Camera Reviews

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 12.1MP Digital Camera with 8x POWER Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Blue) Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 12.1MP Digital Camera with 8x POWER Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Blue) Feature

• 12.1-megapixel resolution
• 25mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens; 8x zoom, Power O.I.S.
• Capture HD video at 1280×720, 30fps
• 2.7-inch TFT LCD screen
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

My wife has a Canon SD300 that is still quite serviceable but she often complained that it took too long to get the shot. After much searching, I found that the Lumix seemed to get good marks for “shutter lag”. Overall, the camera appears to be pretty nimble. It also has a gorgeous, big LCD display. Its ability to take HD movies (720p) and widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio) photos were also compelling purchase points.

I bought this camera knowing full well that there is some controversy regarding its latest firmware upgrade (1.2), which prevents the use of third party batteries. However, the camera came with firmware version 1.0, so I think I’m not affected. (I’m also not aware of any compelling reason to upgrade the firmware, thus far.) My only gripe is the lack of an external power jack. The battery can only be recharged outside of the camera in the supplied battery charger. Given how cheap the camera was for the features it provides, I can overlook that. I bought an 8GB memory card along with the camera to be able to make good use of its movie-taking capability. So far, I’m quite pleased with my purchase.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 12.1MP Digital Camera with 8x POWER Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Blue) Overview

12.1-megapixel effective recording * 8X optical zoom (4X digital/32X total zoom) * 2-11/16″ LCD screen * optical image stabilization * wide-angle Leica DC lens for shooting landscapes and large groups * 35mm equivalent focal length: 25-200mm * top JPEG resolution: 4000 x 3000 * face detection adjusts focus and exposure settings for better portraits * scene recognition identifies shooting conditions and selects optimal settings * intelligent ISO detects subject movement and adjusts camera settings to prevent blur * high sensitivity mode for better low-light and flash-free shooting * variable burst mode lets you select shooting resolution and speed (up to 10 frames per second) *

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 12.1MP Digital Camera with 8x POWER Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Blue) Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 28, 2010 23:45:28

Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 with Softfocus Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Review

Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 with Softfocus Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Feature

• EF mount; telephoto lens
• Internal focusing; aspherical lens
• 135mm focal length
• f/2.8 maximum aperture
• Rear focusing system with Autofocus drive

I am an amateur photographer using this lense on a Canon 40D to take portraits or anything that requires some reach. The lense is light, which I love, since I can carry it with me everyday. The built is solid and more than well enough to hold up with my use- lots of tossing in the bookbag type of handling.
The lense autofocus (AF)is from the older generation of AF by Canon. It makes this cool, sharp, and distinct wirring sound that isn’t too lound that I like. All my other Canon lenses are just plain quiet and I do miss that mechanical buzzing of things that actually moves. The manual focus is disable whenever the autofocus is turned on. For my usage, which is casual everyday multipurpose photo snapping that includes some wildlife, candid, low light, and photojournal photography, the autofocus is more than fast enough. For low light situation, I have used this lense indoor during the evening with decent lighting and it performs fine. So far, I have not encountered any flaring or optical aberrations that catch my attention as an amateur photographer.
As for sharpness, contrast and image quality, I find the lense very good. I can’t tell the differences between this lense and my 70-200 f/4L IS. Of course, I am not a pixel maniac, so I can’t tell the differences if any exist. If you need or want a high performance 135mm lense, then perhaps you should look more into the 135mm f/2L lense that Canon has. That seems to be the most popular choice for people when they talk about 135mm lense. However, if your need is a consumer level 135mm lense, then this lense is the one.
Finally for the highlight of this lense. Its unique, and best feature of soft focus put it in a class of its own. Soft focus allows the photographer to soften an otherwise very sharp image into that glamorous superstar type of shot that looks very good for facial portraits and creative uses. With some side lighting or back lighting, I get to have a lot of fun with glamor photography through the use of soft focus; it is a wonderfully fun lense, and I am so glad to have one. No other Canon lenses on the market can do what this lense does, and I think that other makers such as Nikon don’t even have it in their lineup, with the exception of a very few makers such as Pentax. When the soft focus is turned off, it is a sharp, sharp little lense. Of course, I am aware that through graphic programs like Photoshop, one can try to mimic what this lense can do in post processing, but it isn’t the same. It will also take some work to imitate the effect.
For its versatility of functionality, creativity, and value in prices. I rate this lense top notch!

Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 with Softfocus Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Overview

A unique, compact telephoto lens that gives the choice of razor-sharp images, or with the twist of a ring, two degrees of soft focus. It works by applying “softness over sharpness,” using deliberate spherical aberration on top of a sharp “core” image at apertures from f/2.8 thru 5.6; images taken at apertures smaller than f/5.6 are always sharp. Autofocus continues to function, with or without the soft focus in use. This lens is an ideal addition to a portrait or scenic photographers arsenal. A perfect combination with an EOS Digital SLR, with the camera enabling review of soft focus effect on the LCD monitor.

Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 with Softfocus Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 27, 2010 23:25:06

Tamrac 5547 Adventure 7 Photo Backpack (Gray/Black) Review

Tamrac 5547 Adventure 7 Photo Backpack (Gray/Black) Feature

• Modern backpack designed for the SLR photographer with a large digital or film SLR with a grip and lens attached, several lenses and accessories.
• Lower section is a completely foam-padded camera bag compartment, while the upper section functions like a traditional backpack
• Features Tamrac’s patented Memory & Battery Management System that uses red flags to identify which memory cards and batteries are available.
• Foam-padded camera compartment has a weather flap and quick-release buckle for security and weather protection.
• Two mesh pockets on the sides provide quick access to accessories and water bottles.

I have had this pack for several months and have used it on many occasions.
I have really grown to like the chest and waist straps. My regular photo pack has them and I never got around to using them until I got the 5547. The upper compartment is way to small for a jacket so I carry some string to tie a jacket to the pack after I drape it over the top. The top compartment is very handy for camera accessories and some food items like sandwiches, fruit bars, cookies, etc. The bottom compartment works fine for transporting a camera and lenses. In my case the compartment has room for a Nikon D300 with 18-105mm lens attached (facing down), a 10-17mm fisheye lens, and a 60mm macro. Once I get to the venue I hang the camera around my neck and move the spare lenses to the upper compartment. Some items in the upper get relocated to the lower. The reason I do this is to make the camera lenses more accessible. Getting at items in the lower section involves taking the pack off your back. My wife can easily retrieve something out of the upper compartment for me without undoing the straps and removing the pack. Overall this has been a really good “day pack” for those times when we are out for the afternoon and are not taking our full complement of photo gear.
Finally, I have looked at other packs where the bottom compartment is accessible via the side or front. Some are “sling packs”, are to small, to big, and do not have chest and waist belts. None of these packs are perfect but the 5547 had the best combination of features for my intended use.

Tamrac 5547 Adventure 7 Photo Backpack (Gray/Black) Overview

This modern backpack was designed for the SLR photographer with a large digital or film SLR with a grip and lens attached, several lenses, a flash and accessories. The new Adventure 7 features a youthful, modern and sleek design that, for security, does not look like a camera bag. In this uniquely designed backpack, the lower section is a completely foam-padded camera bag compartment, while the upper section functions like a traditional backpack to hold a light jacket, lunch or other personal items needed on your next photo adventure. The front pocket features Tamrac’s patented Memory & Battery Management System that uses red flags to identify which memory cards and batteries are available. The foam-padded camera compartment has a weather flap and quick-release buckle for security and weather protection. Two mesh pockets on the sides provide quick access to accessories and water bottles. Two lash tabs on the bottom of the backpack can accommodate a compact tripod (requires accessory straps). Also features Tamrac’s Strap Accessory System attachment points for customizing with optional S.A.S. products.

