What's New in Digital Cameras

What's New - February 2008

February 29
More test images from Sigma DP1 posted!
As promised, more Sigma DP1 test shots have been posted today, including our Indoor Portrait, Flash and Low Light series. Sigma's Marketing Director Tom Sobey has also confirmed that our DP1 sample is a full-production unit. To view or download the images, see the Samples tab in our Sigma DP1 First Shots page!

February 28
Review posted for Olympus Stylus 790 SW!
Though it looks like just another slick pocket digital camera, the 7.1 megapixel, 3x zoom Olympus Stylus 790 SW has a secret: it's Shockproof, Waterproof, Freezeproof, Sandproof, and dustproof to handle the elements -- and rough handling -- with aplomb. The Stylus 790 SW's Face Detection autofocus picks out a face to improve portraits, and a special Guide mode walks you through the art of taking pictures -- if you know the terminology to follow along. The Olympus 790SW even serves as a small flashlight and timepiece, thanks to its LED Illuminator and its built-in clock display. The Olympus 790SW is easy to use and handsome, but we ran into a few problems that gave us pause. Click here for our review of the Olympus Stylus 790 SW digital camera for more.

First Shots posted from Sigma DP1!
Our sample of the long-awaited Sigma DP1 arrived today. We're still waiting for word on whether this is a full-production or preproduction camera, so stay tuned. (We've since been informed that our DP1 sample is indeed full-production!) Meanwhile, we've run a set of shots of the Still Life, Multi, and Viewfinder targets, which are posted now, including the full range of ISOs. We'll be shooting more with this Foveon X3-based, rangefinder-style digital camera, and should have a good many more shots posted over the next few days. Check out what we have so far on the Samples tab of our Sigma DP1 First Shots page!

February 20
Express Review posted for Olympus Stylus 820!
With a unique wedge shape and weatherproofing, the 8-megapixel Olympus Stylus 820 is a good no-nonsense digital camera for basic snapshooting in most any weather. Its 5x zoom gives the Olympus 820 a little more reach than most pocket digital cameras, and its 2.7-inch LCD is bright and sharp, and works well in direct sunlight. Sporting a gaggle of scene modes, the Olympus 820 will also help you decide how to take a picture with its Guide mode, and its new Shadow Adjustment technology will try to keep your subject's eyes from getting lost on a sunny day. Click here to read our Express Review of the Olympus Stylus 820 for more.

February 19
Review posted for Nikon Coolpix P5100!
Nikon's flagship enthusiast digital camera, the Coolpix P5100 borrows a few features from its dSLR brothers: 12 megapixels, a 2.5-inch LCD, a simple Command dial, and a menu system that's easy on the eyes. The combination will make Nikon shooter feel right at home with the Coolpix P5100, while remaining simple for newcomers. There isn't a button on the back we didn't use, and the Shutter button was right where it should be. The Coolpix P5100's 3.5x zoom lens is a bit restricting, but screw on an adapter and attach a wide angle or a telephoto converter for a good deal more versatility. The Nikon P5100's built-in hot shoe will allow you to get great flash shots using any of Nikon's Speedlights, all of which read the Coolpix P5100's lens and ISO settings. The Nikon P5100 loses the P5000's silver and chrome in favor an all black body but does it overcome the P5000's shortcomings in autofocus and shutter lag? Click here to read our review of the Nikon Coolpix P5100 digital camera to find out.

February 12
Review posted for Canon PowerShot A650 IS!
The Canon PowerShot A650 IS is a digital camera with some great features: An articulated LCD, full manual control, face detection, image stabilization, and a 6x zoom lens that's impressively sharp in the corners. The detail from the Canon A650's 12.1-megapixel sensor is also a treat, making for easy 16x20-inch enlargements at ISO 80 and 100. Battery performance was a surprise, and low light performance was good too, thanks to the Canon A650's f/2.8 lens and larger sensor. But we bumped into a few issues that might bother some digital camera enthusiasts. A light leak that Canon has already addressed with a free repair program spoiled our fun; but more troubling was the noise from the Canon A650's 12.1-megapixel sensor, starting at ISO 200. Our printed tests show that it's not a serious flaw, however, with ISO 200 shots holding up to scrutiny at 11x14 with no trouble. To see our full analysis, read our review of the Canon PowerShot A650 IS digital camera.

February 6
Full Review posted for Nikon D300 SLR!
Nikon's D300 is easily one of the finest digital SLR cameras on the market. Its 12.3-megapixel sensor delivers stunning images up to ISO 6,400, and its 14-bit A/D conversion means you can get better quality in your JPEG and RAW images with the Nikon D300. Out-of-the-box, the Nikon D300 will shoot six frames-per-second, and track a moving subject by combining data from its AF system with information from its metering system. The Nikon D300's big, bright viewfinder is easy to use and its LCD is gorgeous for both menu and photo viewing. Its Live View modes leave something to be desired, but they're nice to have nonetheless. The Nikon D300 feels solid, and is designed with the serious photographer in mind. In fact, being a serious photographer is a requirement with the D300, because there's a lot to learn, and no hand-holding mode to just let you shoot it like an instamatic. You have to think, you have to pay attention; and if you do, the D300 will reward you with terrific pictures. Click here to learn more about the Nikon D300, an extremely capable digital SLR camera.