Kodak EasyShare V570 camera Review

Kodak EasyShare V570 is a good example of how innovation and thoughtful design can come together in a consumer product that’s powerful yet easy to use. The Kodak Easyshare V570 is a unique ultra compact 5 megapixel digital camera - featuring two lenses: an ultra-wide angle lens, and a normal 3x optical zoom lens.

Other features of the V570 camera include:

A big, brilliant 2.5-inch, high-resolution LCD screen;

The exclusive KODAK Color Science image processing chip for phenomenal image quality with rich color, accurate skin tones, low noise and precise exposure;

Automatic red-eye reduction, on-camera cropping, picture blur alert and auto picture rotation;

In-camera distortion correction to compensate for ultra-wide angle fish-eye effects, which can be turned on or off;

Twenty-two scene modes plus three color modes, helping snap shooters capture the best possible shot with the least possible effort;

The Photo Frame Dock 2, which provides one-touch picture transfer to a connected computer while keeping the cameras’

high-capacity lithium-ion battery (klic-7001 battery) and ready to go, and which can play video and photo ‘slideshows’ on the camera’s high-resolution LCD screen;

And 32 megabytes (MB) of internal memory, plus a SD card slot for additional storage

As is the case with many cameras these days, the EasyShare V570 has built-in memory instead of a bundled memory card. The V570 has 32MB of built-in memory, which is a decent amount for a camera with this resolution, but you'll want to buy a larger memory card anyway. The V570 uses Secure Digital or MultiMedia cards, and I recommend a 256MB or 512MB card as a good place to start. A high speed memory card is not a required purchase.

The V570 uses the same KLIC-7001 lithium-ion battery as the V550. This compact battery has just 2.7 Wh of energy, which translates into fairly poor battery life.

The V570 includes the snazzy Photo Frame 2 camera dock, which can be used for several things, including charging the battery, transferring photos to your computer, or viewing them on a television. In fact, unless you can hunt down a mysterious adapter shown in the manual, this is the only way you can transfer photos or view them on a TV. The battery can be charged either with the dock, or with the included AC adapter. Either way it takes three hours to fully charge the battery.

Packing advanced video performance, the camera makes it easier for users to shoot all types of action in the way that many filmmakers prefer — with an ultra-wide angle to capture more of the scene. The EASYSHARE V570 camera records TV-quality video, high capacity kodak klic-7001 battery up to 30 frames per second (fps) using advanced MPEG-4 compression. Built-in image stabilization technology reduces on-screen shaking from unintentional hand and camera movement. The camera also offers an optical zoom feature for video including auto focus. And it is simple to select any frame in a video, then save and print it as a “freeze frame” still picture in just seconds.

Fujifilm Finepix F440 Camera Review

Slim, stylish and lightweight, FujiFilm's FinePix F440 is a 4-megapixel camera and, while it has a couple of features that set it apart from the opposition, it uses a standard CCD sensor rather than the SuperCCD that FujiFilm has used in a good number of its other cameras. Measuring just 74.5 x 6.3 x 21.3mm and weighing a mere 150g, the all-metal FinePix F440 could be easily lost in your coat pocket and it has a better build quality than some of the FujiFilm range.

FinePix F440 Zoom features at a glance:

• CCD sensor delivering 4.1 million pixels


• 2.0-inch LCD monitor for clarity and detail


• 3.4x optical zoom lens


• Low sensitivity setting of ISO 80 for photography in bright conditions with low noise


• New lithium battery (NP-30) and reduced energy consumption


• Movie capture of 10 frames per second with sound


• xD-Picture Card™ providing large storage capacity, lower power consumption and fast write speeds (16MB to 512MB)


• USB PictureCradle for fuss-free downloading of images and battery recharging


• PictBridge™ compatible for direct printing without a PC .