Tamrac 5547 Adventure 7 Photo Backpack (Gray/Black) Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 26, 2010 23:20:34

SquareTrade 3-Year Camera/Camcorder Warranty (0-125 Items) Review

SquareTrade 3-Year Camera/Camcorder Warranty (0-125 Items) Feature

• Coverage: 3 years of mechanical and electrical failures from normal use, starting from item purchase date.
• Claims:  SquareTrade will fix the item or pay you the full replacement cost of the item.  Zero Deductibles.
• Service:  Free two-way pre-paid shipping for mail-in service.  5 day service guaranteed!
• Common camera failures include zoom lens not moving, internal memory failure and LCD screen burn-out.
• No Paper: SquareTrade will email your contract within 24 hours and let you store your receipts with us for a paperless claims process. You will not be mailed a contract.

Square Trade aftermarket warranties are a good value for the price, which is considerably less than those the electronic stores try to sell you. I purchased a Sony Handycam and tried a Square Trade warranty which was .00 for 3 years. Toward the end of the warranty the focus during a zoom did not always work or did not keep up with the zoom. I called Square Trade. They told me to get a price quote locally to have the item fixed. The quote I received was only less than the cost of the camera. When I reported that to Square Trade, they sent me a prepaid UPS mailing label. Three days after they received the malfunctioning camera I had the total warranty value in my PayPal account. I will purchase other Square Trade warranties on small complicated electronics in the future.

SquareTrade 3-Year Camera/Camcorder Warranty (0-125 Items) Overview

SquareTrade Care Plans are great value and cost on average 10-15% of the item price for 3 years of coverage. That is 40% lower on average than traditional warranties.  Upon purchase, you will get an email confirmation.  You will not be mailed a paper contract.  If you have questions, please call: 1.877.WARRANTY.

SquareTrade 3-Year Camera/Camcorder Warranty (0-125 Items) Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 25, 2010 23:15:35

Opteka LP-E6 2200mAh Ultra High Capacity Li-ion Battery Pack & Rapid Charger for Canon EOS 7D & 5D Mark II Digital SLR Cameras Review

Opteka LP-E6 2200mAh Ultra High Capacity Li-ion Battery Pack & Rapid Charger for Canon EOS 7D & 5D Mark II Digital SLR Cameras Feature

• Ultra high power True 2200mAh
• Extended shots – Up to 25% more then original
• Memory free for maximum performance
• Lithium Ion 7.4v, Brand new, 2 Year performance warranty
• LP-E6 Battery Charger Included

I needed a cheap back up for my battery. And this one fit the bill. I knew it was a bit of a gamble not buying the canon but for a back up battery in those odd occasions when you don’t have time to wait while your battery recharges you are good to go. Didn’t get 5 stars just because the camera cannot communicate with the batery thus you can’t see how much power is remaining in the battery. But again, this is not really a big deal as the battery is just a back up, and for the price you can’t beat it.

Opteka LP-E6 2200mAh Ultra High Capacity Li-ion Battery Pack & Rapid Charger for Canon EOS 7D & 5D Mark II Digital SLR Cameras Overview

The high-capacity Opteka LP-E6 rechargeable lithium-ion 2200mAh battery is a high quality replacement for Canon LP-E6 Battery. It features lithium technology, which ensures maximum battery life and maximum power. It also features no memory effect that lets you recharge partially drained batteries without reducing performance. Beware of low quality knockoffs, they can often damage your camera. Opteka Batteries are Guaranteed.

The Opteka LP-E6 can only be charged with the included battery charger.

Works for the following: Canon EOS 7D & 5D Mark II

Opteka LP-E6 2200mAh Ultra High Capacity Li-ion Battery Pack & Rapid Charger for Canon EOS 7D & 5D Mark II Digital SLR Cameras Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 24, 2010 23:10:14

TechFuel® Travel Battery Charger for FujiFilm FinePix J38 Digital Camera Review

TechFuel® Travel Battery Charger for FujiFilm FinePix J38 Digital Camera Feature

• Charger kit mounts directly to an A/C wall outlet for easy, compact use. The charger’s AC prongs fold into charger body eliminating entanglements with cords and scratching expensive equipment. Charger kit also includes DC car adapter.
• This charger is for charging your battery only. The charger does not work as an AC adapter or docking station for your digital camera or camcorder.
• Charger automatically switches to handle voltage inputs from 100 volts to 240 volts. Great for travel!

