That's the demo Samsung wanted people to photograph and film to show off their cameras at PMA. Scary.

PMA is an annual show where we get to see tomorrow's digital cameras—the ones that'll be populating pockets and purses for the rest of the year. We'll be here for the next couple of days.

As the video shows, Olympus was downright sadistic with their live stress testing, exhibiting supreme confidence in their product's ruggedness. Not just content with a drop test, they also placed 200 pounds of force on their Stylus Tough 8000, froze it in a block of ice and let attendees freely submerge working cameras in a water tank. Bravo! Here's three gold stars for your good work!

Canon and Panasonic, take notes. I'll expect more next time. Much more.

This camera is clearly for those more professionally minded, and isn't smaller or lighter than some of its competitors. The dual dials up top seem a bit excessive considering there are still plenty of buttons on the back, but all in all, it feels good in your hand. And knowing the Foveon X3 sensor it's powered by, the images will more or less be decent as well.

This is what I picture when I think of a camera that doesn't take any shit, like a Marine. (There's an army green and charcoal, not just orange, speaking of.) It's a no BS block of brushed metal that's slim enough to actually slide into your pocket. (To me, despite being bright orange, it's still less Mountain Dew EXTREME style than Olympus's yellowyellowyellow Tough 6000.) Spec-wise, it's a lot like the D10, actually—12-megapixel, but it shoots 720p video instead of VGA, stands up to beatings and diving—though it costs $70 more, at $400. Clarification: Canon's D10 doesn't shoot 720p, it shoots VGA—I lumped 'em together a little too hard.

It's lighter than you would expect, and fairly comfortable to use, despite having a really rigid appearance. What did throw me off is the shutter button—it's that textured rectangle on top that's right behind the slider for zooming in and out. It's an unnatural shape and position, at least for me. Still, even based on form factor only, while I like the D10's design as a concept, the TS1 is what I'd be more likely to bring with me—mostly because it's actually small enough to come along.

PMA is an annual show where we get to see tomorrow's digital cameras—the ones that'll be populating pockets and purses for the rest of the year. We'll be here for the next couple of days.

The reason Canon gave for the D10 being so bulbous is to make the buttons big and easy to use underwater (which, if you look at 'em, while they're all very distinct and well separated, except for the giant shutter button, that reason doesn't hold a lot of water, really) and because the 3x zoom lens is designed to not build up any condensation inside. And, as you saw, despite being the Hulkiest toughcam we've seen today, Canon was the wimpiest about how much abuse they were willing to dish out to it. It's like wearing Kevlar and asking people to only shoot at you with paintballs. It uses the same image sensor as every other 12-megapixel, 720p video camera in Canon's new lineup (but for some reason doesn't shoot 720p like the others, as we noted in the announcement), so you can expect comparable still image quality to them, if you're curious about the guts.

So, while it looks perfect for underwater adventures frolicking with mermaids and I want to love it unconditionally, I don't know if this is the camera I'd take. Unless I wasn't wearing any pants.

PMA is an annual show where we get to see tomorrow's digital cameras—the ones that'll be populating pockets and purses for the rest of the year. We'll be here for the next couple of days.

The X70 has a 26-624mm lens, 12-megapixel sensor, 2.7-inc LCD and "Triple Shake Reduction" image stabilization. It can also has an 11fps burst mode, face detection (up to 32 of 'em at once), and a macro mode that can get in as close as a centimeter.

While it does shoot 720p video, the downside is that it only captures 15fps when doing so. But it can also shoot at 480p, QVGA and VGA resolutions.

The size and weight of the camera aren't bad—it's definitely light for it's size, and is noticeably smaller than any DSLR—but the build quality suffers a little bit. It definitely feels plasticky in the hand (part of this being it's light weight), though not entirely flimsy. It's zoom capability, however, is pretty snappy, able to go from 0x to 24x in about the time a normal point and shoot takes to go to max optical zoom. The lens seemed to focus pretty easily, and generally took photos in a quick manner.

The X70 is scheduled for an April release and will cost $400. [Giz@PMA 2009]

The 600fps slow-mo shoots at a tiny 640x72 resolution—this isn't a surprise given the resolution of the Casio's awesome slow-mo cams—but you can bump up the resolution by bumping the frame rate down to 300 (480x112) or 120 (480x272). It uses a Konica Minolta lens with 5x optical zoom, with SDHC as for storage.