• Movie capture of 10 frames per second with

Fuji includes a 16MB xD card with the camera, which holds a grand total of seven high resolution pictures. So consider a larger card "a must". xD cards are currently available as large as 512MB, and I think 128MB is a good starter size for most people. Be warned that xD cards tend to be more expensive than CompactFlash and SD cards.

The F440 uses a compact lithium-ion battery known as the fujifilm NP-30 to power the camera. The battery isn't exactly what I'd call powerful, with just 2.1 Wh of energy. That translates to 150 photos per charge, using the new CIPA battery life standard (which I'll be using from now on, when possible).

The FinePix F440 Zoom continues the line of square-styled digital cameras from Fujifilm. Measuring in at 74.5(W) x 62.3(H) x 21.3(D) mm and only 150g, precious millimeters have been shaved off already very compact cameras. The F440 Zoom is the first digital camera from Fujifilm that can truly be labeled 'ultra-compact'.In order to combine full size performance in such a small housing, Fujifilm engineers developed a new lens structure, which allows the 3.4x Fujinon zoom lens to retract completely into the slim stainless steel body. The F440 Zoom features a 2.0-inch, 154,000-pixel TFT monitor to make it even easier to frame your pictures and even clearer to review them.Not content with just improving the zoom range and screen size for a camera of this size, the FinePix F440 Zoom features a 4.1 million pixel CCD, allowing images to be enlarged without the loss of quality. The F440 Zoom features newly-developed image processors to ensure that each image has true-to-life colors, by analyzing lighting conditions, subject color and tonal details, all before you take your photograph. This image processor, coupled with the ability to select ISO 80, gives the potential for even higher quality images in bright conditions.A new lithium rechargeable battery(NP-30 battery) keeps the camera going, while the lens and image processor technology advancements mean that its power consumption has been reduced even further. The FinePix F440 Zoom comes complete with a PictureCradle, making recharging and downloading both easy and convenient. PictBridge compatibility also allows printing at home without the need for a PC or Mac.

Minolta dimage XG camera Review

Konica Minolta updates its popular Dimage X series with the Dimage Xg, featuring a faster start-up time of approximately 0.8 seconds, larger LCD , and continuous advance of 2 frames per second. Its thin, lightweight body (weighing only 4.2 ounces and just 0.8 inches thick) enables you to comfortably carry.

Dimage XG Basic Features:

3.2-megapixel CCD.

Real-image optical viewfinder.

1.6-inch color TFT LCD monitor.

Glass, 3x, 5.7-17.1mm lens, equivalent to a 37-111mm lens on a 35mm camera.

1.1-4.0x digital zoom, in 0.1x increments.

Automatic exposure control.

Shutter speeds from 1/1,000 to four seconds.

Maximum aperture f/2.8 to f/3.6, depending on lens zoom position.

Built-in flash.

SD/MMC memory card storage, 16MB card included.

Images saved as JPEG files.

Power supplied by one NP-200 rechargeable lithium-ion battery or optional AC adapter.

DiMAGE software and USB drivers included for both Windows and Mac platforms.

Special Features:

Movie mode with sound.

Continuous Shooting mode.

10-second Self-Timer for delayed shutter release.

Voice Memo mode for recording captions.

White balance (color) adjustment with five modes.

Scene mode with five presets.

Adjustable ISO.

Both multisegment and spot metering.

DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatibility.

PictBridge compatibility.

USB cable for connection to a computer (driver software included, can function as a webcam).

What's in the Box

This package contains the Dimage Xg digital camera, rechargeable battery (NP-200), battery charger (BC-700), hand strap, USB cable, 16 MB SD memory card, and CD-ROM with Dimage Viewer software.

Superbly Clear Images

Konica Minolta’s CxProcess™ II image processing technology incorporates characteristics like smooth gradations, natural skin tones, and brilliantly clear colors for images that are more natural and lifelike. The DiMAGE Xg’s 3.2 megapixels capture fine lines and intricate details for stunning digital images, and unique folded optics maximize the capability of the CCD. The slow shutter speed and Dark-Noise Reduction combine to prevent graininess and give exceptional night photos with clearly contrasted dark tones.

