I lent my friend my digital camera, a blue Canon Digital IXUS 80 IS. I was quite reluctant to do so, not because I do not like loaning out my gadgets, but because the last camera she used was the one that you had to put film on that even looked like the telephone handsets of yesteryears. Knowing this, even you would be scared. Oh, but she is quite adept in handling a computer so I guess my fears are unwarranted. As long as she knows where the on, shoot, flash, and off button is, I guess she will be okay. One other thing that worries me though is that she might erase all files I have on the memory card, which makes me want to transfer all my files first before I give it to her.

Anyway, I explained to my friend that the Canon Digital IXUS is known to have a more friendly nature, especially with digital camera newbies like her. Since I do not want her to make any other adjustment to the camera while shooting pictures, I placed it on auto mode, for shooting, white balance, contrast, flash, and of course, focusing. I only taught her how to manually focus it, just in case she wants to capture something at a distance, which this digital camera does great.

I further explained to her that should she want to make a video, she can also do so with the digital camera. She got a bit surprised but eagerly listened to my instructions on how to do it. All she needed to do was move the switch from camera to video and she is all set. I warned her not to shoot too much video clips since this can consume much of the battery power. It can handle probably an hour of continuous shooting. I handed her the battery charger just in case she forgot what I said.

She also wanted to know if she would be able to view her pictures and delete them if needed. I showed her the switch to move to reach that feature. I also mentioned to her that she can also transfer those files afterwards to her computer. I gave her the cable and taught her how to do it. She uses Windows Vista as her operating system so I didn’t really worry about that. She thanked me and promised to return my digital camera in one piece. As she left, I shouted out to her one last reminder that although it came in a waterproof case, I wouldn’t want to test it. I hope she heard me.

So now, I am still waiting for her to return it to me. I guess she had a great time with it. I didn’t see it fit to mention anymore its other features such as it being Pictbridge compatible, with red eye reduction, viewfinder, slow sync speed, flash exposure lock, photo effects, and various shoot modes although I think she already discovered it on her own. Oh well, I do hope I get back my Canon Digital IXUS 80 IS in one piece.

If anyone doubted whether Leica has fully embraced the digital world, think again. At first look, it would be mistaken for a 1950’s relic trying to be useful. To a few, it is an icon of quality only German ingenuity can deliver. The high-end camera maker has been in the business since 1913. The company, formerly Ernst Leitz Gmbh, is now known as Leica Camera AG. The idea was to make a compact camera for landscape photography, particularly during mountain trips, thus producing the first practical 35mm compact camera. 

Leica M8.2

The current M series represents over six decades of expertise. The new Leica M8.2  is the latest development of Leica Camera AG’s German-made digital rangefinder camera for professionals. The new model retains the key characteristics of the Leica reportage camera such as the compact shape, the exceptional image quality in connection with Leica M lenses and the unique picture composition with the Leica rangefinder that show it to be a genuine M camera. Amazingly enough, it was designed to accept Leica lenses produced over fifty years ago. Responding to the request of many professional photographers, the new model has been given an even more inconspicuous design.

The Leica quality

Leica’s high-performance lenses are all made, by hand, at Leica’s main factory in Solms, Germany. They represent the result of many decades of experience in optics and precision mechanics and are produced using unique technologies, high-quality materials and the commitment and craftsmanship of expert staff. Meticulous manufacture and careful assembly guarantee decades of reliable functioning.

Quality at a Price

In simple terms, the Leica was built to last over a lifetime. The Leica m8.2 for example will set you back at least $5000 for the body alone. A decent kit will go for at least $10K. Making cameras for the “many” has never been a part of Leica’s business plan. They are like Porsche, Questar and any other makers of iconic high end gear… built for those who love the form factor and willing to pay the extra for the performance. This simple rationale from Leica’s website says it all:

“It can be a profound action, taking a photograph. It’s a piece of realisation. The preservation of a fleeting expression. A recording, even, of the precise moment the world changed.?But what if your camera’s action is less than precise, less than perfectly responsive? The consequence could be profound, too.?The moment could escape.”

Compared to most DSLR’s in the market, the Leica has an incredibly solid build, the apex of German precision in engineering. The M was built to be hard-wearing, reliable and robust enough to simply last more than a lifetime.   Unlike most other cameras it appreciates in value. It is more than a camera, it’s practically art.

Most of us are eagerly anticipating the Canon’s highly acclaimed G Series in its evolution. The new PowerShot G9 Digital Camera which only weighs approximately 11.29 ounces was created for people who have an ambition to become a great photographer someday. With this new device, it gives you the opportunity that will enhance your creativity when it comes to photography.

When it comes to image quality and functionality, this gadget is loaded with pretty solid features that stand above all competition with its 6x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer together with a 12.1 megapixels resolution that has Canon DIGIC III Image Processor and RAW support for the ultimate control over your images. The other features available are way much overwhelming for aspiring photographers out there.

The G9’s RAW support feature lets you shoot excellent and clearer images without JPEG compression. RAW images can be transferred directly to your PC where you can edit captured images using the processing application or adjustment software. In addition, this can also be set to allow a simultaneous recording of both JPEG and RAW images while taking pictures.

