What's New - February 2006
February 15
Review posted for 
Olympus SP-350
The 8.0-megapixel, 3x-zoom Olympus SP-350 has a wealth of features in a surprisingly compact body; and though it's not the most attractive design, you'll start to like it right away when you shoot with it. Featuring a full range of exposure control, in addition to 24 preset Scene modes, the SP-350 caters to a large audience. A large 2.5-inch LCD monitor provides accurate framing, and a great place to view pictures, with a real-image optical viewfinder available to save battery power, a feature disappearing from most digicams with a large LCD. Though the camera's Auto white balance setting tends toward a warmer color cast, overall color is generally pretty good, and exposure about right (though high contrast under harsh lighting). Though the slow shutter lag and image transfer times could have been better, the printed image quality of the SP-350 really surprised us. Even at high ISO, its images were usable far larger than most competing models. For the traveler or hobbyist photographer looking for a small capable camera that has impressive output, the Olympus SP-350 is a clear winner.
February 14
Review posted for 
Kodak EasyShare-One
Kodak's EasyShare digicams always make it easy to take pictures, but the EasyShare-One makes it a breeze to share them. Not just at home within reach of your computer, but anywhere you can find a WiFi connection that gets you on the Web. The EasyShare-One's fully automatic exposure control makes it rewarding to share, too, performing surprisingly well in a wide variety of conditions and requiring less exposure adjustment or tweaking than most or its competitors. For difficult shots, a wide range of Scene modes set the camera's capabilities for you. The 4.0-megapixel CCD captures high resolution images, with plenty of detail to make good-looking 11x14 prints. The 3.0-inch LCD and WiFi capability are the entire hardware highlights. Don't expect much from the flash (which is not only weak but doesn't quite recharge fast enough for us) or that 3x zoom lens (which is not much range). And startup time couldn't be any slower. While it does go through batteries a little faster than most (thanks to the LCD and the WiFi), Kodak was wise enough to include a second battery. But our biggest gripes had to do with the interface itself, particularly with the Drawer concept for acting on multiple images. Fortunately, the firmware is upgradeable as our Diary Follow-Up attests. Tiny, compact, and super-stylish, the Kodak EasyShare-One is perfect for people who just want to take pictures and pass them around, as well as more experienced users looking for a new way to share their shots.
February 7
Review posted for 
Nikon Coolpix S3
The Nikon Coolpix S3 packs a lot of features into its sleek, handsome exterior, including a 6.0-megapixel CCD with 3x zoom lens, and a large 2.5-inch LCD. Its build is solid, with no creaks, and has a pleasant heft. All the controls and features--with the exception of the SD card door--are well-constructed and give the camera a feel of quality. The Coolpix S3 delivers very bright, snappy-looking photos with vibrant, hue-accurate color and good detail for making large prints. The S3's vibrant color will appeal to the majority of consumers, but may be a bit much for those accustomed to more restrained color. The Nikon S3's high-ISO performance was useable up to 5x7, but started to fall apart at 8x10. Still, the ISO 400 setting of the Coolpix S3 should be more than usable for the majority of consumers, particularly if they are making prints 5x7 inches or smaller from the images, but if you need greater quality keep it below ISO 200. As a take-anywhere "pocket" camera, the Nikon S3 performs very well and will make its owner very happy with their purchase. The Nikon CoolPix S3 is a nice subcompact digicam. Come read the review for more!
February 2
Review posted for 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9
Sony's new Cyber-shot T9 delivers good pictures great features in a solid package. The T9's 6.0-megapixel CCD delivers good image quality, with good color, and high resolution. Its image sharpness and noise levels aren't quite up to the level of the best full-sized 6.0-megapixel cameras out there, but they're very good for a subcompact model. Relative to competing full-sized digicams, the T9 does have rather limited low-light capability and marginal flash power, but that's to be expected in a small camera. The DSC-T9's flexible exposure modes and features give the camera the versatility to handle most common shooting situations well. Its light weight and slim profile are perfect for travel. New features such as the Steady Shot option and the ability to download music for slide shows are interesting additions to the T-series as well, increasing the T9's value and utility. Overall, the Sony DSC-T9 is an excellent option for busy consumers looking for a tiny digital camera that feels high quality and performs even better. Read the review for more!
February 1
Review posted for 
Nikon Coolpix P2
Will WiFi-connected cameras be the next big wave in the digital camera market? Maybe... and maybe not. Regardless of whether they'll ever achieve dominance, it's clear that we're going to see more of them appearing over the next year or two. The Nikon Coolpix P2 is part of that company's first effort at a consumer-level WiFi camera (along with its 8-megapixel twin, the Coolpix P1), and it has a lot to offer. Most importantly, beyond the snazzy WiFi capability, first and foremost it's a very capable camera. Nikon's Coolpix line of consumer digital cameras have always been well-received, appreciated for their image quality and ease of use, and the Nikon P2 continues that trend, combining an 5.1-megapixel CCD with a very capable wireless image transfer mode. The Coolpix P2 has a rich feature set, easy enough for any beginner to use in its full-auto "green zone" mode, but with a surprising amount of control available for more sophisticated users. For novices willing to delve just slightly deeper than "just pushing the button," its extensive Scene modes greatly extend the camera's capabilities, making it easy to bring back good-looking shots of what might otherwise be difficult subjects. Image quality and resolution are both first-rate, making the Coolpix P2 a good choice for anyone who wants an easy-to-use camera that delivers good-looking pictures with pleasing color and plenty of resolution. The WiFi feature adds to the price and is still not as brainless/painless as it might be, but is reasonably easy to set up, has a high "cool factor," and the Shoot & Transfer mode could be a load of fun at parties. Come read the full review for more.
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