Easy to Operate

The DiMAGE Xg has a number of convenient, easy-to-use functions. The Mode Dial allows easy, stress-free still, movie, and audio recording operation. The Quick View/Delete button allows users to play back or delete images they’ve just taken. Key Customization lets users register their most frequently used settings by setting from 4 features on the recording mode menu for right and left key operation during shooting.

Storage and Power

The Dimage Xg stores images on Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards, and a 16 MB SD card is included. It will hold approximately 17 standard 3.2-megapixel images. It transfers image to PCs and Macs via a speedy USB 2.0 connection.

The camera is powered by a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery (minolta NP-200), which can shoot approximately 220 images on a single charge. The Dimage Xg measures 3.4 x 2.6 x 0.8 inches and weighs 4.2 ounces without battery or recording media.

The DiMAGE Xg digital camera offers the mobile user the chance to take high-quality pictures in any place and at anytime.

Nikon coolpix 4500 camera review

Nikon Coolpix 4500 is first Nikon's digital camera to feature a 4.0 effective megapixel CCD combined with a 4x Optical (38-155mm in 35mm photography) Zoom-Nikkor lens. The Coolpix 4500 offers advanced imaging control options as well as numerous automatic functions for a wide range of versatility in a more compact, solid and ergonomic magnesium alloy body.Hihg capacity nikon EN-EL1 battery. The Coolpix 4500 provides superior still images up to a maximum size of 2,272 x 1,704 pixels.

Coolpix 4500 Features:

• Four megapixel effective CCD for images up to 2272x1704 pixels


• Swiveling Nikkor 4x optical zoom (38-155mm in 35mm equivalent)


• Macro focus with AF down to 3/4 of an inch!


• 1.5-inch TFT color monitor with LED backlight


• CompactFlash Type II card slot (512MB/1GB Microdrive compatible)


• EN-EL1 rechargeable battery and charger included


• Programmed Auto (with Shift), Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority and Full Manual exposure modes


• Drive modes: Single, Continuous, Ultra High Speed Continuous, 16-Shot Multi and 320x240 QuickTime Movie w/audio


• 32MB DRAM buffer for fast, 2 sec shot-to-shot speed


• Shutter speeds from 1/2300 sec. to 8 secs (Bulb to 5 mins)


• Aperture settings from F2.6 to F10.3


• 7-bladed lens diaphram for true depth of field control


• Auto Pop-up flash with auto, fill, slow sync, and red-eye reduction


• Control of color sharpness and saturation


• Five-area multifocus system and Spot-AF


• 256-segment Matrix Metering, Center-weighted or Spot


• Noise Reduction for long exposures


• ISO sensitivity of 100, 200, 400 or 800 (in all modes)


• Matrix Auto White Balance plus Fine, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Speedlight and Preset.


• AE Bracketing with white balance as well as exposure value


• 7,900-step autofocus with 50-step manual focus


• Record images in TIFF-RGB (uncompressed) or JPEG Fine, Normal, or Basic quality.


• Lens section lock prevents "drooping" when using heavy lenses


• Epson PRINT Image Matching Technology compatible


• External sync connector for Nikon Speedlights


• USB 1.1 port for image download


• One-Touch upload for easy image transfers


• User-upgradeable camera firmware


• Compatible with existing Coolpix auxilliary lenses.

The now familiar EN-EL1 rechargeable battery (5.0 Wh), also found on the CP5000 and CP5700, is used here. Nikon estimates that the battery will last for about 100 minutes in "average use". The run-down of the EN-EL1 battery is about 100 minutes (in the conditions typical of Nikon: display on, zoom adjusted for each shot, flash used for a third of shots, NORMAL quality, 2272*1704).
Nikon includes an external charger for the EN-EL1. They also give you a lens cap and strap to protect the lens.

