What's New - September 2006
September 28
Hands-on preview posted for 
Sony DSC-T50!
We had this model for only a short time, so couldn't conduct our full set of tests on it. It uses the same lens and imager as the Sony T10 though, so you can refer to that review for specific performance details. The main thing that's different with the Sony T50 is that it uses a touch-screen interface, borrowed from Sony's N-series cameras. (We'll be doing a full review of the Sony N2 very shortly.) The slightly larger body of the Sony T50 does permit a larger battery with better run times, and a larger flash capacitor for longer flash range. As to the camera itself, this is another well-built subcompact design with a 7.2 megapixel imager and an image-stabilized 3x zoom lens, with better than average optical quality. We personally found the touch-screen to be more of a hassle than a blessing, but it bears noting that touch-screen interfaces are wildly popular with consumers, so don't let our bias against them turn you away from the T50. -This is a camera you should probably pick up and hold yourself, to decide how you feel about touch screens, but if you like that sort of interface, you'll probably love this very worthy little camera. On the strength of the T10's performance, we've made the T50 a Dave's Pick in the subcompact category, subject to further evaluation if/as/when we can get a sample back here to test and review in greater detail. Read our Sony DSC-T50 hands-on preview for all the details!
September 22
Review posted for 
Sony DSC-T10!
The Sony T10 continues a tradition of high quality in the subcompact category, packing more features into a smaller space than most anything else out there, but this time with the added bonus of optical image stabilization and high ISO settings. Like those of other recent T-series models, we found the lens on the Sony T10 to be of higher than average quality for a subcompact camera, and image quality was quite good as a result. The 7.2-megapixel CCD delivers plenty of resolution for large prints, and the smattering of Scene modes makes it easy to bring back good-looking photos from what would otherwise be difficult shooting conditions. The biggest news of course, is the T10's Super SteadyShot image stabilization, which we found to be very effective. This will let you get crisp shots even when faced with hand-holding the camera under surprisingly dim lighting (assuming of course, that your subject is stationary as well). Of course, a tripod is always recommended when things get really dark, but we were very pleasantly surprised to see just how dark it could get, while we were still snapping sharp photos. As always, we did have a few complaints about the Sony T10 though, including high image noise at its higher ISO settings, poor white balance under incandescent lighting, and the anemic flash that's unfortunately typical of subcompact digital cameras. All in all though, we found the Sony DSC-T10 a delight to use, and its Super SteadyShot image stabilization made a huge difference in our ability to hand-hold long exposures. Bottom line, this would be a great camera to take along on a vacation. Super compact, able to handle a wide range of conditions, and able to save a lot of shots from what would otherwise be fatal camera-shake blur. An easy Dave's Pick as one of the more worthy digital cameras on the market, but we'd really like to see lower high-ISO image noise after dark. Read our Sony T10 review for all the details!
Full Review posted for 
Pentax Optio W10!
We gave Pentax's latest waterproof camera, the Pentax Optio
W10, a thorough testing both in the lab and out in the elements, and despite the compromises, we found it a good solution for capturing playful snapshots outdoors. The Pentax Optio W10's main selling point is its sturdy yet attractive waterproof and dustproof design. Its 2.5 inch LCD and 6 megapixel sensor update the line with more of what the market's demanded, though there are still compromises in terms of image quality. With its fully-automatic exposure system, the Optio W10 takes reasonably good pictures on dry land under adequate lighting, though its high ISO performance leaves something to be desired. Still, the Optio W10 is truly fun to use -- in, around, and under the water, and both video and stills captured in and around the water were pretty good. Come see the full review of the Pentax Optio W10!
September 19
Full Review posted for 
Nikon Coolpix S6!
The Nikon Coolpix S-series couldn't get any more sexy, so they had to add a high-tech twist to make the Coolpix S6 irresistible: WiFi. This addition of a geeky component ironically makes the Nikon S6 cool at parties, where you can offload images you've already captured to a nearby computer, all the while continuing to roam and shoot more. But the sharing can continue from the S6 itself, via the large 3 inch LCD and very quick scrolling via the scroll wheel. The Coolpix
S6's 3x zoom is about average for the category, and the six megapixel sensor performs well. We've done our full suite of tests on the Nikon Coolpix S6, so come see what we thought of this slim stylecam with the wireless twist.
