Compact Camera News

In the report on the Canon PowerShot G11 (April, 2010, available at www.shutterbug.com) I concluded by saying that it was “an excellent traveling companion.” Ditto on the new G12 ($499, MSRP), the latest iteration of the Canon “G” line of integral lens cameras aimed at the photo enthusiast. In fact, you could ditto many of the form, function, and features of the G12 with the G11, so I will not...

Our show report this year is an amalgam of product news and trend spotting, which pretty much reflects what photokina has stood for in our minds. The sense of a United Nations of photography still prevails at this increasingly European-directed show, but the image and its uses is still the universal tie that binds.

Touted as being shock-resistant, dustproof, freezeproof, and waterproof, the Casio EXILIM EX-G1 camera would seem to be ideal for those who want to take their camera through such extreme conditions without concern.

Tamrac’s Evolution Series
Tamrac’s new Evolution series merges backpack and sling bag in a convertible design that facilitates access when the pack is worn. The bag has a fully customizable, padded lower camera section, plus upper tier for personal items, and will hold a tripod. The Evolution 8 also holds a 15.6” laptop. And for you messenger bag lovers...

Many in the digital imaging industry have commented that the line between the features offered on digital cameras and camcorders is blurring. Camcorders still have their value for shooting event-driven occasions, like sports games or recitals, and have zoom ranges that can reach an impressive 78x zoom. However, for more spur-of-the-moment video opportunities, Panasonic offers several...

Nikon’s COOLPIX P100
The COOLPIX P100 is the first of Nikon’s compact digital cameras that allows you to capture movies in HD (1080p). The 10.3-megapixel camera also features a backside illumination CMOS sensor; a Night Landscape mode; a 3” LCD screen; a five-way Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization System; a Sport Continuous Scene mode; subject...

Some of the most interesting new cameras are extended zoom models, lightweight units that have extremely long-range zoom lenses that make it possible to use a small camera to capture a distant subject. Extended zooms fall into two broad categories: compact models with 10- to 12-megapixel sensors and zoom ranges around 10-12x, which can fit into a pocket or purse, and slightly larger cameras...