You may know that Canon has launched two digital cameras – A495 and A490 after splitting the previous A480 model into different categories. Canon PowerShot A490 costs $109.99 and offers 5-point Face AiAF auto-focus system and 13 scene settings for Smart Auto Mode. However, it runs on two AA batteries and delivers the same quality like its sibling – the A495. The PowerShot A495 has two newly added shooting modes, Face Self Timer and uses 18 settings for Auto mode. On the contrary, the PowerShot A490 does not have these features. Noteworthy that both A490 and A495 are not fast and has long shutter lags. However, the budget-conscious users will be attracted towards the PowerShot A490. Like the A495, Canon has put the straightforward controls on its PowerShot A490. Power button and shutter release button along with other controls are located at right side of LCD display on the back. You will find Menu button, four-way directional pad with middle select  [...]

Canon has updated its PowerShot A480 (a 2009 model) by splitting it into two different models: A495 and A490. Canon PowerShot A495 has 9-point Face AiAF auto-focus system, two latest shooting modes: Poster Effect and Super Vivid; Face Self Timer, and uses 18 scenes for Smart Auto mode. On the contrary, the A490 has only 13 scene settings, 5-point AiAF system, and does not feature Face Self Timer. The PowerShot A495 costs $129.99 that is $20 more than that of the A490 for above mentioned advantages. Both above digital camera deliver excellent and similar picture quality irrespective of their differences. The major drawback is that they provide slow shooting performance due to their long shot-to-shot timings. If you need a basic digital camera in limited budget, then you can go for the PowerShot A490. We appreciate the Canon to revamp the buttons so that they feel good instead of feeling cheap. In addition, the company has included straightforward controls  [...]

Panasonic SDR-T50 looks like a mini-telescope that can record standard-def video. It has 70x mega-zoom lens that focus very closer to the object without any problem. The SDR-T50 costs $269.95 and features Optical Image Stabilization, 4GB internal flash memory, various manual controls and memory expansion slot that accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. The overall video quality is good for a standard-def camcorder, but the low-light videos look poor. The T50 camcorder is inexpensive, but missing slots for external headphones and microphone. It does not provide the perfect standard-def video quality. If you are buying the SDR-T50, then you are paying for mega-zoom lens and storage but not for excellent video quality. Moreover, you can check for Panasonic SDR-H85 that has 80GB drive and the SDR-S50 that costs less as well as records to SDXC/SDHC/SD cards. The controls of Panasonic SDR-T50 are well placed, but the display is not a touch screen.  The hand-strap  [...]

Olympus E-P2 Micro Four Thirds digital camera is a more expensive sibling of previous E-P1. At first look, the E-P2 looks tremendously similar to its predecessor the EP1 due to same elegant body and natural quality. One of the most noticeable additions is accessory port that increases the height of its body. Olympus is currently offering two accessories for this port: included adapter for external mic and tilt-able electronic viewfinder that can easily slide inside the hot shoe. We like this included accessory because one has to purchase it separately for Panasonic GF-1. The EVF is bright, contrast and well magnified and has enough high-resolution for manual focus. The E-P2 also has revamped manual focus system, in which the focus magnification is linked with focus points. What’s more – tilt ability of the EVF helps a lot to get better shooting results. Olympus E-P2 comes in two versions: $1099.99 with 14-42mm lens and $1099.99 for 17mm lens.  [...]

Canon had created a trajectory of fun and easy still photography by launching its A-series digital cameras with lithium ion battery instead of previous AA one. Now, its new product – Canon PowerShot A3000 IS continues to follow the same trajectory. The A3000 IS features 10-megapixel CCD optical sensor and costs $149.99. It does not have wide-angled lens, but has wide aperture to start with. The PowerShot A3000 IS will attract the Canon consumer base with its good photo quality, thinner build and low cost. The optical viewfinders and manual controls were not included in the A-series models in 2008 and this new change transformed to less expensive Canon Digital Elphs series. In terms of size, the A3000 IS comes in between A-series of AA-batteries and SD-series Digital Elphs. 2.7 inches LCD display of Canon PowerShot A3000 IS is bright enough to use in bright light, but its screen reflects the light. The digital camera has basic and entry level point-and-shot  [...]