The Everio X supports 1920x1080 AVCHD, and like I said, can manage 5.3-megapixel stills while in video mode. It uploads to Youtube with one touch and has a new optical image stablization apparently so advanced, the presenter couldn't really tell us how it worked. It also includes a variety of scene modes, including Food mode, Document mode and the extremely creepy Sleeping Face mode (wtf?!).

JVC says this camera is for the early adopter market who want high-end features. As such, the camera is roughly 2.5" x 6" x 1.5", and weighs about a half a pound. It doesn't feel like the lightest, or the smallest camera, but for what it does, its a pretty small package. The jog dial on the back is able to run through most of the main shooting modes, which saves time and effort.

Build quality is pretty solid, and has a nice textured feel on the outsize so it sticks in your hand. The laser touch capacitive strip on the side of the LCD offers another way to zoom and record, though I still prefer the feel of the hard buttons. The JVC Everio X should be out some time in May or June and will cost $1000.

New Nine-Megapixel JVC Everio X Hybrid Camera
Simultaneously Shoots Full HD Video and Digital Stills

Small, light all-in-one camera also shoots slow-motion video and high-speed stills.

LAS VEGAS, March 3, 2009 – JVC today announced a new dual-use camera that shoots high definition video and high resolution digital still images. The new hybrid Everio GZ-X900, or Everio X, is a small, light, all-in-one camera that offers the powerful shooting combination of Full HD video and nine -megapixel still photos, plus creative shooting functions such as slow motion video and high speed "motor drive" still photography.

Highlights of the new JVC Everio X include:
The camera is small enough to slip into a shirt pocket and at just 0.66 pounds is one of the lightest cameras that can shoot 1920 x 1080 Full HD AVCHD video;
Shoots nine-megapixel (no interpolation) digital stills and Full HD video with 1000 TV lines of horizontal resolution – close to the theoretical maximum horizontal resolution for 1920 x 1080 high definition video for no-compromise images;
10x slow motion shooting plays back 2.4 seconds of recorded video over 24 seconds;
Up to six nine-megapixel stills can be shot at 15 images per second – faster than what digital SLRs can achieve;
Simultaneous five-megapixel digital still shooting while recording Full HD video – photos can be shot at shutter speeds as fast as 1/4000 second without interrupting video recording;
Records video and stills to SDHC memory cards.

The new Everio X was designed for the consumer who wants to shoot high quality digital stills and HD video, but wants the convenience of a single camera. While most conventional video camcorders shoot digital stills and most digital still cameras shoot video, the secondary capabilities of these cameras don't offer sufficient quality for many users. Everio X solves that dilemma by providing high quality stills and top quality HD video.

Unique Design
The design of Everio X is a distinct departure from other camcorders, including other Everio models. About the size of a chunky smart phone, Everio X is a slab-sided rectangle without the handgrip, protrusions or indentations found on most camcorders. The design allows plenty of flexibility in how the camera is held – from below, above, or whatever suits the situation and the user's preference. There are top-mounted zoom and record buttons, and a second set next to the LCD screen for additional shooting flexibility. The camera is black with silver accents, with the right side featuring a textured carbon fiber-like finish to provide a secure grip and resist smudges.

Small enough to easily slip into a pocket or purse, Everio X weighs just 0.66 pounds (including the internal battery and a memory card) and measures 2.6 inches tall, 4.88 inches long and just 1.46 inches wide.

1000 TV Lines of Full HD and Nine-Megapixel Stills
A 10.3-megapixel CMOS sensor is at the heart of the camera's superior image quality. The high quality nine-megapixel digital still photos the camera shoots correlate directly to the un-interpolated performance of this 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor. For the first time ever, it is also the source of 1920 x 1080/60i Full HD AVCHD format video. The camera records at a stunning 1000 TV lines of horizontal resolution – close to the theoretical maximum of 1920 x 1080 Full HD.

JVC's new proprietary optical image stabilization (OIS) technology applies camera shake compensation optically at the Everio X lens entrance to ensure effectiveness throughout the zoom range and allow high quality shooting without a tripod. Everio X also uses a new KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS with a 5X optical zoom.