Here's a new one: the CP4500 has a feature called Perspective Control which allows you to change the vertical perspective. The example Nikon gives is to make a shot of a building taken looking up at it appear more square (like it was taken at eye level). You adjust the image using the four-way switch (up/down only), and when you're happy with it, you wait 40 seconds for the new image to be written to the CF card.

Another CP4500 feature lets you resize your image to a much smaller size. Choose from 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120, and 96 x 72.
One nice feature is the ability to delete a selection of photos, instead of just one or all of them. You can also mark images to be automatically transferred when the camera is hooked into the computer.

The Coolpix 4500 excels in the image-quality department, providing especially detailed, sharp, and clean images with little noise. It accurately meters and exposes pictures, and color tends more toward the natural than the oversaturated.

Asus EEE PC 701 laptop Review

The Eee PC is marketed as an "Easy to Learn, Easy to Work, Easy to Play" computer. Due to its size, it is classified as an Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC). Whilst ultra-portable notebooks often weigh about 2kg, the Eee PC is a featherweight 0.92kg, with high qutlity eee pc battery. It is therefore an ultra-mobile machine in the true sense of the expression. The machine is small enough that it can be used in just about any environment. However, this is a full PC, not just a 'mobile Internet' device like Nokia's Internet tablets.

The specs for ASUS Eee PC 701:

• Processor: Intel Celeron M ULV 900MHz


• Graphics: Integrated Intel GMA 900 GPU


• Storage: 4GB of Flash-based storage (SSD)


• Memory: 512MB of DDR2 RAM (667MHz)


• OS: Xandros Linux (Asus customized)


• Screen: 7-inch screen with 800 x 480 resolution


• Ports: 3 USB 2.0, 1 VGA monitor out, headphone jack, microphone input, SD card reader (SDHC compatible), Kensington lock slot,


• Ethernet 10/100


• Webcam (0.3 MP)


• Battery: 4-cell 5200 mAh 7.4V Li-Ion (rated at 3.5 hours asus eee pc battery)


• Wireless: 802.11b/g Atheros


• Input: Keyboard and Touchpad


• Weight: approximately 2 lbs with battery, 2.5 lbs travel weight with AC adapter.


• Two-year warranty

Build and Design

The designers at Asus had no easy task creating an attractive ultraportable notebook while also making it cheap to produce. The case seams match up with reasonably tight tolerances, plastics feel thick (though the pearl-like white plastics look cheap) and the display hinges are molded into body with the battery. Lifting the display cover you find the amazingly small keyboard surface and even smaller touchpad resting below the recessed display and speakers. In short, the build quality is quite high despite the low cost.

Screen

The screen is 7-inches diagonally with LED back lighting and has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. For the sake of a reference, below is what you can see when you pull up the homepage of the site you are on right now.

The Eee PC might not have a glossy, high contrast display like most notebooks made in the last year, but the bright and even backlight helps make for an enjoyable reading experience. We even found the quality of the colors more than sufficient for viewing movies or You Tube videos.

Heat and Noise

Even with the low voltage processor and SSD drive, the Asus Eee PC produced as much heat as any other notebook in the same price range. The keyboard and bottom of the notebook got quite hot even under normal use, and the fan was always running in an attempt to keep the system cool. Fan noise was among the quietest we’ve heard. The only way to tell the fan is blowing is to put your hand next to the air vent to feel the warm air blow past.

Battery

Under normal use, backlight at 100 percent and using wireless for web browsing and watching a DivX movie at 75 percent volume, the Eee PC managed to deliver three hours and 23 minutes of battery life(asus eee pc laptop battery). We were hoping for more given the low voltage processor and flash-based storage, but for a notebook the battery life is still very good. Lowering the screen brightness and turning off the wireless card should provide enough battery life for prolonged use.

