Compact Camera Reviews

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George Schaub  |  Oct 10, 2011  | 

This is a test report on the new Panasonic FZ48 integral lens camera. The camera looks like a compact SLR. It has a big grip on the right hand side of the body, which allows for comfortable handling for shooting, important for a long-range zoom such as this.

Edited by George Schaub  |  Nov 29, 2017  | 

The Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 is a superzoom bridge camera for photographers on a budget. It features a small, 1/2.33-inch sensor with a resolution of 18MP. A massive lens system in the Panasonic FZ80 provides a focal length range between 20-1200mm (35mm film equivalent) and a whopping 60x zoom. Using the digital zoom, photographers can take photos with a focal length equivalent of 4800mm.

Edited by George Schaub  |  May 26, 2015  | 

Panasonic’s LX100 is the top-of-the-line camera in the company’s compact LX series. Compared to other LX models, it is the first camera with an MFT (Micro Four Thirds) sensor. However, the camera doesn’t use the whole image sensor area of 17.3x13mm, so its crop factor is 2.2x instead of the 2.0x of standard MFT cameras.

Edited by George Schaub  |  Jul 26, 2013  |  First Published: Jun 01, 2013  | 

The Panasonic LX7 is the top model of Panasonic’s compact camera range. It uses a (large) 1/1.7” image sensor and has a moderate image resolution of 10MP, the same resolution as the forerunner LX5 but with a new lens system with outstanding speed capabilities. It offers a maximum aperture of f/1.4, with only f/2.3 when using the maximum focal length of 90mm (35mm film equivalent). This allows the user to shoot images with a shallow depth of field—something compact cameras have often failed to offer. To change the aperture setting the photographer uses a very handy lens ring on the front of the camera. When using M mode the shutter speed is changed with a comfortable setup dial on the back.

George Schaub  |  Dec 01, 2010  | 

The promise of Micro Four Thirds system cameras is that you get the light weight and portability of a smallish point-and-shoot camera with the lens interchangeability and functions of an advanced D-SLR.

Joe Farace  |  Jan 14, 2014  |  First Published: Dec 01, 2013  | 

The Pentax MX was a 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera produced from 1976 to 1985 and, for a time, was the company’s flagship SLR. It was solidly built featuring all-mechanical construction, including the shutter, and only the metering system was battery dependent. The new all-digital, all-electronic Pentax MX-1 couldn’t be more different. For openers, the MX-1 is not an SLR but an advanced digital compact camera with the kind of retro styling that’s all the rage these days with camera designers and, apparently, camera buyers, too. So, how does the MX-1 stack up?

George Schaub  |  Jun 27, 2011  | 

The Pentax WG-1 GPS is a compact camera with a 5x zoom lens (28-140mm) and a robust body, which is water proved to 33 ft, shock proof (5 ft drop down) and an integrated GPS system. The camera offers 14 MP resolution and some extraordinary features like “Digital Microscope” mode.

George Schaub  |  Dec 06, 2012  | 

The Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS is a rugged camera that is waterproof (maximum depth: approx. 40 feet) and shockproof. The camera offers a 16MP sensor and a 5x zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle and 140mm tele settings (35mm film equivalent). It is the follower of the WG-1 and shows some improvements in image resolution and configuration. Its unique body design is indicative of the “tough camera” class and is designed for use by photographers who want to dive or use this camera for downhill mountain biking or other “adrenaline sports.”

George Schaub  |  Jan 24, 2018  | 

Shutterbug, a member of the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), once again joined forces with 30 other member magazines from around the world to choose the winners of the annual TIPA Awards for the best photo/imaging products in 40 different categories. The award process began in early 2017 with an initial selection of a wide range of products conducted by TIPA’s Technical Committee, on which Shutterbug’s Editor-at-Large George Schaub serves. 

Ron Leach  |  Jan 22, 2018  | 

Here’s a blast from the past: A new video from the LGR YouTube channel with the unboxing and “testing” of a 1995 Epson PhotoPC 0.3-megapixel dinosaur recently found at a thrift shop. The PhotoPC was not only Epson’s first foray into the digital camera business, but it was also the first-ever color digital camera on the consumer market for less than $500.

George Schaub  |  Nov 16, 2011  | 

On-board image processors have become more powerful and diverse in their functions, and cameras like the Ricoh GR Digital IV ($649) offer more than just point and shoot still and video recording. Indeed, the Ricoh seems designed to appeal to those who would rather have their special effects in hand than take the time to apply them later. But the camera offers more than just tricks, though there are plenty of those, and its portability, ease of use and flexibility might appeal to those who want to go beyond cell phone snapshots and effects. Its fast, fixed focus lens, aperture- and shutter-priority exposure modes and a host of Scene modes that go beyond the norm make it a fascinating study in the state of photography today.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  May 16, 2019  | 

Ricoh recently announced the latest in their series of high quality, ultra-portable digital cameras, the GR III. Smaller than its predecessor, this new Ricoh compact camera has a 24-megapixel APS-C format CMOS image sensor, 28mm (equivalent) prime lens and a host of features normally found on professional DSLRs. 

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jul 06, 2017  | 

I recently received a ruggedized WG-50 compact camera from Ricoh and immediately embarked upon a challenging, thorny photographic adventure—the likes of which you can’t imagine. I emerged with just a few scratches—although it does look like I’ve lost some blood. I can’t reveal the location of this treacherous place for fear that others might be tempted to defy this danger—but I can tell you this much: it’s no bed of roses.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Nov 01, 2024  | 

Ricoh GR cameras have long been celebrated as elite street photography tools, with the latest Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx considered the finest of the bunch. Now both are available with the HDF designation indicating they feature a built-in Highlight Diffusion Filter that can be summoned with a single button press. Here’s an image gallery that examines the HDF feature in detail.

Joe Farace  |  Jul 01, 2010  | 

“Happy trails to you, keep smilin’ until then.”—Roy Rogers & Dale Evans

A growing trend in the world of compact digicams is “rugged” cameras that are capable of taking a modest beating as well as splashing in the surf or playing in the snow. Many of these cameras are festooned in bright colors and lest you think that’s just a fashion statement...

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