Further contributing to the camera's high image quality is JVC's HD Gigabrid Premium image processing engine. In addition, face detection technology assures accurate focus and exposure, and HDMI™ V.1.3 with x.v.Color™ provides increased color accuracy when connected to HDTV displays.

10x Slow Motion Shooting, High-Speed Motor Drive Stills
Slow motion video recording is a key Everio X feature. The camera's high-speed recording function shoots ultra-slow motion video. Any one of three speeds – 120 frames per second (fps), 300fps and 600fps – can be selected; the faster the recording speed, the slower the playback motion. With this function, approximately four-second bursts of video are recorded that are then played back over a period of up to 24 seconds, a maximum of 10 times longer than normal speed.

Recording speed
Image size
Recording time
Playback time

600fps
640 x 72 pixels
Approx. 2.4 sec.
Approx. 24 sec. (10x)

300fps
480 x 116 pixels
Approx. 4 sec.
Approx. 20 sec. (5x)

120fps
480 x 270 pixels
Approx. 8 sec.
Approx. 16 sec. (2x)

In the still mode, Everio X offers high-speed shooting, similar to the motor drive function found in some mechanical still cameras. As many as six nine-megapixel photos can be shot at up to 15 images per second, a speed that surpasses what's offered by typical nine-megapixel DSLR cameras. Everio X also allows shooting of 1920 x 1080/60i Full HD video and fully 5.3 megapixel stills at the same time - a unique advantage of this all-in-one camera. While recording video, photos can be shot at shutter speeds as fast as 1/4000 second without interrupting video recording.

5 Mega simultaneous still mode
Shooting speed/
Maximum limit

High speed
60 images / sec.
11 images

Medium speed
11 images / sec.
11 images

Low speed
4 images / sec.
No limit

Global Sharing
With the worldwide explosion of interest in video sharing, Everio X offers easy solutions for distribution. A One Touch Export function provided by bundled software for Windows® makes it easy to export videos into iTunes® for playback on an iPod® or iPhone®. And the One Touch Upload function, when used with the included software for Windows, simplifies uploading videos to YouTube™.

The DVD Creation function makes it easy to transfer video to a disc for archiving or sharing. Create a disc directly from the camera using the JVC Everio CU-VD50 burner/player or CU-VD3 burner SHARE STATION. Other direct storage solutions include third party external hard disk drives from LaCie and Seagate, and an external Blu-ray Disc Burner from LaCie.

The Everio GZ-X900 will be available in June at a nationally advertised value of $999.95.

In fact, it looks as though allthe GH1's changes revolve around that single new feature, which was sorely missed in the G1. But first, about that HD: the camera will record full, 1080p video at 24fps in the relatively common AVCHD format, or 720p content at an buttery 60fps, framed through either the new digital viewfinder or a flip-out, 3-inch LCD screen.

Checking out some of the video they're demoing, it's definitely impressive and—other than the depth of field control for sharp subjects and soft backgrounds—indistinguishable from any other 1080p camcorder, at least in daylight—they're not showing any night footage though.To bolster video performance, Panasonic is bundling the GH1 with a video-optimized 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 lens. What qualifies the lens as "optimized", apparently, is the autofocus system: the smooth, continuous AF is driven by a silenced motor to minimize sound pollution during video sessions. To round out the video capabilities, Panasonic has included a "Creative Mode", which provides aperture and exposure control during video recording—a capability that is conspicuously absent from some pricier video-enabled DSLRs.

As far as still shooting goes, the GH1 isn't meaningfully differentiated from its predecessor, so you can get an idea of what to expect in our G1 review. Check the presser below for full details.

PMA is an annual show where we get to see tomorrow's digital cameras—the ones that'll be populating pockets and purses for the rest of the year. We'll be here for the next couple of days. [Panasonic]

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1, a Creative HD Hybrid, Offers Professional-Level Still Photos and HD Video Performance Yet is Easy Enough for Entry-Level DSLR Consumers

Las Vegas, NV (March 3, 2009) – Panasonic today introduced the DMC-GH1, the newest member of the company's revolutionary LUMIX G Micro System – a new digital interchangeable lens camera system that delivers professional-level features and performance in a compact and easy-to-use camera body.