September 18
Full Review posted for 
Kodak EasyShare P712!
As digital SLRs have come down in price, the market for high-end all-in-one cameras has shrunk. - But there's still a place for such models, particularly at the long-zoom end of the market, where the equivalent capability in an SLR system would easily cost you a thousand dollars or more just for the lenses. The new Kodak P712 combines a long image-stabilized 12x zoom lens (reaching out to an equivalent focal length of 432mm) with a 7 megapixel sensor, and a full complement of "enthusiast" features, including manual exposure mode and a hot shoe for external flash units. At the same time though, in its green-zone Auto mode, it offers the excellent ease of use that Kodak's EasyShare line has become known for. No camera's perfect, but the Kodak P712 offers a compelling set of features and capabilities at an affordable price, making it a camera well worth a second look. Read the full Kodak P712 review for all the details.
September 7
Production Update Posted for 
Sony A100 Review!
Back when we posted our preview of it, we found a lot to like about the Sony DSLR-A100. It is a well laid-out, responsive camera that sports a ton of features (like body-based image stabilization), and is a blast to shoot with besides. Having now run a production sample (two of them, in fact) of the Sony A100 through our battery of tests, we're happy to report that its image quality and overall performance generally match our initial experience. Part of the reason this production update of our Sony A100 review took so long though, is that we encountered some odd exposure behavior with the camera, and wanted to really nail down what was happening before we reported it to our readers. You'll want to read the full review for all the nit-picking details, but the short of it is that we found that the A100 can mis-expose by up to 1/2 EV when you combine wide-area AF with multi-segment metering and a high-contrast subject. A big deal? A non-issue? That's for you the reader to decide: Some users would most likely never notice this, while for others it might be a deal-breaker. As they say on a semi-popular TV Network here in the US: "We report, you decide." Apart from this limited exposure quirk though, we found the Sony A100 to represent an excellent bargain in the current market, with great performance and a superb feature set, all at a great price. Read our full Sony A100 review for all the details, this is a camera that deserves a close look from DSLR shoppers.
Review posted for the
Nikon Coolpix L4!Though it is in the same family as the previously reviewed L2 and L3, the Nikon Coolpix L4 is different. Its 4.0 megapixel CCD sensor does a decent job, but its output quality is only equal to 5x7 printing without noticable blurring from anti-noise processing. Its body is still as handsome as the others, but the 3x Nikkor optical zoom protrudes from the camera body even when closed, and does not appear to be up to the L3's higher standard. The Nikon L4's lens is also slow and noisy when zooming out to the full 3x. While automatic controls were impressive, there's very little manual override on the Nikon Coolpix L4, particularly relating to ISO light sensitivity adjustment. Still, the Nikon L4 has several handy features, including Nikon's D-Lighting, Face Priority AF, Best Shot Selector, and 14 scene modes. Like its bretheren, the Nikon L4 is slow, lagging behind some of its competitors in shot-to-shot speed and overall shutter response. With the price hovering at around $120, it still does a decent job and would make a great first choice for kids. If you need a very inexpensive digital camera and only plan to print 4x6 images, see the full review for more on the Nikon Coolpix L4.
September 1
First test images posted from 
Nikon D80!
Our full production-level update for the Nikon D80 review is under way, but we wanted to share some of the test images from it with you ASAP, given the high level of interest in this camera. For now, no interpretation of them, this will be a tidbit for those familiar enough with our test shots and naming scheme to see how the D80 performed under some of our controlled test-lab conditions. (No Marti pix yet unfortunately, Dave and Marti just left on a much needed week's vacation.) Check it out, visit our Nikon D80 Hands-On Preview page, and then click on the "Samples" tab to see what we've got posted so far!
