Balko Photo

Olympus is expanding its rugged outdoor camera line with two new additions: the 8-megapixel Stylus 850 SW and the 10.1-megapixel Olympus Stylus 1030 SW.

Along with increased resolution, the new Olympus Stylus 1030 SW has a wider lens, a larger and improved HyperCrystal II LCD display, is still waterproof to 33 feet, and can take a fall of 6 feet.

For those who love to capture the unforgettable scuba diving moments, this camera includes 4 underwater scene modes. In fact this camera seems to be quite a catch for the outdoorsy person - from snorkeling to mountain biking to skiing. Its rugged design can take what you dish out in the desert or mountains or oceans.

The new wide 3.6x optical zoom lens is equivalent to a 28-102mm zoom in the 35mm format. The wide angle lens is just what the outdoor person wants too.

The 850 SW

Just like its big brother (1030 SW) the Stylus 850 SW performs in all types of terrain and weather. It still performs when the temperature dips well below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius) — is dustproof and comes in a rainbow of colors:  blue, yellow, pink, black and silver.

Hardly distinguishable from its G7 predecessor in looks, the new 12.1 megapixel Canon PowerShot G9 sports the same optically stabilized 35-210 f/2.8-4.8 6x zoom lens (35mm equivalent), same hotshoe, similar optical viewfinder, slightly bigger 3-inch wide view LCD, but pretty close to identical all around.

The differences are all inside. RAW is back along with an interesting new “Adaptive Noise Control” function in the ZoomBrowser.

The Pros:

• Face detection, including tracking, AutoExposure, and FlashExposure settings.
• Focus-confirm playback enlarges the area of focus for instant confirmation that a shot is acceptably sharp — linked to Face Detect — up to 10x.
• Panning Image Stabilization mode.
• RAW, and the Adaptive Noise Control command in ZoomBrowser/ImageBrowser.
• Bigger, higher-resolution LCD

The Cons:

• Barrel distortion is still a big problem at the 35mm wide angle setting.
• A slow burst rate, especially in RAW.
• Confusing menu-driven options and multi-button/dial configurations.
• Lens barrel intrusion into the optical viewfinder field at wide-angle.
• Only about 80% coverage with optical viewfinder.

Still, it is a great-looking advanced compact camera, with full manual controls and RAW capture that can sync with Canon EX-series hotshoes at 1/250 second (normal sync) plus high-speed sync up to 1/2500 second. It can also shoot in 16:9 aspect ratio, and capture video at up to 640 x 480 px at 30fps or 1024 x 768 px @15fps. The microphone also has a digital wind filter function for outdoor shoots. Oh, and it’s not just a still and compact video camera — the G9 can also be used as a digital audio recorder — for two straight hours at three sampling rates, 11.025kHz, 22.050kHz and 44.100kHz.

Image Quality has greatly improved over the G7, so much so, that forget the sales on the older model - get the G9.

Pop Photo Lab Tests

BUY at Adorama

• 12 megapixels
• 3x optical zoom
• 2.5 inch LCD
• Can capture widescreen images (16:9) and 720p video at 30fps
• Sensitivity to ISO 3200
• Face detection system
• Smart Scene mode automatically adjusts camera settings
• Lithium-ion battery

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BUY Kodak Easyshare V1233 12.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Silver)
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BUY with accessory kit - Kodak EasyShare V1233 12.1MP HD Digital Camera (Black) + 2GB Deluxe Accessory Kit
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back view

• 12 megapixels
• 3x optical zoom
• 3.1 inch LCD
• Can capture widescreen images (16:9) and 720p video at 30fps
• Sensitivity to ISO 3200
• Face detection system
• Smart Scene mode automatically adjusts camera settings
• Lithium-ion battery

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BUY in white Kodak Easyshare V1253 12MP Digital Camera with 3 x Optical Zoom (White)
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BUY in black Kodak Easyshare V1253 12MP Digital Camera with 3 x Optical Zoom
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back view

The Nikon Coolpix P5100 is this year’s flagship point-and-shoot digital camera, with a perfect combination of automatic and manual controls that will please casual photographers and allow them to grow into the camera’s expanded capabilities. With its 3.5x Zoom-NIKKOR optically-stabilized with Nikon’s VR technology, it is sure to be a hit this holiday season.

