GE E1250TW is General Imaging’s digital camera that features a 12.2 megapixel image sensor, 28mm wide angle 5x optical zoom lens.

There’s no optical viewfinder in the camera, but there’s a 3.0″ touch-screen LCD display that offers an Auto Adjust Brightness function to correct for ambient lighting conditions and make it viewable.

General Imaging E1250 is a point-and-shoot digital camera. It has a full auto mode, twelve scene modes and an Auto Scene Detection mode that selects an appropriate scene automatically.

There’s also face detection capability, as well as Blink Detection function which warn the user when their subject has closed their eyes during, and a Smile Detection function that automatically triggers the shutter while your subject is smiling. Red-Eye Removal function also helps to shoot nice portraits without effort.

Unfortunately, there’s no form of mechanical image stabilization in the GE1250TW, only an “Electronic Image Stabilizer” which raises the ISO sensitivity, which allows for shorter shutter speed to freeze motion. But image noise appears at high ISO levels and detail is lost.

There’s also a Pan-Capture Panorama mode that automatically stitches together a panorama created by simply panning the camera across the scene.

Camera Previews: imaging-resource.com, letsgodigital.org.

General Electric E1250TW – Specifications:

• 12.2Megapixels
• Maximum Image Size: 4032 x 3024 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
• Movie Resolution: 640×480, 320×240
• 5x Optical Zoom
• Focal Length Equivalent: 28 - 140mm
• Aperture Range: f/3.3 (W) - f/5.1 (T)
• 3.0 inch Touch-screen LCD Display
• Sensitivity: ISO80 - 1600
• Shutter Speed: 30 - 1/2000
• Metering Modes: Artificial Intelligence AE (Ai AE), Center-Weighted Average, Spot
• 12 Scene Modes
• Face/Smile/Blink Detection
• In-camera Red-Eye Removal
• In-camera Panorama
• Macro Focus: 5 cm
• 116.0 Internal Memory + SDHC / SD Card
• Lithium-ion Proprietary GB-40 Rechargeable Battery
• Available in black, red, silver, pink
• Retail Price: $199.00

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The Samsung HZ15W aka WB550 is a pocket digital camera with a, 24mm wide-angle 10x optical zoom lens. This 12 megapixel camera also has a large 3 inch LCD screen, Dual Image Stabilization, and HD video recording.

The HZ15W upgrades from its predecessor, the HZ10W aka WB500. It is available in black and dark grey.

Samsung’s own ‘Smart Auto’ mode makes the camera recognize and automatically adjusts its settings to deliver optimum results. Smart Auto, Face Detection, Smile Shot, Blink Detection, Self Portrait and Beauty Shot promise to make it easier for beginners to easily take great photos.

There is also a choice of 15 scene modes in the camera such as Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-up, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Self shot, Food, Café. And more experienced users can take advantage of Manual settings mode.

The Samsung HZ15W offers High Definition 1280×720 pixels video clips which can be paused mid-record and recording then re-started – that’s how ‘editing’ function works. Nice that optical zoom is accessible when shooting movies.

Among its interesting features we see Frame Guide for strangers to take perfect shot of you, and Smart Album, a contents management program within the camera that makes it quick and easy to store and manage your photo collection.

Camera Reviews:

Photographyblog.com:
Though it is beginner friendly, Samsung’s HZ15W fortunately doesn’t look cheap and cheerful. With ideal shooting conditions it impresses with its vivid, color-rich imagery but sometimes it might look slightly unrealistic.

Sample Photo Galleries: photographyblog.com.

Samsung HZ15W aka WB550 – Specifications:

• 1/2.33″ CCD Sensor
• 12.1 Megapixels
• Focal Length Equivalent: 24 - 240mm
• Aperture Range: F3.3 (W) - F5.8 (T)
• 3.0″ LCD Display with 460000pixels
• Focus: Centre AF, Multi AF, Selection AF, Manual Focus, Face Detection AF)
• Macro Focus: 5cm
• Sensitivity: ISO80 - 3200
• Metering: Multi, Spot, Centre Weighted, Face Detection AE
• Image Stabilization: Dual IS (Optical +Digital)
• Shutter Speed: 16 - 1/1500sec
• Shooting Modes: Auto, Program, Manual, Dual IS, Beauty Shot, Night, Scene
• 14 Scene Modes
• Smart Album
• Frame Guide
• Perfect Portrait Technology: Face Detection, Smile Shutter, Blink Detection, Self Shot, Beauty Shot
• Movie Mode: 1280 x 720 (30fps) with optical zoom
• 30MB Internal Memory
• Rechargeable Battery
• Price: $309.00

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The Casio Exilim EX-S5 aka the Casio EX-Z1 in Europe is an ultra-slim and stylish compact point-and-shoot digital camera with 10 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens and 2.7-inch LCD screen. It is a budget digital camera.

The Casio S5’s 3x optical zoom is not the longest one and the lens is not very fast - f/3.1 at the wide end and f/5.8 when it’s fully zoomed out. The camera’s 2.7 inch LCD has a wide viewing angle from left to right, but its resolution is rather poor - just 114,960 dots. There is no optical viewfinder on this model.

The EX-S5 is an extremely well-made, very compact digital camera, with a shiny metal body in the choice of 6 colors and excellent overall finish. The only minor drawback is the lack of any handgrip on the front.

