The Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 is the modest update over its predecessor the Alpha DSLR-A300. We appreciate the Sony to upgrade the firmware for improving the performance and quality. However, the A330 remains quite similar to the A230. The only difference between them is that the A230 has higher magnification viewfinder than that of the A330. Both shares similar sized 2.7-inch LCD display. In contrast, you can tilt the A330 unit perpendicularly up or down at 55-degree and it offers Live View shooting. The Alpha DSLR-A380 is the higher resolution version of the A330. The Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 comes in two individual kits (each in two colors – black and brown): 18-55mm lens and dual-lens kit of 18-55mm with 55-200mm. Sony is not providing its body-only version at the moment. Like other Sony DSLR camera, you can use the Minolta A mount lens with the A330 camera. The mode dial of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 provides access to some scene program modes, full automatic,  [...]

The Canon Vixia HF100 is a high-definition camcorder. It features excellent performance, great video quality, and good feature set. The HF100 does not have inbuilt memory unlike its sibling – the HF10. Apart from that, both the models look identical. The Vixia HF100 is a bit smaller than the Sony Handycam HDR-CX7. However, it remains more compact than its siblings the Vixia HG10 (hard-disk based) and the Vixia HV30 (tape-based). However, the manual focus for the Vixia HF100 is useless. The Canon Vixia HF100 has easy-to-use and large controls. The joystick and function button are inconveniently located on the LCD bezel. It is a bit difficult to use them simultaneously and you have to hold the camera steady while trying to operate them. The manual focus through joystick on a small 2.7-inch screen is very annoying. You can record the AVCHD video maximum at 17MBps for 2 hours 5 minutes. The Canon Vixia HF100 can hold 6 hours 5 minutes video at lowest 5MBps. The higher bit rate supports  [...]

$699 priced the Samsung SC-HMX10 is a flash-based high-definition camcorder. It features all-in-one diminutive package, microphone input, manual exposure controls, 8GB inbuilt memory, and 720p video. The HMX10 camcorder can focus relatively close and has full manual exposure controls. However, it does not have optical image stabilization, 1080i video and performs mediocre in low light. The SC-HMX10 has sluggish auto-focus and small sensor. We like that its grip can rotate about 150 degrees that allows aligning the camcorder at any angle. The first rotation drops the camcorder by 5 degrees and then increases the heights. It is one of the cleverest designs we’ve seen. The Samsung SC-HMX10 provides comfortable and nice easy gripping due to its large size. The buttons including record, mode, power, photo, and zoom switch comfortably fall under forefinger or right thumb. As already mentioned, you can rotate the camcorder up to 150 degrees that is very useful. The SDHC card slot and the  [...]

The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS continues to have traditional “easy and fun” photography picture like its AA-sized siblings. $179 priced the A3100 IS has 12-megapixel sensor. It provides higher resolution and better picture quality than its $30 less priced A3000 IS sibling. The higher resolution is always better if you want to crop and print the images. The PowerShot A3100 IS looks better than its price tag. It has wider aperture lens and bigger display as compared to other digital cameras in its price range. In addition, the addition of optical image stabilization is also its key selling point. 2.7 inches LCD display of the Canon PowerShot A3100 IS is bright enough to retain the visibility even in direct sunlight. The A3100 IS has basic controls including mode dial, shutter release button, and power button on the top. All these buttons are well-spaced, but flush inside the surface. The Mode dial is a bit stuff that makes it a bit difficult to move.  [...]

The interchangeable lens cameras appealed most of the enthusiasts. However, their expensive price tag of more than $800 is making them not affordable for budget conscious users. They are capable to record videos and their big sensors are providing better picture quality even at high ISO levels than that of small digital cameras. In contrast, their alternatives – larger digital SLRs with optical viewfinders and kit prices are starting from $600. Previously, Olympus has tried to capture the market with E-P1 and E-P2 interchangeable lens cameras, but they does not have inbuilt flash even at high price. Now, the company has launched the Olympus E-PL1 with its Micro Four Thirds lens and 12.3-megapixel Live MOS. It costs $549 for body only, while its 14-42mm lens kit costs $599.99. The Olympus 14-42mm Micro Third lens costs $299, while both Nikon and Canon dSLR 18-55mm lenses are priced $199. However, the Micro Four Third lenses are more compact than the other dSLR lenses.