While the battery life was reasonable, we did experience some minor problems with the on-screen battery meter. After two hours and 8 minutes of browsing the web wirelessly and watching a DivX movie the low battery warning popped up on screen and reported that the Eee PC would shut down in 3 minutes unless it was plugged into a power source. The Eee PC then kept working for another one hour and 15 minutes before the notebook shutdown. Bottom line, the on-screen battery indicator cannot be trusted.

The Eee PC might have a weird name, but it's one of the few products that lives up to the marketing hype. This notebook truly is “easy to learn, easy to work, and easy to play.”

Sony Cybershot DSC-P100 Camera review

A huge 1/1.8" Super HAD CCD, Sony's innovative Real Imaging Processor, and a 3X optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, the Sony DSC-P100 gives you all of the features you would expect from a full-sized 5 Megapixel digital camera in a pocket-sized design.Provides reliable, long-lasting power for continuous shooting, without "Memory Effect",sony NP-FR1 lithium ion battery.

The DSC-P100 is also amazingly easy to use, thanks to its large 1.8-inch LCD monitor, 5 area multi-point auto focus and auto focus illuminator, and selectable focus mode. It even includes PictBridge compatibility for simple printing without the need of a personal computer.

Sony DSC-P100 Major Features:

• Sony 5.0 Megapixel effective CCD image sensor


• Carl Zeiss 3x Zoom (38-114mm equivalent in 35mm photography)


• Still Image: 2592x1944, 2592(3:2), 2048x1536, 1280x960, 640x480


• MPEG Movie: 640x480 VX Fine w/audio at 30fps (Memory Stick Pro required),


• 640x480 VX at 16fps, length limited only by media


• Auto, Program AE, Full Manual plus 9 Scene modes


• Live histogram display in capture and playback


• 5 Area Multi-point AF; auto or selectable Spot AF point


• 1.8" TFT color (134,000 pixels) LCD Screen with Auto Brightness


• ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100, 200, 400


• Adjustable color saturation, contrast and sharpness


• Noise Reduction: Automatically cleans up long exposure images


• 14bit A/D Conversion - allows a wider dynamic range from highlight to shadow


• Built-in flash with Auto Fill, Red Eye Reduction and Slow Synchro


• USB 2.0 Auto-Connect to host computer


• Rechargeable InfoLithium battery(np-fr1 battery) and charger included


• Optional Cyber-shot Station camera dock and controller


• Memory Stick & Memory Stick Pro compatible to 1GB, 32MB included.


• DPOF and PictBridge direct-print USB compatible

What's in the Box

The package contains the Sony DSCP100 digital camera, a 32 MB Memory Stick, a rechargeable InfoLithium battery (NP-FR1), a battery charger (AC-LS5), A/V and USB cables, a wrist strap, and a CD-ROM with photo editing software for Windows PCs.

Storage and Transfer

Images are stored on Memory Sticks, and the Cybershot DSCP100 is compatible with Memory Stick Pro media for storage up to 1 GB. The included 32 MB Memory Stick will store 12 fine and 23 standard 5.1-megapixel images. The DSCP100 transfers images to PCs and Macs via a speedy USB 2.0 connection (which is backward-compatible with USB 1.1 ports).

Power and Size

The camera is powered by a rechargeable Sony InfoLithitum (lithium-ion) battery, which provides reliable, long-lasting power for continuous shooting, with no "memory effect" (see "Tech Talk," below). The included adapter/charger provides power while you transfer images from your camera to your PC.

the Sony P100 is a good and unusually capable subcompact point-and-shoot digicam. Housed in a very small package is a 5.0-megapixel CCD, a sharp, high-quality 3x optical zoom lens, nine preset Scene modes and a host of other creative options. Its pictures show excellent color and sharpness (although I'd like to see better handling of household incandescent lighting), and surprisingly low noise levels for its combination of a five-megapixel sensor and compact camera design.