The camera has an Easy Mode targeted at beginners, it effectively sets all of the camera options apart from the flash, self-timer and image size. The Casio EX-S5 offers Auto and a range of 23 different scene modes as well.

Among its other useful features are Face Detection, electronic anti-shake, YouTube mode for uploading video and 16:9 wide-screen format movies.

Camera Reviews:

Photographyblog.com:
As it’s a budget model, the EX-Z1 isn’t going to impress you. Image quality is satisfactory rather than outstanding, with noise and loss of detail at relatively slow ISO speeds, significant barrel distortion at the wider-angle focal lengths, and a disappointing macro mode.

Sample Photo Galleries: photographyblog.com.

Casio Exilim EX-S5 – Specifications:

• 1/2.3 inch CCD Sensor
• 10.1 Megapixels
• Maximum Image Size: 3648 x 2736 pixels
• 3x Optical Zoom
• Aperture Range: F3.1 (W) to F5.6 (T)
• Focal Length Equivalent: 35.5 to 106.5mm
• 2.7″ LCD with 114,960 pixels
• Exposure Metering: Multi-pattern, centre weighted, spot by imaging element
• Shutter Speed: 4 to 1/2000sec
• Sensitivity: ISO64 - ISO3200
• YouTube(TM) Capture Mode
• Face Detection
• BESTSHOT (23 predefined scenarios)
• Contrast Detection Focus
• Continuous Mode: 0.7 frames per second
• Movie Mode: 848×480 or 640×480 pixels at 30fps
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Battery Life: 210 still images
• Recommended Price: £149.99 / $159.99

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SANYO Europe announces two new compact digital cameras – the VPC-S1275 and the VPC-E1090. They feature 12 and 10 megapixels of resolution respectively. Both cameras are very easy to use and are extremely compact in size and will fit in any pocket or small bag.

Other features include 3x optical zoom and large 2.7 inch LCD that helps amateur photographers to compose and view their images. The camera has a number of scene modes such as Beach, Party, or Night Scenery, etc. They optimize settings for every situation.

With these 2 Sanyo cameras self-portraits are no longer a problem: in Self-portrait mode, the face automatically identified and focused and camera takes the image automatically, you don’t even need to trigger the shutter. Smile and Face Detection are also included in these cameras.

The VPC-S1275 and the VPC-E1090 also offer a selection of 9 different picture frames to add more fun to the process of taking pictures.

The S1275 is equipped with two AA batteries; the E1090 is with a lithium-ion battery. Both cameras have an internal memory of 16 megabytes and support SDHC cards up to 16 GB.

The initial model VPC-S1275 is on two AA batteries, which VPC-E1090 is equipped with a lithium-ion battery, with battery life of 220 shots.

Sanyo VPC-S1275 and VPC-E1090 cameras – Specifications:

• 12 Megapixel (S1275) / 10 Megapixels (E1090)
• 3x Optical Zoom
• 2.7-inch LCD Screen
• Movie Mode: 640*480 at 30fps
• 16 MB Internal Memory,
• Support SDHC cards up to 16 GB
• Colors: Classic Black for the S1275, silver metal for the VPC-E1090
• Suggested Price: 109 euros for S1275, 119 euros for the E1090

According to dcviews.com.

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The Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM is a compact and lightweight lens with a 50mm focal length. It is designed for α digital SLRs with APS-C type image sensor so on a 35mm format camera it will give focal length of 75mm. This lens boasts excellent portability and operability.

The DT 50mm F1.8 SAM is an ideal choice for first-time fixed focal length lens buyers. It is said to deliver excellent color balance, crisp, natural imaging with high contrast and resolution.

It features a large, bright F1.8 maximum aperture and a circular aperture mechanism for smooth background defocusing that is ideal for portraits and. Such a fast aperture can be used in tandem with your camera body’s integrated SteadyShot™ image stabilization to assure excellent low-light shooting performance.

The DT 50 mm F1.8’s aperture range extends from F1.8 to F22 to provide you with expanded control over depth of field and dynamic expression. As a result, it offers a valuable of range of photographic expression that goes beyond what you can experience with standard zoom lenses.

The lens features Sony’s newly-developed Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM). It responds instantly to AF drive control signals from the camera and delivers power with smoothness and precision.

Lens Reviews:

Slrgear.com:
While the lens is just slightly soft at ƒ/1.8, but when stopped down to ƒ/2.8 it provides sharp images indeed. Chromatic aberration is very well-handled, though when used wide open there is a bit of corner shading. Distortion is also very slightly noticeable. Only it could be better if it were full-frame compatible.

Alternatives: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 HSM Lens,

Sony 50mm ƒ/1.8 SAM - Specifications:

• Image Circle: APS-C
• Type: Standard Prime
• Focal Length: 50mm
• Focal Length APS Equivalent: 75mm
• Max Aperture: ƒ/1.8
• Min Aperture: ƒ/22
• 7 Circular Diaphragm Blades
• Lens Construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
• Diagonal Angle of View (Based on image circle): 32 degrees
• Front focus; Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM)
• Front Element Rotation
• Closest Focus: 0.34m / 1.1 ft.
• Magnification Ratio: 0.2x / 1:5
• Filter Size: 49mm
• Dimensions (Length x Diameter): 45mm x 70mm / 1.8 in. x 2.8 in.
• Weight: 170g / 6.0 oz
• Included Accessories: Lens Hood
• Typical Online Price: US$150

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