Sony: Video recording will be a necessity in dSLRs

It is ironic for Sony to comment that a video-recording feature will be a necessity for dSLRs, because its recently launched Alpha DSLR-A230, A330 and A380 entry-level models don't sport this function.

The trio will face fierce competition from Canon's EOS 500D and Nikon's D5000 which offer a minimum of HD-quality movie recording. Also, the pricing of the A380 in the US (US$850) is almost similar to the Canon dSLR. So why should consumers pick the Alpha over the 500D?
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Casio megazoom has extreme battery life

Casio joined the list of manufacturers with a pocketable megazoom Thursday with the announcement of the EX-H10. In retail around mid-July, the US$299.99 12-megapixel camera is fronted by a wide-angle 24mm lens with a 10x zoom with CCD-shift image stabilization in a body that's 2.4cm thick and weighs only 164g. Even more impressive, though, is Casio's battery life claim of a 1,000 shots on a single charge.
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Fujifilm introduces first touchscreen point-and-shoot

Fujifilm has just added its first touchscreen camera, the FinePix Z300fd, to its point-and-shoot portfolio. Similar to other Z-series shooters, the touch-operated snapper features a sliding lens cover and is available in four classy shades--pink, purple, white and black.

The 10-megapixel Z300fd has a 3-inch LCD on the rear and users can tap anywhere on the screen to lock focus on the subject. The 5x optical zoom lens is widest at 36mm and can reach up to 180mm. It's a pity the Fujifilm doesn't have wide-angle optics, but it is understandable as point-and-shoots using the folding lens design (such as the Sony Cyber-shot T series) usually don't offer such a feature.

Fujifilm Singapore was not able to confirm with us the Z300fd's pricing and availability at press time, but we are expecting the company to get back to us soon with more information.

Eye-Fi rolls out Pro Wi-Fi for wireless transfers

Adding a few much-asked-for features to its wireless SD card, Eye-Fi extends its eponymous product line to appeal to more than just point-and-shoot-equipped photographers. The new Eye-Fi Pro builds on the capabilities of last year's Eye-Fi Explore Video--photo geotagging via Skyhook Wireless' Wi-Fi location triangulation and camera-based Web uploads of photos and videos via Wi-Fi networks.

To that it adds three key features: support for raw file transfers, the capability to connect directly to a computer via an ad-hoc wireless connection and selective file transfer. In addition, the company is surfacing a software feature--relayed uploads--which allows for transfers to your home system via the Internet. The company plans to trickle this capability down the product line, too.
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Nikon adds NiMH battery option for the L100

It seems Nikon has realized the Coolpix L100's lack of support for rechargeable NiMH batteries wasn't the greenest move (or maybe it was a secret plan all along). The digital camera manufacturer announced Tuesday an eventual firmware update to correct the situation.

I get the convenience of AA batteries in pocket cameras, but the L100 requires four of them and only supports alkaline and lithium-ion disposable batteries, approximately good for 350 and 900 shots, respectively. The NiMH option will get you around 600 shots before you need to charge up.

According to Nikon, the firmware update will be available in summer 2009, making this budget point-and-shoot megazoom a more attractive option. Of course, this doesn't improve its merely OK photo quality or the fact that you can't control ISO. But for some, that comes second to having a 15x zoom lens and AA batteries as a power source.

Being released simultaneously with the firmware update are a four pack of Nikon AA NiMH batteries (EN-MH2-B4) and a charger/battery combo set.

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