Compatible with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the new LUMIX GH1 features advanced video photography functions, such as the ability to record High Definition (HD) AVCHD 1080p/24p video.* In addition, the new LUMIX GH1 comes with a newly developed long-zoom interchangeable lens – the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. This lens was specifically designed to support HD movie recording and features a silent motor and continuous auto focusing (AF) capability; two features which distinguish the LUMIX GH1 from DSLRs that offer HD video recording capabilities.

"Photographers of all levels – professionals, amateurs and beginners – will be stunned by the range of creative possibilities that the LUMIX GH1 creates in the world of high-quality photography and HD video. Users will be equally amazed by the camera's easy-to-use design and small size," said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Beyond its creative potential, the LUMIX GH1, a sister product to the award-winning LUMIX G1, is also innovative and differentiates itself from the pack by recording High Definition video with continuous AF, an indispensable feature for practical video recording."

In late 2008, Panasonic redefined the traditional DSLR category with its launch of the Panasonic LUMIX G1 – a digital, interchangeable lens camera system that takes the radical step of eliminating the large, internal mirror structure that is currently contained in all traditional DSLR cameras. This innovation allows for dramatically smaller camera body and lens sizes and permits many new, advanced consumer features such as LUMIX G1 "Live View Finder". With its 2008 launch, the LUMIX G1 achieved several honors, including:
World's first entry into the Micro Four Thirds Standard system camera segment
World's first interchangeable lens camera to offer colored body options to consumers
Winner, 2008 Camera of the Year (Popular Photography & Imaging magazine)

The new LUMIX GH1 provides cutting-edge video recording features, including the ability to record high-resolution full HD (1920 x 1080) video at 24 fps or smooth HD video (1280 x 720) movie at 60 fps using an AVCHD format (MPEG-4/H.264). The AVCHD format provides the important benefit of doubling the HD quality recording time compared with Motion JPEG. The LUMIX GH1 hosts a dedicated video record button on the back of the camera which lets users instantly start recording videos, even while shooting still photos – removing the fear of potentially missing a must-see video moment. The LUMIX GH1 also records video in high-quality stereo sound via Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, the global standard of audio recording. An optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) is also available to achieve a more intensive sound recording experience. Finally, a convenient Wind Cut function is provided to help to block out distracting video background noise.

Like the LUMIX G1, the LUMIX GH1 features the Live View Finder system which enables something that simply is not possible with conventional DSLR cameras – the ability to preview the effects of camera settings (e.g., exposure, aperture, shutter speed) before taking the photo. This helps take the guesswork out of the camera setting process and helps users ensure that every photo they capture comes out exactly as they envisioned.

The brilliant 1,440,000-dot equivalent Live View Finder system can also display information settings that a user can see without removing their eyes from the subject. Furthermore, a built-in eye sensor automatically switches on the viewfinder when the user looks into it, then switches it off and turns on the swivel 3.0-inch large 460,000-dot high-resolution LCD when the user looks away from the viewfinder. The 60-frames-per-second Live View is made possible by the Live MOS sensor, which takes real-time signals directly from the image sensor and sends them continuously to the LCD. Both the Live View Finder and LCD provide a 100% field of view – allowing the user to accurately frame and compose a shot from most any position.

The LUMIX GH1 kit lens – the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. –provides a broad focal length range of 28-280mm (35mm camera equivalent) and supports continuous AF using the contrast AF system for both photo and movie capture. The low-noise lens design also seamlessly supports video recording by minimizing the mechanical sound generated by AF/AE actions.

At the core of the LUMIX GH1 lies a newly developed 12.1-megapixel high speed Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine HD, which features twin CPUs for outstanding processing capabilities. The Live MOS sensor is capable of high-speed readout over four channels to be compatible with full-HD movie recording. This sensor is also advantageous for photo recording with a high signal-to-noise ratio thanks to the new circuit structure that is unaffected by the noise generated in each of the circuits. This results in crisp photos – even those taken at high ISO levels. The multi-aspect type sensor allows users to take photos in 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratios with the same angle of view. The Venus Engine HD is also energy efficient, supporting long periods of AVCHD video recording on a single battery charge.

In addition to the digital camera's HD video recording capability, the DMC-GH1 features the LUMIX Creative Movie mode which lets the user manually set the shutter speed and aperture, making their videos more creative and representative of their own personal video style preference. Changing the shutter speed gives the videos a special look, particularly suitable for shooting fast-moving subjects. Controlling the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at varying distances, so the user can focus on the foreground and blur the background – or vice versa.

