Ultra Cool Gadgets

With its streamlined silhouette and smoothly curved edges, the Canon PowerShot A480 has the compact sophistication and relaxed simplicity that make it a natural for beginners and everyone else who craves style and convenience. The 10.0-megapixel resolution and 3.3x optical zoom make it easy to capture the action in dazzling color and brilliant detail. The DIGIC III Image Processor keeps it all looking sharp. While a bright, bold 2.5-inch LCD makes shooting and playback a genuine pleasure.

PowerShot A480 Highlights :
- Canon PowerShot digital camera highlights
3.3x optical zoom in action 10.0-megapixel resolution and 3.3x optical zoom.
- DIGIC III Image Processor.
- iSAPS Technology.
- Motion Detection Technology.
- Red-eye Correction.
- 15 Shooting Modes including 12 Special Scene Modes.
- High-quality 2.5-inch LCD.
- Uses 2 AA-size batteries.

Technical Details :
* 10.0-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for prints up to 13 x 19 inches.
* 3.3x optical zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer; 2.5-inch LCD screen.
* DIGIC III Image Processor; 15 shooting modes.
* Uses 2 AA-size batteries.
* Compatible with SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus (not included).

Customer Feedback :
The picture quality of the camera is pretty good. I am happy with the video quality so long it’s not at the beach. I wanted an inexpensive point and shoot. Just remember this is the absolute bottom line of Canon’s point and shoots. Lots of nice program settings such as super macro, portraits, beach and my favorite: long shutter(up to 15 seconds).

It may be the slimmest Digital ELPH Canon has ever created, but the impact couldn’t be bigger. The PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH captivates the senses with bold saturated colors and a daringly original design that matches the intensity of Canon’s most innovative camera technology. Even when picture-taking conditions seem pretty unforgiving, you’ve got Canon on your side. So the shots you used to miss are the images you’ll now be sharing, and the movies you never took before will be HD unforgettable.

PowerShot SD780 IS Highlights :
- 12.1-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer.
- HD movie shooting capability plus HDMI output.
- Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings.
- Shooting Modes.
- 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II and wide viewing angle.
- DIGIC 4 Image Processor.
- Intelligent Contrast Correction.

Technical Details :
* 12.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints.
* 3x optical zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer.
* HD movie shooting capability plus HDMI output.
* 2.5-inch widescreen PureColor LCD II screen; Face Detection.
* Compatible with SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus (not included).

PROS :
+ Quick Continuous Snapshots.
+ 720p HD Video Recording with Image Stabilization.
+ Lightning Quick Startup.
+ Ultra-Compact Point & Shoot Camera (Thin Light Combo).
+ Beautiful Design.
+ Great for Beginners (Very Easy To Use).
+ Bright LCD Screen.
+ DIGIC IV Technology.
+ Blink Detection.
+ Can Edit Video Clips on the go.
+ Scene Detection Mode works Flawlessly.

Cons :
- No Optical Zoom in Video Mode while Recording (You can Digitally Zoom).
- Monotone Sound in Video Mode.
- Only 3x Optical Zoom for image stills.
- View Finder is Useless.
- Little Noisy/Grainy when Using Higher Than ISO400 but Acceptable.

Sigma has developed an integral-lens compact camera with the specs of a full-size, high-end SLR. In other words, the DP1 has all the functions of a full-spec digital SLR, packed into a compact camera with a built-in lens. Here at Sigma, we focused all our resources on achieving the nearly impossible. Sigma is not about creating run-of-the-mill photographs, or pursuing image quality defined by numbers. We give you a compact camera with the potential to capture exactly what you see and what you feel, with no compromise.
The DP1 is a completely new type of camera offering the full specifications and high image quality of a DSLR in the body of a compact camera. It is powered by the 14-megapixel Foveon X3 direct-image-sensor, which can reproduce high definition images rich in gradation and impressive three-dimensional detail.
It is possible to record images in RAW or the widely used JPEG in four resolution modes. It offers five Exposure modes and three Metering modes as well as being equipped with a built-in flash with the Guide Number of 6, hot shoe, neck strap and 2.5-inch TFT color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 pixels.