 Also it has 25 Shooting Modes which includes the 9 Special-Scene Modes that is always ready for whatever shot you like depending on your mood for every scene or images that you’re taking. It also has an advanced preset for the best images under any conditions.

Another impressive feature of this great device is the Optical viewfinder in a 3-inch PureColor LCD II screen display excellent for framing all of your shots. It does not end here since it offers sensational resolution. The screen display is durable with scratch resistant and anti-glare coating.

Canon Technology also maximizes its quality and performance with this new PowerShot G9 gadget. With the Canon DIGIC III features Face Detection technologies that gives you the best possible results in any shooting situation by eliminating the common problems of either an over or under-exposed of your subject and the scene itself.

This gadget is compatible with a wide-range of shooting accessories including the EOS Speedlites series. When attaching the Speedlites 580EX II to the Hot Shoe, you have the option to set the control of the flash through the “Flash Control” menu. There’s the supplementary lenses availability. A waterproof case is also available for your underwater scenes.

Last but not the least; G9 has a complete print solution. In this feature, there’s a Print or Share Button for an easy printing and/or downloading option. Simply connect your camera to any compatible photo printer such as: Canon CP, PIXMA Photo Printer and etc. and then click on the Print or Share Button and then print! Isn’t that easy?! Since this device is also compatible with Windows® and Macintosh® you can easily transfer your captured images to a computer.

These are just some of the features of the new PowerShot G9. Theres a lot more! You better not miss this new innovation from Canon.  With all of the incredible features mentioned above, one can never go wrong. It is a perfect companion for photo enthusiast out there. So purchase one now… and start seizing every precious moment of your life.

There are a lot of digital cameras in the market. Some people may have their own dream cameras that have the specifications that they need. Nevertheless, people are still canvassing and searching for the perfect and best digital camera for them. Such cameras can be given as gifts, rewards and a necessity. Having that camera that suits your lifestyle with a picture quality you want can make a difference in your life. More so, your captured photos shall remain memoirs of your past.

Because of that constant finding and improvement of the cameras, Panasonic has been able to add another camera to their line. The Lumix DMC TZ5 is the newest member of the Panasonic Family. It was made to have a resolution higher than those already released and it was also installed with the most up-to-date advancements in technology.

This camera has the Leica DC Vario-Elmar which is branded F3.3 – F.49 for the 10x optical zoom lens and is branded. The said camera has also a 3.0” high resolution LCD with around 460,000 resolution for its pixel.

The battery is a Lithium Ion one and has around a bit lesser 300 shots per charge because it has a bigger and much power-hungry display.

Red-eye correction and Intelligent exposure features has also been included in the camera. This intelligent exposure ensures that the photos taken will be the best of the best. Individuals will now be more confident in taking pictures since there are no under- or even over-exposed pictures. This camera adjusts automatically depending on the brightness of the environment it is exposed to. The digital correction for the red-eye feature on the other hand ensures the photo enthusiasts that they also need not to worry about editing it. The camera will do this for you.

Individuals also do not need to worry about the picture getting blurred because of their shaky hands. The camera is able to prevent this from happening because of its Gyrosensors and its Intelligent ISO. The camera is also able to detect if the photo subject is moving thus changing the ISO and shutter speed settings automatically.

It has an intelligent scene selector that checks the conditions of the environment and chooses the best scene mode to create a brilliant photo. The Face detection feature has also been included which can point out up to 15 faces.

There are of course a lot more features of this incredible camera. And if you are interested in purchasing one, just be patient because its availability is around March of this year. Just make sure you are able to cash out $320 for its price.

It was just recently that Canon launched another point-and-shoot camera to its list. The Canon PowerShot A590 IS has added something not common to the other cameras. A new detection technology that reduces motion blur on the pictures captured.

This gadget has an 8.0 mega pixel camera and is capable of a 4x zoom. This camera was created to have a new easy mode and users have full control over this thing. It too has a 2.5 inch LCD with an optical viewfinder. In addition, future and current owner of the A590 IS can choose from a wide range of optical lens accessories to suit their taste.

Because a blurred photo is inevitable, Canon was able to come up with a solution to it. The Blur solution gets the data needed from the brightness of the location, the movement of the subject, the Optical Image Stabilizer and the Face Detection Technology. After which, the camera then analyzes the minimum boost in the ISO levels needed to balance the motion.

The Lens-shift optical Image Stabilizer is another great feature of this gadget because it neutralizes the shaking of the camera. It adds to the prevention of motion blur in an image.

The Face Detection Technology was also upgraded by having Face Detection White Balance.

This Face Detection While Balance sets equilibrium of the faces within the frame before taking a picture. With this, the natural skin tone of the subject is highlighted. In addition, a Face Select and Track function was included plus an Image Stabilizer to reduce blur and allow users to shoot at a low-light setting. The Face Select and Track trails the face of the subject in the frame making sure that the result of the photo is at its best.

Having a red-eye in the picture cannot be avoided which is sometimes annoying especially if you really love the photo. Canon’s red-eye correction instantly removes the red spot in the eye easily to make the photo look more natural. This means that the camera automatically removes the red-eye as the photo is being shot.