While the LUMIX DMC-GH1 has cutting-edge still image and video capture features, the LUMIX GH1 is also incredibly easy-to-use, thanks to Panasonic's iA (Intelligent Auto) mode** – a user-friendly setting made popular in the LUMIX line of digital point-and-shoot camera products. Panasonic's iA mode is a suite of technologies which engage automatically (no settings needed). The latest addition to the iA suite of features is Face Recognition, a feature that directs the camera to prioritize focus and exposure on a specific face that that the user had previously registered in the camera.*** This invaluable function makes it especially easy to take sharp and beautifully exposed images of things the user values most in their photos – the user's friends and family.

Panasonic's iA mode offers other innovative features which help deliver consistently outstanding photos: O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) to help reduce blurring from hand-shake; Intelligent ISO Control to help limit motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken; AF Tracking that lets the camera lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves; Intelligent Exposure which optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights, and helps ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully; and Intelligent Scene Selector which automatically detects the five most common shooting situations - Portrait, Night Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery and Close-up - and switches to the appropriate Scene mode.

Best of all, the benefits of Panasonic's iA mode extend to motion image recording on the DMC-GH1. For example, the LUMIX GH1 motion iA includes O.I.S. and Face Detection, which automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Close-up, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the environment.

The Contrast AF system adopted by the LUMIX GH1 is accurate, easy-to-use and fast. Users can choose from a wide range of AF modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, Face Detection, and AF Tracking. To help keep the images free of spots from dust and particles, the Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system helps prevent foreign contaminants from adhering to the image sensor.

After users capture their images using the LUMIX GH1, it's easy for them to enjoy their photos or HD videos immediately on a large-screen Panasonic VIERA® high-definition television. All that is required is to remove the SD Memory Card from the LUMIX GH1 and insert it into the VIERA Image Viewer (SDHC/SD Memory Card slot) located in the VIERA HDTV or in the Panasonic Blu-ray disc player. Alternatively, an optional mini HDMI™ cable is available to output the images from the LUMIX GH1 directly to the Panasonic HDTV via VIERA Link™. Then, using the VIERA HDTV's remote control, users can take advantage of the LUMIX GH1's advanced playback and slideshow features.

In addition to the new LUMIX G lenses, the DMC-GH1 and LUMIX G Micro System is compatible with any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds standard.**** This gives users access to the entire range of Four Thirds lenses. Additional Micro Four Thirds lenses will be announced in the future, giving users a large, diverse line of high-performance lenses to add to their photographic toolboxes. With the LUMIX G Micro System and the growing assortment of lenses becoming available, the creative possibilities are endless.

The LUMIX DMC-GH1 is a system camera with a wide variety of options to choose from to match a wide range of shooting situations and styles. Accessories compatible with the LUMIX G Micro System include: External Flash: DMW-FL220(GN22) / DMW-FL360(GN36) / DMW-FL500(GN50); PL Filter: DMW-LPL62; ND Filter: DMW-LND62 (New); MC Protector: DMW-LMCH62; Mount Adapter: DMW-MA1; Stereo Microphone: DMW-MS1 (New); Battery Pack: DMW-BLB13; DC Cable: DMW-DCC3; Soft Cases: DMW-CG1, DMW-CG2 (New); Soft Bag: DMW-BAG1; Shoulder Strap (Stylish) DMW-SSTG1-A/C/R/K(New); Shoulder Strap (Woven) DMW-SSTG2-W; Shoulder Strap (Leather) DMW-SSTG3-T; Remote Shutter: DMW-RSL1.

For more information about the DMC-GH1 and all of Panasonic's LUMIX G Micro System accessories, please visit http://www.panasonic.com/lumix

The buttons. No fiddling with dials, switches or toggles, hoping you're cranking the right one—just eight buttons in a clean, dual-row setup provide direct access to everything on the camera, from playback to its VGA video mode at a glance.

The waterproof-ness works to 10 feet.

Also, it's small and bright and kind of reminds me of a Jolly Rancher, which, along with simplicity, is about all you can hope for in a camera that's under $200.

