Print this page
Email this to a friend
Discuss this article (0 Comments)Cool clicks
by ArabianBusiness.com staff writer on Monday, 01 January 2007
zoom
The new year is just around the corner and if you’re planning to start the year by looking through a whole new lens, you’re in luck.
In our last digital camera grouptest in January 2006, four of the five-megapixel cameras we featured boasted price tags ranging from US $380 to $410, however you can now grab a six megapixel camera (or even 6.2) at less than $350 - a great deal in our opinion.
Moreover, most of the upcoming snappers in our test offer 3x optical zoom, which is good for taking close-ups and far-away shots.
We’ve also noticed many manufacturers such as HP and Panasonic have added a larger number of scene modes and made these modes more specific. Scene modes are essentially preset modes designed for different scenarios.
In Panasonic’s FX-01 for instance, you can find modes such as Party, Fireworks as well as Night Potrait. Very useful indeed.
There is also a stylish cam in our test that lets you add great Adobelike effects, all from within the camera.
BenQ DC C540
Slow and steady wins the race, or does it?
Price: $149
Contact: +9714 800 2367
Web: www.benq.com
Rating: 3/5
While the majority of the cameras in our round-up feature six-megapixel CCDs, the DC540 sports a slightly lower-spec five-megapixel one. The camera comes with only 9Mbytes of onboard storage, which we were very surprised to find, considering most of the contenders here boast either 16- or 32Mbytes of memory.
Unlike HP’s R727, the DC540’s interface is quite dull to look at and therefore not a joy to use. It took us around 10-15 minutes to get used to its menu structure and we had to physically refer to the manual to figure out two of the options, namely ‘DPOF’ and ‘AEB’.
The BenQ requires you to hold the ‘On’ button down for about four seconds before it will power up, which is a little annoying. (We noticed the same ‘feature’ with the BenQ DC E520, which we reviewed in our January 2006 grouptest.)
This in contrast to the Sony, Panasonic and the HP, which power up instantly after you hit the ‘On’ button. The Kodak C643 on the other hand took two seconds.
On the plus side, the BenQ sports a big 2.5-inch LCD, which is easy to view in bright conditions. The camera’s still picture and video captures are good quality, but as you might imagine they are not quite as sharp as the Panasonic or Nikon can manage. Like the Kodak C643, the camera also allows you to you protect one or all of your pics to prevent accidental deletion - an excellent idea.
Performance: 3/5
Features: 4/5
Value for money: 3/5
Verdict: The DC540 is a good cam with some innovative features, however its slow start up time, tricky interface and small storage capacity overshadow its strengths.
Kodak Easyshare C643
Did it click with our team?
Price: $210
Contact: +9714 407 4208
Web: www.kodak.com
Rating: 4/5
Just over $200 buys you Kodak’s EasyShare C643, which features a 3x optical zoom and a six-megapixel CCD capable of taking shots at a high resolution of 2848 × 2134 pixels - enough to produce even A3 prints. Like the Sony, the Kodak is the only other camera in our test to feature a viewfinder. This is very useful for framing shots in close quarters or when the LCD washes out in sunlight.
Though most of the cameras in this test are made of metal, Kodak has opted to use plastic for the 643’s body. While this means the C643 is lightweight, it also translates into cheaper feeling build quality.
On the plus side, the C643’s interface is very intuitive and took us about five minutes to get used to. To help prevent blurry images, the EasyShare displays a handshake logo on the LCD when the camera isn’t steady enough. Best of all, unlike the other five snappers here, if you delete a snap accidently, you can simply undelete it- a very handy feature indeed.
In terms of image quality, the C643 produces very decent quality shots, however we did notice that the lens produces a little purple fringing around the edges of high contrast objects (taken in bright sunlight). That aside, the camera’s video capture function is effective, and its content can then be watched on your PC using Apple’s QuickTime app. The only problem we had with this video is that it gets a little distorted if you move around too quickly when shooting.
Performance: 4/5
Features: 4/5
Value for money: 5/5
Verdict: The C643 is a good bargain-buy that offers good speed and a friendly interface, but if you want a cam that has all its bases covered choose the FX-01.
HP Photosmart R727
Sharp looks but sharp snaps?
Price: $245
Contact: +9714 800 4910
Web: www.hp.com/me
Rating: 4/5
With its stylish brushed aluminum body, the six-megapixel R727 is quite a head-turner and becomes even more appealing when you zoom in on its sleek and colorful interface.
This interface is a joy to use and the most user-friendly in this test (with the Kodak EasyShare C643 following closely behind). We were most impressed by the on-camera, Photoshop-like artistic effects.
For instance, you can give your photo a cartoonish effect or turn it into a watercolour painting.
You can even add fun frames to your pics, all via the 727 itself.
As with BenQ’s snapper, the Photosmart doesn’t have too many buttons, which is both good and bad because on one hand you won’t be confused by all its controls, but you’ll also have to do more digging through the menu system.