TechFuel® Travel Battery Charger for FujiFilm FinePix J38 Digital Camera Overview

This TechFuel® Battery Charger is specifically designed to charge the batteries for your FujiFilm FinePix J38 Digital Camera. TechFuel® Battery Chargers feature the latest battery charging technology, the highest quality components, and meet or exceed OEM specifications. TechFuel® Battery Chargers are designed to charge your battery in the most efficent manner possible. All TechFuel® products have a one-year limited warranty and a thirty-day money back guarantee. The TechFuel® name, images, and contents of this Batteryheads listing are protected by trademarks and copyrights. Copyright © 2008 Batteryheads

TechFuel® Travel Battery Charger for FujiFilm FinePix J38 Digital Camera Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 23, 2010 23:05:16

Fujifilm FinePix S1500 10MP Digital Camera w/ 12x Wide Angle Dual Image Stabilized Optical Zoom BigVALUEInc Accessory Saver 8GB NiMH Battery/Rapid Charger Bundle Review

Fujifilm FinePix S1500 10MP Digital Camera w/ 12x Wide Angle Dual Image Stabilized Optical Zoom BigVALUEInc Accessory Saver 8GB NiMH Battery/Rapid Charger Bundle Feature

• Fujifilm FinePix S1500 10MP Digital Camera Brand New USA w/ Manufacturer’s Supplied Accessories
• 8GB Secure Digital SDHC Memory Card + USB Card Reader
• 2600MaH AA NiMH High Capacity Rechargeable Batteries and Rapid Charger
• Padded Carrying Case w/ Carrying Strap + Mini Table Top Tripod
• Plus More – See Description

Fujifilm FinePix S1500 10MP Digital Camera w/ 12x Wide Angle Dual Image Stabilized Optical Zoom BigVALUEInc Accessory Saver 8GB NiMH Battery/Rapid Charger Bundle Overview

This Kit Includes:
1- Fujifilm FinePix S1500 10MP Digital Camera Brand New USA w/ Manufacturer’s Supplied Accessories
1- 8GB SD/HC Memory Card (Dont Miss a Memory!)
1- USB SD Memory Card Reader (Download Images Quicker!)
1- 2600MaH AA NiMH Batteries Plus Travel Rapid Charger (Shoot Longer and Stronger!)
1- Padded Carrying Case w/Strap
1- Memory Card Wallet (Stay Organized!)
1- Pack of LCD Screen Protectors (Protect from Dust & Scratches!)
1- Lens/LCD Cleaning Kit
1- Mini Table Top Tripod
More about this camera:
The 10 Megapixels FinePix S1500 features a versatile Fujinon 12x optical zoom (33mm-396mm equivalent), Face Detection technology with Auto red-eye removal, Dual Image Stabilization, and Tracking Auto Focus function. This, along with features such as Panorama Shooting Mode and Instant zoom, make the FinePix S1500 a camera that will suit every member of the family.
Supplied Manufacturer Accessories in addition to mentioned above:
4 x AA-size Batteries, USB Cable, A/V Cable, Camera Strap, Lens Cap, Software CD-ROM, 1 Year USA Warranty.

Fujifilm FinePix S1500 10MP Digital Camera w/ 12x Wide Angle Dual Image Stabilized Optical Zoom BigVALUEInc Accessory Saver 8GB NiMH Battery/Rapid Charger Bundle Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 22, 2010 23:00:22

Nikon Coolpix L110 12.1MP Digital Camera with 15x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3.0″ LCD (Black) Review

Nikon Coolpix L110 12.1MP Digital Camera with 15x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3.0″ LCD (Black) Feature

• 12.1 megapixels for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches
• Incredible 15x wide-angle optical (28-420mm) Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens
• Bright 3.0-inch high-resolution HVGA (460k-dot) Clear Color Display
• HD Movie with HDMI output; 5-way VR Image Stabilization System
• EXPEED Image Processing; Smart Portrait System

I bought the L110 for the main purpose of taking pictures of my two kids. They are not still subjects and the L110 is doing a great job in keeping up the pace with them. It pops-up in like 2 seconds and is shooting rounds of pictures at max resolution (12.1). That’s for speed.