‘Life-Proof' FinePix Z33WP Captures Treasured Moments Anytime, Anywhere, and in Any Conditions

Valhalla, N.Y., February 17, 2009 – Expanding the popular Z-series digital cameras for young-at-heart, trend-savvy consumers, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. delivers flexible functionality and form to active and hip users with the launch of the FinePix Z33WP digital camera. Perfect for budding photographers who want to experience life to the fullest, the FinePix Z33WP enables users to capture those precious moments, regardless of the conditions and share them easily with their extended network of friends and family members.

Life-Proof
The 10-Megapixel FinePix Z33WP is available in three striking colors – green, pink and black – and is ready for any adventure including underwater activity up to approximately 10 feet (3M)! A 2.7", 230,000 dots resolution LCD screen – the largest of any Z-series camera yet – and Fujinon 3x Optical Zoom lens allows for a clearer view of those not-to-be-missed moments on the beach, on the ski slopes, hiking in the mountains or boating at the lake. It's also perfect for everyday activities in the rain, the pool or any other place you might think twice about taking a conventional digital camera.

Intelligent Scene Recognition
Adding ease to outdoor navigation, the FinePix Z33WP is equipped with a new SR Auto (Automatic Scene Recognition) mode that enables the camera to intelligently recognize six types of scenes automatically. For each picture taken in this mode, the Z33WP will optimize the ideal exposure, focus, white balance and ISO for the scene to ensure the best quality picture is captured with ease. In addition, Fujifilm's Picture Stabilization is powered by high sensitivity for faster shutter and operational speeds to help reduce camera shake, keeping real life moments as true to form as possible.

Easy Sharing
The family-friendly Z33WP also features Fujifilm's handy Blog Mode which allows for easier sharing with friends and family members. The Blog mode automatically resizes a photo to a standard 640x480 pixels (VGA) or 320x240 pixels (QVGA) image size and enables 12 in-camera editing features such as Zooming, Miniature effect, Illustration and Painting, cutting the need for extra time with home editing.

In addition to these innovations, the FinePix Z33WP is loaded with the following handy features:
• Face Detection Technology: Operating in tandem with automatic red-eye removal, the FinePix Z33WP identifies up to 10 human faces in a scene, and sets the correct focus and exposure, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame.
• Automatic Red Eye Removal accents the aforementioned features by lending an extra touch to that group shot. The Z33WP automatically checks for red eye and self-corrects it in each and every person in the photo, saving time on post-editing.
• Couple and Group Timer Modes: Working in conjunction with Face Detection technology detects two faces in ‘Couple Timer Mode' and up to four faces in ‘Group Timer Mode' in a frame.
• One Touch MOVIE Button: Capture VGA quality movie clips at 30 frames per second with sound to capture all of those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
• Battery Life: The long-life rechargeable Li-ion battery (up to 200 shots) allows for extended use without worrying if the camera is going to last for the duration of the trip.

"With the success of the FinePix Z20fd for the Gen Y crowd, it is only a natural progression for Fujifilm to provide active, technology-savvy families with the unparalleled style and function that everyone demands in the 21st century," said David Troy, marketing manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. "Today's users not only want to experience everything life has to offer, but they also want their camera to be able to experience and capture it with them."

The FinePix Z33WP will debut in late March at a retail price of $199.95.

PMA is an annual show where we get to see tomorrow's digital cameras—the ones that'll be populating pockets and purses for the rest of the year. We'll be here for the next couple of days.

[Fujifilm]

In addition, the Z915 also has a "Smart Capture" feature, which "which analyzes scenes and adjusts camera settings to automatically deliver beautiful pictures" (ummm...auto mode?), and a 2.5-inch screen, for reviewing the fruits of your labor. The camera will be available in April for $200 and will come in Red, Grey, Blue and Black color options.

New Digital Camera from Kodak delivers high-zoom, high-resolution performance in a compact design

Kodak's innovative Smart Capture feature delivers beautiful pictures automatically

Rochester, NY, March 3, 2009 - Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today introduced a new addition to its versatile line of digital cameras: the KODAK EASYSHARE Z915, featuring a powerful image stabilized 10X optical zoom lens and Kodak's innovative Smart Capture feature that consistently delivers high quality images.

The new camera debuted at Kodak's booth at the 2009 PMA International Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas (booth F200, South Hall).