Nikon D90 is a predecessor of the D80 and one of the most awaited digital SLR cameras. The D90 features 12.3 megapixels sensor that is an upgrade over 10-megapixel D80. Moreover, it is the first dSLR that supports movie capture. The D90 digital SLR will face competition from Canon Rebel XSi, 10-megapixel Nikon 40D, 12.2-megapxel Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 and 14.6-megapixel Pentax K20D. Nikon D90 is available in two versions: body only and with 18-105mm lens. There is an improvement in shutter durability and the company has integrated same dust-prevention system like that of D300. The D90 has same high speed flash sync feature and wireless flash controls like that of Nikon D80. Navigation and control layout of Nikon D90 are easily recognizable even to new users. Unlike other companies, Nikon has placed the dedicated manual controls including quality, ISO and white balance to the left side of LCD instead of its right side. Context sensitive information  [...]

JVC Everio G series camcorders are hard-disk based standard-definition product. This G series is attracting the consumers due to its compact size and costs from $350 to $450. New Everio GZ-MG3xx camcorders are coming in different specifications but with similar size, picture quality, performance and features. The GZ-MG300 with 30GB drivers comes in red, blue and silver colors; whereas the GZ-MG360 with 60GB comes in black color. The siblings of MG330 and MG360 offer Share Station dock of FireWire and S-video. We had already reviewed JVC Everio GZ-MG360, now we will discuss about its sibling - JVC Everio GZ-MG365 that offers same 60GB inbuilt drive, quite similar performance and features. JVC Everio GZ-MG365 has 2.7 inches LCD display. Unlike other competitors,  [...]

PENTAX Imaging Company is redefining the entry level digital SLR cameras by introducing its K-x dSLR. Despite of the fact that Pentax K-x dSLR is priced like an entry-level product, it comes in numerous colors and offers advanced features that simply does not come its price range. The company continues to have its tradition of manufacturing and offering advanced features in normally priced dSLRs. Its good example is one Pentax K-x model that comes in $650 with video recording feature and 18-55mm lens. The K-x dSLR is quick, provides great noise reduction profiles and good quality in its class. Pentax K-x dSLR of 18-55mm with 50-200mm lens costs $745.95 and its other model of 18-55mm with 55-300mm lens costs $849.95. Overall, most of the shooters will like flexible budget-friendly Pentax K-x dSLRs. Like its predecessor, Pentax K-x dSLR runs on four AA batteries that make it a bit heavy. We prefer to have digital cameras and especially dSLRs to use  [...]

In the U.S., Samsung is in the queue to become a famous camcorder brand like JVC, Panasonic, Sony and Canon. It is noteworthy that the company is trying its best to differentiate itself from the crowd. The perfect example for the same is its new product – Samsung HMX-R10 HD that is compact HD camcorder with affordable price tag. It features numerous shooting options, easy to use controls and 25-degree angled lens. The HMX-R10 costs $499.99 and is the best point-and-shot camcorder. Needless to say, it is one step ahead as compared to other pocket mini-camcorders available in the market. On the dark side, its results at 1080p are not so good like that of other resolution options. Samsung HMX-R10 HD is very easy to use with its 25-degree angled lens. You do not have to cock back your wrist to capture any photograph. Not only its lens helps to keep the wrist straight, but it also makes easy to held natural position for shooting pictures and videos.  [...]

Panasonic is one of the famous camera/camcorder manufacturers, especially renowned for implementing first-rate mega-zoom lens in compact digital cameras. Now, it has launched new product – Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 with 12x optical zoom. The DMC-ZS7 succeeds its predecessor the Lumix DMC-ZS3 by two features: integrated GPS, and manual plus semi-manual shooting modes. It also offers complete set of photo enhancement settings and good number of HD video options. The Lumix DMC-ZS7 has a price tag of $399.95. Its picture quality is not the best above ISO 400; still enough satisfactory for persons who do not want to use professional digital SLR cameras. 3 inches LCD display of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 reflects in direct sunlight. The total resolution of the camera’s sensor is 14-megapixel, but the ZS7 only uses 12-megapixel. It provides three aspect ratios – 4:3, 3:2 and 16:2 with same view-angle across full zoom range of lens. Power switch, shutter  [...]