pixel of the six million on the CCD sensor is taking care that even the most filigree detail is stored accurately and brought to life on the 2.5” monitor afterwards.
High resolution video clips are no problem either. Whether you record with 320×240 or 640×480 pixels with a constant rate of 30 frames per second – the world around you starts to move.
But what happens if you want to print out your pictures? There’s nothing easier like that. The DCZ 6.3 is operating on the PictBridge standard and allows you to print your images directly to a printer without using a computer. Print-outs are only one fingertip away.
The focal length rages from 5.8 to 17.4 mm and with exposure times from 2 to 1/1000 seconds and exposure values set up between +/- 2.0, images can be adapted manually as well. The PRAKTICA DCZ 6.3 uses standard alkaline batteries or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and distinguishes itself by a low energy consumption. The already built-in 32 MB memory can be extended with additional SD cards.
Each camera comes with a USB cable, a TV cable, a software CD, a pouch, a wrist strap, a manual and a pair of batteries.
Leica Unveils C-LUX 1
The LEICA C-LUX 1 from Leica Camera is the first model in a new line of Leica digital compact cameras. Complementing the established LEICA D-LUX series, the new LEICA C-LUX line features an ultra compact design and fully retractable optics. The smallest Leica digital compact camera to date, the LEICA C-LUX 1 sports a powerful LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT f/2.8-5.6/4.6-16.8 ASPH zoom lens with a wide focal length range of 28 - 102 mm in 35mm format for brilliant photographs with accurate color rendering from wide angle all the way to telephoto. An optical image stabilizer is integrated to counteract camera shake even in difficult light conditions. The camera’s 2.5″ display enables sharper picture composition before the photograph is taken and allows a quick assessment of the results immediately afterwards.
Another feature that contributes to the excellent quality photography is the integrated image stabilizer (O.I.S) which can be switched to photograph only or can be set to both the photograph and display image. The image stabilization feature effectively prevents blurred photos, in spite of what the photographic situation may be, by consistently compensating for small hand movements. This and the high-sensitivity mode with up to ISO 1600 ensure that pictures are always sharply defined, whether in twilight, indoors or in the zoom range.
The LEICA C-LUX 1 comes with a 64 MB SD memory card, a battery charger, a powerful battery, an AV, USB and AC cable and an extensive software package (Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 and Quicktime Movie Player). Choice of accessories include, an AC adapter (for connecting the camera directly to the mains), spare battery and three different camera cases made of high-quality leather.
The LEICA C-LUX 1 will be available through select Leica authorized dealers in May 2006 for $495 retail. Customers will be able to choose between a black and a silver chrome finish.
Leica C-LUX 1
The LEICA C-LUX 1 is an engagingly attractive companion with a fashionably compact form factor. Offered in smart black or lustrous silver and having a basic outline of only 5 x 10 cm, it’s a camera you’ll want to take with you wherever you go. And its elegant exterior is complemented by cutting-edge technology: 6-megapixel capture, ultra short shutter delay, precise autofocus measurement, and a generous selection of scene modes make it ideal for taking great pictures effortlessly. Whether you’re on the beach, on a stroll through narrow streets, or in your favorite restaurant – the C-Lux 1 will capture all those precious moments you want to remember in stunning, true-to-life color and detail.
The LEICA C-LUX 1 at a glance
- High-quality fabrication:
Elegant and robust metal body available in black or silver finish.
(Notice: The silver finish isn’t available in all countries.) - Leica lens:
The extended focal length range of the Leica wide-to-telephoto zoom lens is equivalent to a 28-102 mm in the 35 mm format, suitable for interiors, portaits, scenics, and more. - Optical image stabilizer:
Exquisitely sharp photos even in candlelight or of moving objects thanks to the built-in optical image stabilizer and the high-sensitivity setting of up to ISO 1600. - Display:
High resolution 2.5-inch display provides a clear view of critical details.
Mamiya Launch ZD
A new digital SLR has been released, and it is from Mamiya, not a company I know very well, but te specifications are something to drool over if you want to give others pixel-envy, as the ZD has a 22 megapixel CCD, which when the button is pressed it generates a 35MB RAW file.
To transfer the files, the Mamiya ZD can be connected to the computer via a four-pin IEEE 1394 (firewire) connection. The camera also has a Video Out jack for reviewing images on a television monitor.
A large 1.8 inch TFT monitor is located on the back of the camera for reviewing images. It displays a 100% of the image are with full brightness control. A second LCD screen located below the TFT monitor shows camera information such as image quality, ISO, white balance, storage media, and more.
The Mamiya ZD will retail for £7000 (approx. $12,000 USD) body only excluding VAT and is available now through authorised Mamiya ZD dealers.
Acer CU-6530 Review
Trusted Reviews did what their namesake, and reviewed the Acer CU-6530, a six megapixel digital camera from an unlikely source. I like Trusted Reviews wondered if an Acer digital camera would be decent.
I have to admit I was initially a little bit skeptical when I received this newly-launched camera from electronics and computer component manufacturer Acer. From past experience with other companies trying to break into the digital market, I assumed that it would be similar to many other low-cost Chinese import cameras bearing the logos of well-know electronics brands. I have seen a number of such cameras, and they have generally proved to be of extremely poor quality. I’m happy to report however, that I was pleasantly surprised when I unpacked the CU-6530.
By the end of the review we can see why the CU-6530 earned a nice eight out of ten which is a fair bit above decent.
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