Release date: Oct 20, 2007 for $399

Buy at ADORAMA 

Read reviews DPreview / Preview Gadgets / Cameratown /

BUY Nikon Coolpix P5100 12.1MP Digital Camera with 3.5x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom
* 12.1 megapixels
* 3.5x optical zoom (35-123mm equivalent)
* Optical VR (image stabilization)
* 2.5 inch LCD
* Improved Face Priority AF (up to 12 faces)
* In-camera red-eye fix
* D-Lighting
* Program auto, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure modes in addition to auto and scene modes
* Can accept accessory lenses
* Hotshoe
* Optical viewfinder
* ISO 3200 at reduced resolution
* 16:9 image capture mode
* Lens distortion control that fixes barrel distortion in real time
* EXPEED image processing system
* SD/SDHC memory
* Lithium-ion battery

Ultra-durable, ultra-light pure titanium–it’s what makes the PowerShot SD950IS Digital ELPH different than all the rest. The 12.1-megapixel CCD gives you the superior resolution you need to capture the world around you in opulent detail enabling you to print, enlarge, and even crop your images in any fashion you choose. DIGIC III features Face Detection technology, giving you the best possible results in any shooting situation. Face Detection AF/AE sets the focus point and exposure for the faces of your subjects. Face Detection FE adjusts the flash to correctly illuminate your subject to provide the best balance between your subject and the overall scene, eliminating the common problems of over-and underexposed faces.

Read reviews at Let’s Go Digital / DPreview / PopPhoto /

BUY now Canon PowerShot SD950IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 3.7x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Titanium)

• 12.1-megapixel CCD
• 3.7x image-stabilized optical zoom
• 2.5-inch wide-viewing-angle LCD display
• Face Detection technology and in-camera red-eye fix
• 18 shooting modes, including 11 special scene modes
• Print/Share button
• Powered by NB-5L lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included)

Read reviews at Infosyncworld / PopPhoto / Let’s Go Digital / Images /

BUY now Canon PowerShot G9 12.1MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

Note: reviews say this will be available in October, but you can get one now at Amazon!

• 12.1 Megapixels (1/1.7” sensor) with RAW mode for maximum image control
• 6x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer and SR coating*
• DIGIC III and iSAPS for lightning fast response, superb image quality and advanced Noise Reduction*
• Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
• 3.0” high-resolution, PureColor LCD II with extra wide viewing angle
• ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
• Compact body with dedicated ISO and Multi Control dials
• 25 shooting modes including full manual control and 2 custom settings
• Extra telephoto reach with Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom*
• Hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flashes and optional lens accessories

Canon PowerShot G9 12.1MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

The COOLPIX S700 blends design with quality construction and advanced features. Imaging power begins with a full 12.1 effective megapixels of sharp resolution from the new 1/1.72-inch CCD image sensor and precision optics of a 3x Zoom-NIKKOR lens. Available in Autumn 2007.

Read Reviews at Let’s Go Digital / DPReview / Nikon Imaging /

• 12.1 effective Megapixel CCD
• F2.8-5.4, 3X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 37 - 111 mm
• Brushed aluminum body
• 2.7″ LCD display with 230,000 pixels
• EXPEED image processor
• Optical image stabilization
• Point-and-shoot operation
• Same Nikon extras and movie mode as above
• 52MB onboard memory + SD/SDHC/MMC card slot
• EN-EL10 lithium-ion battery with 150 shots per charge
• Priced at $379

The Stylus 1200 combines 12 Megapixels with the latest tech like Face-Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and the new TruePic III image processor. The 3x zoom is 35-105mm equivalent. Did I mention 12 megapixels?!