Unlike the Kodak and the Sony products here, the HP does not include a viewfinder, which means you cannot save battery power by turning off the LCD.
That aside, the camera does boast a very well-executed panorama mode, which shows the edge of the previous image on top of the live image preview, and then stitches up to five images together - all in the camera. This takes about a minute. In our tests, we found the HP’s image quality to be quiet good, with shots full of accurate colours and sufficient detail, however sharpness was nowhere near that of Panasonic’s or Nikon’s offering for that matter.
Performance: 3/5
Features: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Verdict: The sleek R727 offers a plethora of useful features such as in-camera effects and picture stitching. A perfect option then for novice users and happy snappers.
Sony DSC-W30
In focus but slightly out of touch
Price: $272
Contact: +9714 800 7669
Web: www.sonystyle.com
Rating: 4/5
Aside from Kodak’s EasyShare, the Sony DSC-W30 is the only camera in our test to feature a useful view-finder. However, the Sony’s LCD is smaller than those offered by most of its competitors, measuring just two inches, compared to 2.5”.
To keep you from getting lost in the Sony’s menus, full descriptions of each setting or mode appear as you toggle through them. For instance, when changing EV, a prompt reminds you that pressing down on the pad makes the image darker, while pressing up makes the image lighter. Scene modes have their own descriptors too. For example, the High ISO setting helpfully notes that this mode is for ‘shooting without flash in low light, reducing blur.’ Very helpful stuff, especially for beginners.
During testing we were very impressed with this camera’s photos (which we attribute to its high quality Carl Zeiss Vario lens). Pictures come out well exposed under a variety of lighting conditions, with lots of detail thanks to the Sony’s six megapixel CCD .
Additionally, the W30’s start- up time was less than two seconds and reviewing pics was super quick, without any noticeable lag.
Our only niggle with the W30 is that is only boasts six scene modes to help you take perfect snaps. This pales in comparison to BenQ’s 11 and Panasonic’s 16. This is unfortunate, considering the Sony is such an accomplished snapper.
Performance: 4/5
Features: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Verdict: The DSC-W30 offers impressive photo quality and quick, easy operation in one small and good looking camera. We only wish it featured more scene modes.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01
A real sharp shooter
Price: $309
Contact: +9714 803 7333
Web: www.panasonic.com
Rating: 4/5
Panasonic’s DMC FX-01 is a six-megapixel snap per with a 3.6x optical zoom (0.6x more powerful than any of its competitors in this test). Unlike the Kodak EasyShare, this device’s body is made mostly out of metal and so feels very solid in the hand.
The cam boasts a crystal clear, 2.5” LCD screen that is easily viewable in direct sunlight.
Unfortunately, unlike the EasyShare C643 or the Sony DSC-W30 the Panasonic doesn’t include a viewfinder, which means that if its LCD is not working - due to a low battery for example - you cannot take pics at all. That aside, the FX- 01’s controls are laid-out well and thus it’s comfortable to use.
Our test model was silver, but the camera also comes in jet black and a ladylike light pink. In our tests, the image quality of outdoor and indoor shots produced by the FX-01 was very impressive. Its colour representation was wholly accurate (both with and without the flash) and all our snaps boasted impressive levels of detail.
The FX01 comes with an image stabilization feature to prevent blurry shots occurring.
Mode 1 stabilizes the image continuously while it is on the monitor and the shot is being framed, and when the image is captured, where as Mode 2 only turns on the stabilizer when the image is actually being captured. We found Mode 2 the more effective of the two.
Performance: 5/5
Features: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Verdict: A solid and sleek camera that offers strong image quality, an effective stabilizer function and an easy-to-use interface. What more could you want?
Nikon Coolpix S9
What’s in a name?
Price: $326
Contact: +9714 2823700
Web: www.nikon.com
Rating: 4/5
The CoolPix S9 looks similar to HP’s 727 in that both sport an 3x optical zoom that doesn’t actually protrude from the camera’s body. The main difference is that the S9 is much slimmer and more compact than HP’s offering (or Kodak’s for that matter).
In terms of looks, the S9 has a smooth and very attractive silver finish and is solidly built. The camera is good for snapshots, and a one touch button provides quick access to the optimal settings to capture your friends having a great time, such as Nikon’s ‘Portrait’ mode.
Unlike the other five snappers here, once you take a picture with the S9 it checks to see whether the image is blurred or not. If the camera determines it is blurred, a ‘Picture is blurred.
Save picture?’ message appears. We tested this feature by taking pics on and off a solid surface. In three cases the camera displayed the message even though the pic was clear and sharp. In two cases the pic was in fact blurred but the camera didn’t flag this up. Not good. The camera’s button layout is comfortable to use, but we found the placement of the zoom rocker (to the right of the shutter button) unfortunate, since it’s easy to nudge this while you’re waiting to press the shutter.
