Shutterbugs have plenty of new options when it comes to selecting a digital camera. Nikon, Kodak, and Casio all are adding models to their existing lineups, while Aiwa enters the fray with the release of its first digital camera.
Many of the new cameras were introduced at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. All of the new devices offer fresh features at prices that should attract attention.
Aiwa Goes Quirky
Aiwa, known for home stereo systems and portable audio devices, is unveiling its first digital camera with a new twist. Instead of using a memory card for storing images, the AZ-C7 implements the company's proprietary 32MB Pavit USB flash drive. The drive can also be used a la carte--for example, to transport documents between PCs.
The 2.1-megapixel AZ-C7 has a compact, round body; a tiny flash; a battery compartment on one side; and the Pavit USB drive on the bottom. It has a 42mm fixed lens and a 1.5-inch LCD. However, the camera lacks an optical viewfinder. It runs on a rechargeable lithium ion battery and comes with a charger.
According to Aiwa, the camera features a 1.8-second Quick Shot mode and a Burst mode for capturing four frames in 2 seconds. The AZ-C7 also has a Photo Diary feature that lets users tag an image--for example, noting one as a favorite. When the photo is transferred to a PC, the included ArcSoft software will recognize the image tag.
Aiwa plans to ship the AZ-C7 in May; the price has not been determined.
Slimmer and Richer
Nikon is adding two new models to its Coolpix line of digital cameras: the 2-megapixel Coolpix 2200, priced at $199, and the 3.2-megapixel Coolpix 3200, at $299. Both models will be available in stores in February.
The new cameras offer several design and photo-capture enhancements. The 2200 and the 3200 are about 10 percent slimmer than their predecessors, according to Nikon representatives. That's because each camera accommodates an SD (Secure Digital) memory slot, as opposed to the larger CompactFlash media slot that the older Coolpix 2100 and 3100 use.
Another design change involves moving the camera mode dial to the back of the camera. The older 2100 and 3100 have the dial on the top. This modification will make the new cameras easier to operate, allowing users to conveniently see the dial setting in relation to the menu options displayed on the LCD, Nikon says.
The main feature differences between the new models are in resolution and video-recording capability. The 3200 lets users capture 640-by-480-resolution video at 30 frames per second with sound, while the 2200 records only video without sound. Nikon says both will be able to record video nonstop until the memory is used up.
The two cameras also feature different-size lenses. Although both offer a 3X optical zoom lens, their 35mm lens equivalents are slightly different: The 3200 will feature a 38mm to 115mm lens, and the 2200 will have a 36mm to 108mm lens.
Picture-taking improvements include an AF (autofocus) assist illuminator--a tiny LED lamp on the front that helps the camera focus on its subject, especially in low light conditions. That same lamp coupled with the built-in flash will also help minimize red-eye. What's more, both cameras will have a "blur warning" to alert users about blurry images, giving them an option to reshoot.
On top of the 15 scene modes (such as Portrait, Landscape, and Sports), the 2200 and the 3200 will feature a new Panorama Assist mode to help picture-takers frame and line up photos that can later be stitched together in the included Panorama Maker photo-stitching software. Other bundled programs include ArcSoft's PhotoImpression image editor and ArcSoft's VideoImpression video editor.
The 2200 and the 3200 will come with 14.5MB of internal memory and an SD card slot; media will not be provided. The cameras will run on two rechargeable AA NiMH batteries, one CRV3 lithium or rechargeable battery, or disposable AA alkaline batteries. Both models support PictBridge and USB Direct Print so users can print directly to a compatible printer.
Casio's Budget Entries
Casio expands its QV-R series of cameras with the new 5-megapixel QV-R51. It is scheduled to become available in February priced at $399.
The QV-R51 is a step up from the older, 4-megapixel QV-R41, not only in resolution but also in LCD size and overall speed. The R51 sports a large, 2-inch LCD display (the R41 has a 1.6-inch display). According to Casio, it will be faster at start-up, focusing, and photo playback than its predecessors. Casio also says the R51 will offer longer battery life than the R41.
The R51 comes with 9.7MB of internal memory, and it will accept optional SD or MultiMediaCard media. It features a 3X optical zoom (39mm to 117mm in 35mm film equivalent) and a video-capture mode in 320-by-240 resolution.
The R51 runs on two rechargeable AA NiMH batteries; the camera will include a charger. In a pinch, it can also accommodate two disposable alkaline batteries.
Pocket-Size Choices
Kodak is adding two models to its EasyShare line of digital cameras. The 4-megapixel LS743 and the 5-megapixel LS753 are the smallest in Kodak's current lineup, thanks to a smaller Schneider lens. The LS743 will cost $349 and is scheduled to be available in April. Kodak has not announced a price for the LS753; the camera will be in stores in June.
The new cameras come in a shiny aluminum body and can easily fit in a shirt pocket. They include Kodak's new Camera Favorites feature that tags and saves an image in the internal memory even after you transfer the images to a PC. (Older EasyShare cameras, as well as competing models, clear the images off memory after they've have been downloaded to a PC.) Removing the Favorite tag will clear the image on the next image transfer.
Pressing the Share button marks an image and puts it in the camera's photo album for later viewing or printing. The Share button also lets users select photos for printing and e-mailing; the LS743 and the LS753 hold up to 32 e-mail addresses.
Both models come with internal memory (16MB on the LS743, 32MB on the LS753), a slot for SD or MultiMediaCard media, a 1.8-inch LCD, and a 2.8X optical zoom lens (36mm to 100mm in 35mm film equivalent).
The LS743 and the LS753 capture MPEG-4 video with sound at 13 fps at 640-by-480 resolution or 20 fps at 320-by-240 resolution.
The cameras run on a rechargeable lithium ion battery and will be bundled with a charger. They are also compatible with Kodak's EasyShare Dock, which is an additional accessory for $79.
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