Wide angle and super-zoom are in the manual. What is impressive is that at max zoom (digital zoom included) – with no tripod – I get to take sharp pictures. That’s for image stabilization.

After ~500 pics and ~30 min of HD video, the original AA Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries are still fully functional. No warning yet.

The stereo HD video recording under the same hood is a treat. The maximum length for one video session is 30 minute (regardless of SD capacity) which is decent for birthday parties and similar.

Unfortunately, this is no camera phone that you can slip into a pocket until you need it. The only draw back I can see.
I test drove both Nikon Coolpix L110 and Canon SX200IS before I decided on Nikon. Size is the only advantage of the compact vs bridge, although price is higher for that particular Canon.

L110 is a stylish piece of equipment and an ergonomic one: I can easily operate it with only one hand.
The menu is really simple and intuitive… even for the feminine intuition…

All in all, a great camera and some well spent money.

Nikon Coolpix L110 12.1MP Digital Camera with 15x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3.0″ LCD (Black) Overview

15x Zoom and wide-angle capability bring special moments closer. The fun starts with the compositional freedom of a 15x zoom, NIKKOR lens with 28mm wide-angle to 420mm super-telephoto coverage1 and macro shooting capability. Designed to deliver advanced photographic performance through easy operation, the COOLPIX L110 will help you capture those special moments with quality and ease.

Nikon Coolpix L110 12.1MP Digital Camera with 15x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3.0″ LCD (Black) Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 21, 2010 22:55:33

Casio EX-Z550 14.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Zoom with CCD Shift Image Stabilization and 2.7 inch LCD (Red) Review

Casio EX-Z550 14.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Zoom with CCD Shift Image Stabilization and 2.7 inch LCD (Red) Feature

• 14.1-megapixel resolution
• 4x wide-angle optical zoom; 2.7-inch LCD screen
• Newly-developed EXILIM Engine 5.0
• Make composite images of different moving images with Dynamic Photo; Art Shot Function
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Casio EX-Z550 14.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Zoom with CCD Shift Image Stabilization and 2.7 inch LCD (Red) Overview

Casio EX-Z550 14.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Zoom with CCD Shift Image Stabilization and 2.7 inch LCD (Red) Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 20, 2010 22:50:20

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Review

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Feature

• Engineered for Nikon DX-format digital SLRs – Optical formula optimized for use with Nikon DX-format digital SLRs
• Aspherical lens element – Minimizes coma and other types of lens aberrations, further improving image integrity
• Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) – Enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare
• Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) – Enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocus
• Close focusing to one foot for creative perspectives and versatility

This lense lives up to it’s excellent reputation, providing sharp photos with nice colors and bokeh. Picture quality is a definite step-up from the 18-35mm kit lens. I shoot mostly photos of my kids at home and at parties. This lense works best for me at home, shooting photos of one to a few subjects. I miss the ability to zoom out when I try to snap shots of several people at once, particularly kids in action within rooms where I have limited ability to back up. For these situations I switch back to my handy 18-55mm, which provides very good shots particularly at smaller apertures. Hence, I thought I could put my 18-55mm aside and rely solely on the 35mm, but I feel that my use will now be more like 10-20% with the 18-55mm and 80-90% with my 35mm. As for no-flash indoor portraits, the 35mm really performs, giving me professional looking results with my D40.

I highly recommend this lense. Despite the fact it does not zoom out, I still give it 5 stars since I fully was aware of this fact by purchasing a prime lens. On the other hand, the 35mm really seems to be better than the Nikkor 50mm in this regard as the it does not magnify much of what you see with your naked eye.

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Overview

35mm f/1.8 standard lens * designed for Nikon DX SLR cameras * ideal for everyday use * minimum focus distance: 12 in. * minimum aperture: f/22 *

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 19, 2010 22:25:24