Sigma DP1 Highlights :
- SLR-sized image sensor.
- Full-color image sensor.
- 16.6mm F4 lens designed exclusively for the DP1.
- RAW format recording.
- Exclusive Sigma Photo Pro software included.
- Compact and lightweight body.
- Three metering modes and five exposure modes .
- Pop up (manual) built-in flash.
- AF area selection.
- Large, 2.5-inch TFT color LCD monitor.
- Dedicated lens hood.

Technical Details :
* 14-megapixel resolution; SLR-sized image sensor.
* 16.6mm F4 lens designed exclusively for the DP1.
* Large, 2.5-inch LCD; 3 metering modes and 5 exposure modes.
* JPEG recording format for convenience plus a RAW data (X3F) recording mode.
* Capture images to SD/SDHC cards and MMC.

Customer Feedback :
If you are looking for a high end digital camera for street or personal diary work, this might be it. It’s more expensive than other high end “point and shoots”, but this is much more like a digital Leica M3, than a consumer level p+s.
Start with the sensor, the Foveon 14 megapixel gives you color fidelity that other digital cameras can’t touch. It’s great to have this in such a small package. The camera is extremely compact and while you might think the 16.6mm fixed focus lens (28mm equiv. on 35mm camera) is limiting, it is perfect for urban street shooting. The lens quality is very good and the test shots I’ve taken so far look very promising.

The new GR DIGITAL III takes the GR line’s traditional high image quality to an even higher level with a new image processing engine, a new CCD, and the newly developed 28 mm/F1.9 GR Lens. Performance has also been enhanced in areas such as quick shooting, operability, and power of expression. The GR DIGITAL III 1. Newly developed large-aperture lens. The adoption of the new F1.9, f-6.0 mm (equivalent to 28 mm for 35 mm film cameras) lens for the GR DIGITAL III takes compact-body cameras into a new realm of images. This lens makes it possible to shoot with a faster shutter speed than could be used on previous models, or to shoot with the same shutter speed but at a lower setting for ISO sensitivity. Despite the large F1.9 aperture, the new lens achieves a resolution level equivalent to that of the F2.4 GR Lens. The use of a newly developed lens drive system has made it possible to achieve greater image quality in macro photography. 2. Taking the GR DIGITAL concepts another step forward, the GR DIGITAL III achieves even greater image quality. The new image processing engine GR Engine III is installed. Using newly developed noise reduction technology, it enables highly sophisticated noise processing to be done while maintaining superior resolution, tone characteristics, and saturation. The new high-sensitivity CCD (1/1.7 inch, approx. 10 megapixels) achieves high-sensitivity properties through the use of a new process.

Product Features :
* 28 mm/F1.9 lens features outstanding brightness.
* Sophisticated image processing capabilities and comprehensive shooting functions: GR DIGITAL III.

Customer Feedback :
Ricoh GRD3 is an advanced fixed lens compact camera and also the best Ricoh compact camera up to date. Ricoh GRD belong to the famous Ricoh GR line, which features fixed wide angle lens equivalent to 28mm with big aperture.
This product philosophy is pretty straightforward, it is designed and engineered for serious photographers. Every buttons, features, and menu interface are designed to be easily accessible for photographers. Aufo focus performance is excellent. This combination ensures photographers to be able to capture the decisive moment when it occurs.

CONS :
* It is easy to accidentally press the the up and down button (usually use for zoom)
* Spot focus limited to center of the frame only. It is not movable like other advanced compacts.
* Manual zoom magnification should be greater and also movable to other part of the frame (not only center).
* A bit slow processing when shooting in RAW files (approx. 2 sec each), although you can shoot 5 frames continuously at 2 fps.
* Double Snap feature does not give you control over exposure or other setting.
* Need tripod to get Double Snap feature to work well.
* No image stabilization. This is understandable because the size of the camera could be larger. Also, the high ISO performance and bright lens will suffice in low light condition.
* No scene modes or face detection. This camera is not aimed for casual / family compacts market.
* Tele converter lens is not available.
* Small image sensor, while closest competitors already move to DSLR quality sensor.