The KODAK EASYSHARE Z915 Digital Camera enables avid picture takers to easily capture crisp long-distance shots with a 10X image-stabilized optical zoom lens. The Z915 also offers fast click-to-capture performance and Kodak's innovative Smart Capture feature, which automatically detects the scene being shot and adjusts camera settings to capture the best image possible. Smart Capture also automatically applies KODAK PERFECT TOUCH processing to enhance highlight and shadow areas.

Lightweight and compact, the Z915 is available in a variety of colors: red, blue, black and gray.

"The new Z915 is a versatile camera that's ideal for families on the go, making it ideal for consumers who want more zoom but don't want a bulky camera," said John Blake, General Manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. "With its combination of Smart Capture and high zoom with optical image stabilization, the Z915 stands out in a fast-growing product category, and delivers great performance to consumers who are looking for new ways to advance their digital photography experience."
The new KODAK EASYSHARE Z915 Digital Camera offers:

* 10X image stabilized optical zoom lens;
* Kodak's innovative Smart Capture feature, which analyzes scenes and adjusts camera settings to automatically deliver beautiful pictures;
* HD picture capture;
* 10 MP for prints up to 30"x40";
* Versatile AA battery solution in a compact and stylish body;
* Bright and detail-rich 2.5-inch indoor/outdoor color display;

* Compatible with KODAK SDHC/SD Memory Cards;

* Color options include red, blue, black and gray;
* Available at US$199.95 MSRP from April, 2009.

Accessories

A range of accessories will be available for the new KODAK EASYSHARE Z915 Digital Camera, including KODAK Ni-MH AA Rechargeable Digital Camera Batteries and battery charger kits; KODAK SD and SDHC High Performance Memory Cards; KODAK Camera Bags and cases, and much more.

It's supposedly the only swivel live view display in a DSLR, for now. Sony's a300 and a350 DSLRs' screens tilted, but it doesn't go all the way out, around and back again, like on the E-620, which is really handy, since you can see it from whatever angle you want. (And it will only get more handy with DSLRs that shoot HD video, as most of them will as they're upgraded over the next year or two.)

The not-so-swell thing is the interface. It's ugly, dated and really cluttered, with fonts like they're from an "advanced" computer in an 80s Matthew Broderick movie. It needs to be higher res, with settings more cleanly dilineated.

The art mode that changes the style of your picture from in various ways, from pop art to grainy, is kind of a neat gimmick for a DSLR, but you have to dive into the menu to select your style every time you want to change it. Still, most of the appeal here is in the specs, which are pretty solid for a camera at its beginner-level pricepoint, and we won't know how those stack up till we get to review this puppy.

PMA is an annual show where we get to see tomorrow's digital cameras—the ones that'll be populating pockets and purses for the rest of the year. We'll be here for the next couple of days.

We've actually seen most of these cameras already—it's not just Apple, but everybody's schedules revolve less and less around trade shows—since Canon, Nikon and others have already revealed their cameras for the rest of the year, instead of waiting for the Photo Marketing Association show this week. PMA's one of the two major photo trade shows, though it's more about consumer cameras, the ones that'll populate purses and pockets starting this month for "Dads and Grads" season, than the fall Photokina show, which is where we usually see more pro gear.

And as you've already seen, tomorrow's cameras actually look a like today's techwise—just with a few more megapixels (10 megapixels is now the bottom of the barrel, it seems), wider angles (28mm and 24mm lenses everywhere in point-and-shoots) and the mainstreaming of HD video in what used to be simply hold-still-dammit cameras. Maybe there will still be a few surprises, though.

Hopefully our run-up of camera features—a shoot-out between the two hottest cameras you can buy, and primers on why lenses are more important for stunning photos than megapixels—got you hungry for more, since we'll be here for the next couple of days.

Earlier, Nikon Rumors had reported that the D5000 would be a lot like their mid-level D90—with a 12.3-megapixel sensor, Live View and video recording—but with no built-in autofocus motor or top-level LCD like the current D60. What'd you get instead is a new kind of flash and tilt-y swivel display like you see on some super zoom cameras.

If this this thing is cheap and small enough, what do you need a super-zoom camera for? And if HD video recording is now in the lowest level DSLR, it's only a matter of one generation of turnover before all DSLRs shoot HD video.

Here's hoping, though, since most everybody has already pooped their new camera offerings, and I'd like at least a couple surprises next week at PMA. [Nikon Rumors]