Lastly, this camera has an auto-focus point zoom function that enables the photographer to magnify the subject even though the shutter button is half way pressed already. When the subject is at a low-light setting, this function is able to help the photographer take shots in focus without the hassle.

With these new additions on the camera, photo enthusiasts can be able to enjoy more taking photos of their favorite subjects any time and at any place. Also, because of these features, picture taking has definitely improved making the process understood by amateur and aspiring photographers.

Are you looking to buy a new digital camera, or perhaps to replace your old one? If you are, then here are some exciting new cameras out in the market today that you may want to check out.

• Canon Powershot S5is. Because of the big zoom capability of its Powershot S series, Canon remains in stiff competition with the likes of Sony and Panasonic. The Canon Powershot S5is is a welcome upgrade to its predecessors, and while the changes in design between S5is and S3is is only very minimal, the S5is is definitely more powerful and functional. Besides the higher resolution sensor and the larger LCD screen, the S5is also boasts of new features, such as the hot shoe flash connector, the red eye removal tool and face detection.
• Canon Powershot A460. The A460 is not exactly a new release, but it is still quite a fresh choice. It is slim and compact and fits easily in your pocket, suitable for mobility, especially for traveling. Its features are simple enough for the use of a person uninitiated into photography, and yet interesting enough so as not to insult a pro photographer. The A460 sports a 5 megapixel sensor, a 4x optical zoom, both automatic and manual modes and a 2.0 inch LCD. Not bad at all. Most of all, at less than US$150, it is quite cheap.
• Casio Exilim Z1050. If you are looking for really compact digital cameras that do not sacrifice usability for size and style, get yourself a Casio Exilim Z1050. Ultra-compact and stylishness are the two major trait that the Exilim series is known for, and just like its predecessors, the Z1050 abides by the set standard. And yet, you will not go wrong with its 10.1 megapixel sensor, 4x digital zoom and 2.6 LCD screen. It is highly suggested, however, that you buy an external storage for this baby, as it only has a 15 MB memory.
• Olympus Stylus 550UZ. Photographers who are fond of taking long shots without losing in detail will love the Olympus Stylus 550UZ. Its 18X optical zoom super telephoto lens is currently the highest optical zoom in the market today. Another feature of the Stylus 550UZ that you might love is the built-in sensor shift and digital image stabilizer that keeps your shots ordered. Also, because it has ISO settings up to 5000, it is great for fast and moving shots.
• Sony Cybershot DSC H9. The Sony Cybershot DSC H9 is a welcome upgrade in its series. It is also quite interesting, as it compares to Olympus Stylus 550UZ in the utilization of super telephoto lenses. The lens on the DSC H9 is 15X optical zoom, just a little short of the Stylus 550UZ. What is more interesting is this added feature called the Night Shot mode, an infrared mode that is a staple on camcorders, which allows shots to be taken in complete darkness. The DSC H9 seems a promising new toy for photographers to play with.

Thinking of getting yourself a new digital camera with cool features at a price that will not bust your savings, to take with you on your trips this summer? To get the most out of your money and to probably score yourself a great deal, check out this list of the top five inexpensive digital cameras, compiled by PCWorld.com, one of the leading computer and gadgets magazine on the Internet.

1. Canon Power Shot A460. This baby comes at only $130 at the time of its review, but it is chock-full of useful features compared to the other models available on this price range. It is a 6-megapixel piece with a 4X optical zoom and a choice between eight scene modes. Though fully automatic, this model still allows for a limited range of manual controls. It is small and handy, but it is not possible to tote it along in one’s pocket.
2. Nikon Coolpix L10. If all you want in a digital camera are simple, streamlined features that are easy to use, a size that fits snugly and conveniently inside your pocket, and a price that will not break you, you do not need to look any further. What you need is a Nikon Coolpix L10. With five megapixels and a 3X optical zoom, this piece is good for basic point-and-shoot photography. The images you get are to be expected of cameras of this price range – with a passable color accuracy and clarity, but lacking sharpness. It is very handy, however, and the software is easy to navigate and use.
3. Kodak EasyShare C653. This model produces very, very nice images for a camera in its price range. The colors are pretty crisp and accurate, taken at 6.1 megapixels. And if you are not happy with the pictures you have taken, there is a photo editing and enhancing tool built within the camera itself called PerfectTouch. If you are still not happy about the image you have taken even after using PerfectTouch, delete is just one push of a button away. One of the coolest things about this model is its ability to piece together panoramic shots.
4. Fujifilm FinePix A610. If you are the type who does not want to bother much about setting up controls when taking your photos, the model you ought to get is the Fujifilm FinePix A610. Although it does allow for a number of limited manual settings and presets, it has few controls that make point-and-shoot photography easy. Built with a 6.3-megapixel sensor, the images you can expect are color accurate, though still a little lacking in terms of image sharpness.
5. HP Photosmart M537. This model is the ultimate for people who only want to point and shoot, without much inclination for setting up controls and presets. There are few controls and functions available to begin with. The camera sets its own ISO depending on the available conditions for picture-taking, so you do not exactly know what to expect.