Pentax Optio RZ18 packs 18x optical zoom

Pentax announced a new point-and-shoot digital camera called the Optio RZ18 that packs an impressive 18x optical zoom lens that covers the focal lengths from 25mm to 450mm. That provides wide angle up to super-telephoto shots to cover almost any shooting situations. And it’s all stuffed inside a super compact camera, perfect for travel.

Besides the amazing 18x optical zoom, the Optio RZ18 also features a 16-megapixel sensor and multiple Pentax Shake Reduction image stabilization technologies, including sensor-shift SR for sharp images even when there’s less light. It has a 3-inch LCD display with HVGA resolution and a 9-point autofocus with a 4cm super macro mode.

Moreover, you’ll find a nine-point autofocus system, face detection algorithms, an SDXC card slot and an HD video mode capable of snagging 720p clips at 30 frames per second. It’s all set to ship next month in black, white and orange for $299.95 here in the States, with the full presser embedded just after the break.

Via –  slashgear

Nikon Announces Rugged AW100, Four New Coolpix S Series And P7100 Compact Cameras

Nikon has week launched 6 new cameras to its range in the form of a rugged waterproof AW100, together with four new Coolpix S Series compact cameras : S8200, S6200, S1200pj, S100 and finally the Coolpix P7100.

The Coolpix AW100, as well as being a little more rugged and waterproof, capable of being used underwater to a depth of 33 feet, is also equipped with a 16.0-megapixel CMOS with backside illumination (BSI) for improved picture quality even in challenging low-light conditions. The new Coolpix AW100 will be available in early September 2011 for around $379.95

The new Coolpix S Series lineup of S8200, S6200, S1200pj, and S100 have been designed by Nikon to provide users with a compact camera for the : “social user who cares about the quality of the images they take and share”. More details and specifications are available from the Nikon website.

Finally the new Coolpix P7100 has been created to become the new Coolpix flagship camera and comes equipped with a versatile 7.1x Wide Angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens, 35mm equivalent to 28-200mm.

Together with a 10.1 megapixel CCD sensor, 921k-dot tilting LCD screen on the rear and vibration reduction (VR) to help you take blur free photos while shooting images or capturing HD video while handheld or in low-light. The Coolpix P7100 will also be arriving mid September 2011for around $499.95.

For more information and full specifications on all Nikons new cameras released today jump over to the Nikon Press website.

Source: Nikon

Sony Cyber-shot TX55 packs 16.2-megapixel sensor, promises ‘extremely low’ noise in dim light

With point and shoot cameras apparently now up against a megapixel wall, manufacturers are focusing on adding quirky new features to keep you hooked on the upgrade cycle. Sony’s new Cyber-shot TX55 includes several such additions, such as ‘amazing’ 3D image capture, ‘extremely low’ noise, and a new digital zoom technology called By Pixel Super Resolution, which promises to double the camera’s 5x optical zoom range while still capturing 16.2-megapixel images at full quality. We’re a bit skeptical about that last one, but if the $350 camera really can deliver on its promise, then we may just have a winner. Sony says there’s also high-speed autofocus that can lock onto subjects in 0.1 seconds, optical image stabilization, a 3.3-inch OLED touch-screen, and 1080i AVCHD video. It also includes some features found on the higher-end NEX-C3, such as Picture Effects, and a 42.9-megapixel Sweep Panorama mode. Sony has yet to completely nix the Memory Stick slot, including one with the TX55, though there’s also MicroSD support for those who prefer to take advantage of that more affordable memory card standard. We’re not yet convinced that all of the point-and-shoot cam’s new features perform as well as Sony suggests, but if they do, the TX55 may even be worth its $350 price tag when it hits stores in September.

Via - engadget