Read Reviews at DPreview / DCResource / Imaging-Resource / Buy Olympus Stylus 1200 12MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

• 12 megapixels, 1/1.72” CCD sensor
• 3x optical zoom (35-105mm equivalent)
• Weatherproof
• Aperture range: F2.8-F4.5
• 2.7 inch, 230K pixel HyperCrystal LCD
• TruePic III processor
• Available in silver and black
• Face detection
• Shadow Adjustment Technology
• Perfect Shot Preview
• Bright Capture
• Perfect Fix
• Digital image stabilization
• Movie capture up to 640×480 at 30fps
• Dimensions: 3.9″ W x 2.2″ H x 0.91″ D
• Lithium-ion battery
• 47 MB internal memory, xD-Picture Card slot
• Buy in Black or Silver - Olympus Stylus 1200 12MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

The Olympus Stylus 820 squeezes 8.0 Megapixels, a healthy 5x 36-180mm equivalent zoom lens and a 2.7″ LCD into it’s sleek, weatherproof* frame. We have Face Detection with Smile Shot to trip the shutter only after your subject cracks a grin and Shadow Adjustment Technology to pull a little more detail from murky areas.

Read Reviews at DPreview / DCResource / Imaging Resource / Buy Olympus Stylus 820 8MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom

* 8 megapixels, 1/2.35” CCD sensor
* 5x optical zoom (36-180mm equivalent)
* Weatherproof
* Aperture range: F3.5-5.0
* 2.7 inch, 230K pixel HyperCrystal LCD
* TruePic III processor
* Available in silver, black, blue, red
* Face detection
* Shadow Adjustment Technology
* Perfect Shot Preview
* Perfect Fix
* Bright Capture
* Digital image stabilization
* Movie capture up to 640×480 at 30fps
* Dimensions: 3.8″ W x 2.2″ H x 0.96″ D
* Lithium-ion battery
* 47 MB internal memory, xD-Picture Card slot

Buy in Red, Silver, Light Blue, Black Olympus Stylus 820 8MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom

The Stylus 830 is mostly a copy of the 820, but adds Dual Image Stabilization - a combination of optical stabilization and ISO boost. With 22 scene modes, Face Detection Technology, 8.0 Megapixels, and 5x optical zoom (equiv. to 36-180mm). It comes in weatherproofed silver or black.

Read reviews at DPreview / DCResource / Imaging-Resource / Buy Olympus Stylus 830 8MP Digital Camera with Dual Image Stabilized 5x Optical Zoom

• 8 megapixels, 1/2.35” CCD sensor
• 5x optical zoom (36-180mm equivalent)
• Weatherproof
• Aperture range: F3.5-5.0
• 2.5 inch, 230K pixel HyperCrystal LCD
• TruePic III processor
• Available in silver, black, blue, green, orange
• Face detection
• Shadow Adjustment Technology
• Perfect Shot Preview
• Bright Capture
• Dual image stabilization
• Movie capture up to 640×480 at 30fps
• Dimensions: 3.9” W x 2.2” H x 0.94” D
• Lithium-ion battery
• 14.8 MB internal memory, xD-Picture Card slot
• Hi-Speed USB
• 25 languages on board
• Illuminated buttons
• Supplied with Olympus Master software 2.03 and Muvee Pack trial version plus LI-42B battery
• In Black, Silver, Blue, Green, Orange - Buy the Olympus Stylus 830 8MP Digital Camera with Dual Image Stabilized 5x Optical Zoom
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• Amazon Current says: Available November 1, 2007
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Casio’s 8mp EXILIM EX-V8 compact digital camera has a 7x 38-266 equivalent lens (7x optical) plus its CCD-shift image stabilization system to keep thing in focus. Add Face Detection Technology, and the YouTube™ Capture Mode for easy posting of your creative captures.

See Reviews at DPreview / DCResource / Let’s Go Digital / Buy Casio Exilim EX-V8 8MP Digital Camera

Casio Exilim EX-V8 8MP Digital Camera with 7x Anti-Shake Optical Zoom

The 10.1mp EX-Z1080 has a 3x 38-114 equivalent zoom, H.264/AVC video encoding to keep movie file sizes remain small, and the touted YouTube™ Capture Mode makes it easy for you to get your stuff uploaded via the company’s unique “YouTube™ Uploader for CASIO” software. Other headline features include face-detection, Anti Shake DSP and sensitivities up to ISO 6400.

See Reviews at DPreview / DCResource / Let’s Go Digital / Buy Casio Exilim EX-Z1080 (Blue)

Casio Exilim EX-Z1080 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Anti-Shake Optical Zoom (Blue)