Niggles aside, the Nikon produces very good images, complete with accurate and adequately saturated colours.
The Nikon also lets you protect your pics from accidental deletion, just like Kodak’s C436.
Performance: 4/5
Features: 4/5
Value for money: 3/5
Verdict: The CoolPix S9 is a good compact snapper boasting strong build quality and a sleek design, however its slightly higher than average price tag is a turn off.
Editor's choice
Panasonic
Lumix DMC-FX01
With its impressive image quality, long feature list and ease of use, Panasonic’s DMC-FX01 easily grabbed our coveted Best Performance award.
In contrast to its competitors here, which offer 3x optical zooms, the FX01 offers a higher 3.6x zoom, which worked extremely well in our tests.
Moreover, the Lumix’s large 2.5- inch LCD made it easy to review our pics and is easily viewable in direct sunlight (a plus considering that the cam lacks a viewfinder).
Apart from its image quality, what also impressed our team about the FX-01 was the sheer number of scene modes it offers. It offers over 15 modes including Party, Night Scenery and our favourite - Starry Night.
During our tests these modes produced some great shots and even our friends were impressed. Video clips were also very easy to capture and sound was clear.
Even more impressive is the fact the FX01 is the only camera in this test to boast a three-year warranty. But that’s not all; you also get a 512Mbyte SD card with the cam. Quite a bundle! Sony’s W30 also stood out thanks to its attractive looks and sharp captures. Its interface is also attractive and easy to use.
Missing though is a sufficient number of modes to help you always take perfect pics.
Kodak
Easyshare C643
Thanks to its bargain price, ease-of-use and good quality captures, Kodak’s EasyShare C643 walked away with our Best Value award.
At only $210, the camera is the cheapest in our test and yet it offers many of the specs that more expensive models featured.
For instance, the Nikon features a 6.1 megapixel CCD, a 2.5-inch screen and 24Mbytes of onboard storage for $326.
The Kodak on the other hand, costs less, and offers the same features, but includes 32Mbytes of onboard storage and packs in a viewfinder too.
More importantly, the Kodak takes stunning quality snaps, and you also get a welldesigned interface that’s truly a joy to use. Additionally, the C643 is a quick starter. It takes just two seconds to get into shooting mode after turning it on.
The C643 also comes with an ‘Undo Delete’ option, which means you can retrieve pics you’ve accidently deleted. An excellent feature and one that’s not present in any of the cameras in this test.
HP’s R727 also impressed thanks to its quality 6.2 CCD and excellent in-camera affects.
Unfortunately it costs $35 more than the Kodak, features similar specs and does not include the much-needed viewfinder. Thus, it just missed at on our Best Value prize.
To test each cam, we took six shots in daylight, six indoors (both with and without a flash) and several at night.
Cameras that produced sharp and clear images out of the box without making any adjustments to their settings, gained high performance scores. We also tried out each product's ‘scene modes’ and tested these out using appropriate scenarios. Additionally, we clocked the start-up time for each camera. Those that took two seconds or less scored high on performance figures.
Features such as viewfinders, and numerous effective scene modes were taken into account when deciding on a cam’s feature score.
Cameras were also judged on their build quality and ease of use; in other words how easy it is to hold a camera and how simple its interface is to navigate. Cams that felt solid gained on the feature score whereas cams that appeared slightly flimsy lost out. Meanwhile, shooters that offered the most bang for their buck in terms of features, image quality, accessories and warranty gained on the value score.
READERS' COMMENTS
MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM
TOP IN MIDDLE EAST TECHNOLOGY
TOP MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS STORIES
ALSO IN MIDDLE EAST TECHNOLOGY
LATEST MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS PRODUCTS
RELATED STORIES
BenQ
| 32 stories- Inside Iran
22 Dec '08 | Features - BenQ launches 'dream netbook'
17 Dec '08 | News - BenQ prepares to enter netbook arena
20 Oct '08 | News
Hewlett-Packard Company (HP)
| 268 stories- Data storage unpicked
16 Dec '08 | Features - HP talks shop
14 Dec '08 | Interviews - HP reveals new software solutions
10 Dec '08 | News
Kodak Dubai
| 9 stories- Motorola teams up with Kodak on new handset
24 Jun '08 | News - Carestream makes local show debut
9 Feb '08 | News - New arrivals
1 Apr '07 | Features
Nikon
| 3 stories- Top 15 innovations of last 50 years
6 Feb '08 | Features - Nikon announces record results
1 Dec '06 | News
Panasonic Marketing ME FZE
| 37 stories- In your eyes
11 Dec '08 | Features - Sign of the times
16 Nov '08 | Features - Steady shot
11 Nov '08 | Features
Sony Gulf Co.
| 111 stories- On the move
2 Dec '08 | Features - Digital cinema speeds up
9 Nov '08 | Features - Sony batteries recalled amid overheating concerns
2 Nov '08 | News
Mobile
EMIRATES ID DOWNLOAD