Exactly, the Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS is a follow-up of the SD980 IS. $329.99 priced the SD3500 IS features same ultra wide-angle lens with 5x zoom and touch-screen display. However, its 14.1-megapixel sensor is an upgrade over previous version. It is noteworthy that its shooting performance is slow and suffers from few quality issues. If you are not overcritical about pixels, then the PowerShot SD3500 IS is a good choice. The SD980 IS has more physical control, while the Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS has limited controls including shooting mode switch, shutter release button, zoom ring, play and power buttons. All these controls are located on the top. 3.5 inches touch-screen LCD display of the Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS has 461,000 dots resolution. It features Touch Panel technology and wide-viewing angle. As per Canon, the display covers approximately 100% of the shooting scene. The touch-screen has double resolution and is 0.5 inch bigger than that of the SD980 IS. It is quick responsive  [...]

The Flip Video Ultra – a straight-to-Web mini-camcorder was a great success. Now, the companies have started to supply the similar camcorder with better features. One of them is – $99 priced Creative Vado Pocket Video Cam. It offers 2GB internal memory, rechargeable/removable battery, and other features; which are quite similar to that of RCA and Flip Video models. The Vado Pocket Video Cam is a bit more stylish and less expensive than Flip Video Mino. 2 inches antiglare LCD display is on the back side. It exhibits sharp images, but looks a bit washed out in direct sunlight. There is an onboard USB connector that has flexible arm to plug in Mac/Windows system easily even at recessed and crowded ports. We like that the unit recharges itself via USB. There is inbuilt Vado Central software inside the Creative Vado Pocket Cam. It launches automatically on connecting the camcorder with your computer. You can tap an onscreen button to upload the  [...]

The JVC Everio GZ-MG3xx models offer similar picture quality, performance, and features. They are only differs by their inbuilt memory, colors and docking station. $379.95 priced the JVC Everio GZ-MG365 features 60GB hard disk, Share Station dock for FireWire and S-Video ports, and comes in black only. On the other hand, the MG330 offers 30GB hard-drive and the MG360 comes with 60GB hard drive without any docking station. JVC offers Laser Touch control bar – touch-sensitive vertical blue-LED strip located at the left side of 2.7 inches display. At the bottom of LCD display, there are five recessed and small buttons. The frequently required options including backlight compensation, scene exposure modes, aspect ratio, gain control, and video quality are located on the top of display. We like this well-arrangement of the menu interface. In manual settings menu, you can access the metering options, shutter speed, manual focus, and exposure modes. The  [...]

Canon has launched its FS series camcorder that contains the FS10, FS100, and the FS11. These three models vary in terms of memory and body color. In contrast, they have similar shape and stylish look. $435.96 priced Canon FS10 features 8GB internal flash memory, lithium ion battery, and 48x optical zoom. It incorporates Canon DIGIC DIV II processor for good color accuracy and clarity. However, there is no headphone jack and optical image stabilization. On the other hand, the FS11 has 16GB internal memory, while the FS100 does not have nay onboard memory. 2.7 inches LCD display is a good choice for a standard-definition camera, especially for the Canon FS10. You will find the Easy button for auto-mode, battery info switch, micro-USB port, standard 3.5mm microphone jack and AV out connector behind the LCD display. The joystick will work for menu navigation and instant access to controls such as video light, shutter speed, exposure compensation and manual focus. The latter manual focus  [...]

The RCA Small Wonder Traveler EZ210 is the oddest duck of a series of budget-friendly mini-camcorders. It features rugged exterior, sharp 2.5 inches LCD display, and SD card slot that accepts up to 8GB. $119.95 priced the EZ210 camcorder is made up by Audiovox and branded as RCA. It may be bulky with odd designs. However, it has ruggedized exterior and ships with 2GB removable card. Like other Small Wonder series members, the RCA EZ210 camcorder runs on two alkalkine AA batteries instead of rechargeable standard lithium ion batteries of Flip Video Mino and Creative Vado. 2.5 inches LCD display of the RCA Small Wonder Traveler EZ210 has 960×240 pixels resolution. Unlike other Small Wonder camcorders, the display does not flip-out. However, the EZ210 has large operational buttons and the new addition is low-resolution still capture button. The onboard USB connector is hidden beneath the display. We do not like that you must have to take off  [...]