Tech Digest

BenQ's budget 7 megapixel E720 digital camera

BenQ has unveiled the E720 - a 7 megapixel camera in a brushed aluminium casing for under £140.

Along with the 7 megapixel sensor, the E720 also features 3x optical zoom, an smc (Super Multi-Coating) Pentax lens and a large 2.5 inch LTPS display. Inevitably, it's got the anti-shake to reduce blur, along with an ISO of 1200 to boost your shots in poor lights, 13 scene modes, movie recording with optical zoom and PictBridge.

Expect to see it in the shops from November, retailing for around £139.99.

BenQ website

You've been snapped - Endemol wants photo bloggers for ITV show

Endemol, the company behind hit shows like Big Brother, Restoration and Deal or No Deal is looking for photo bloggers for a new show - I was there: the people’s review of 2006 - an ITV1 programme which will showcase the news events of 2006 from the view of the "citizen journalist".

The show is in conjunction with Fotothing, with the two companies looking for either photos or video footage that capture anything reported in the UK press this year. To get your images on TV, you'll need to sign up to Fotothing, then upload your images/clips, tagging them "ITV".

Endemol will pay for any images used - so it's really just like You've Been Framed for the blogging generation.

Fotothing website

One Minute Video Review: Fuji S6500fd

I look at the Fuji S6500fd, which is their attempt to bridge the gap between compact and full SLR cameras. You can get one here for £275.

Canon launches M30 and M80 media storage devices

Canon has launches two media storage devices - the M30 and M80 - a one-stop device to store all your photos, as well as a way of getting a better view of your snaps before you get home.

The M30 and M80 devices feature a large ultra-bright 3.7-inch TFT screen with 160 degree viewing angle for image and video review, and a 30GB/80GB hard disk to store digital images, movie and sound files of various file formats (including RAW, JPEG, MPEG, MP3 and WAV). Both units feature a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface and slots for CF and SD cards. There's also a headphone jack for audio playback, a tough, magnesium alloy casing in case of accident and up to 8 digit password protection.

We're still awaiting details of price and availability - more when we have it.

Canon website

Fujifilm launches FinePix F31fd - a six megapixel camera with Face Detection technology

Fujifilm has launched what it hopes will be the hit of this year's Christmas parties - the FinePix F31fd - a "handbag-sized" six megapixel camera with Face Detection technology.

The Face Detection technology locks on to up to ten faces in one frame - so ideal for those group shots in a bar. There's also a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lens and the previously-mentioned six megapixel Super CCD HR V1 sensor, which means that photos can be enlarged to A4 size and above without loss of image quality or detail. There's also a top ISO of 3200 for sharp images, even at night or without using a flash - which can often make faces look washed-out.

The camera also features Fujifilm's Intelligent Flash system, which controls the flash output for more appropriate lighting or a Natural Light & Flash mode, which takes two photographs one after the other, one with flash and one without, so you can compare the results and select the most flattering shot. There's also 15 scene modes, VGA movie capture (30fps with sound) and a strong battery life, which is good for around 580 shots.

It should be out in time for Christmas, price to be confirmed nearer launch date.

Fujifilm website

Fujifilm announces FinePix S5 Pro SLR - the successor to the FinePix S3

Although not expected onto the market before February 2007, Fujifilm has already announced details of the successor to its FinePix S3 SLR - the FinePix S5 Pro.

Fujifilm claims the new model is a refinement of what it calls the "winning formula" of the F3. Fujifilm's Super CCD SR II will be updated to the new Super CCD SR Pro. Using a layout of twelve million paired photodiodes (6.17 million larger 'S' photodiodes for main image information, combined with 6.17 million smaller 'R' photodiodes for bright area information), the S5 Pro will deliver improvements in noise, dynamic range, colour and tonality. In addition, a new, low-pass filter will ensure that moiré and noise are kept to a minimum.

The new Real Photo Processor Pro should mean colour recorded as the human eye sees it. The processor's two stages of noise reduction will deliver a clean image and also permit light sensitivity up to ISO 3200 whilst achieving sharp, low-noise images. A new dark noise reduction process, subtracting the residual, ambient noise on the sensor from the actual exposure should produce smooth, clean images when long shutter speeds are used. Other improvements include the ability to record jpeg and RAW files simultaneously to the card, Face Detection technology, a tough, magnesium alloy shell with weatherproof seals and a durable shutter mechanism, which has been tested to exceed 100,000 cycles.

The FinePix S5 Pro is scheduled for launch in February 2007. Pricing and additional details will be available nearer the launch date.

Fujifilm website

Kodak launches Easyshare Z710 7.1 megapixel digital camera

Kodak has launched the Z710 digital camera - a 7.1 megapixel model with 10x optical zoom and a host of beginner-friendly features.

The Z710 with 2-inch colour display features a professional quality Schneider Kreuznach Variogon 10X optical zoom lens, which, in conjunction with the 7.1 megapixel sensor, should be good for high-quality prints up to 30 x 40 inches (76 x 102cm). The camera also features Kodak's Color Science imaging processing chip which boosts natural details, skin tones and colour.

On-camera picture enhancing features include cropping, a live histogram, and a capture grid line display. Advanced settings including programme, aperture and shutter priority, along with full manual mode. Or if you're more of a beginner, there's 19 pre-programmed scene and colour modes. And once you've captured your shot, the on-camera Share button gives you the option to print, email and organise pictures with one touch. 

Available in the coming weeks, you should be able to pick up the Z710 for around £279.

Kodak website

The Pod - put an end to your shaky photography

Virtually every new camera we see these days has some sort of clever anti-shake technology to reduce blurring of your images. But what if you've got an older/cheaper camera? And what if you wanted to take timed shots without a wobble? You need something like The Pod.

There's not much technology to The Pod - just good old-fashioned common sense. It's a platform for your digital camera and an alternative to a tripod - essentially a heavy-duty, waterproof-nylon bean bag that holds its shape when you place your camera on top of it. Add to that a non-slip base and you're guaranteed your camera will stay in place while you snap away. The real bonus is with timed photography, especially if you've got an awkward surface to place the camera on. And to make absolutely sure, it uses the "industry standard" mounting bolt to stay secure to your Pod.

Available now, you can buy it online from $17.99

Find out more

Via Product Dose

Samsung launches 10.2 megapixel GX-10 SLR

Another new SLR - this tiome from Samsung, with the launch of the 10.2 megapixel GX-10, aimed, according to the company at  "the discerning enthusiast photographer searching for comprehensive functions, stunning design, ease of use and real value for money - all in one camera". Blimey.

The 10.2 megapixel image sensor should offer a sharper image and richer colours. The camera also features a PentaPrism viewfinder with high magnification (0.95x) to provide a clearer field of view, along with a wide view 2.5-inch TFT LCD (210k pixels) and built-in Optical Picture Stabilisation (OPS) technology to avoid blurring. It's also got a water-proof and anti-dust coating, with an advanced dust removal function included to remove dust from the CCD by vibrating it when the camera is booted.

A one-touch RAW button makes RAW file shooting easy and instantly available, even during general JPEG shooting. RAW files can be checked on the LCD and then be directly converted to JPEG format via a built-in converter. There's  continuous shooting at 3 fps (frames per second), with RAW files shot at the same speed up to 9 frames.

The GX-10 is expected to be available from October, along with a new range of lenses, with a price being announced nearer sale date.

Samsung website

Tuesday Top 10: Ways to tell you love your new digital camera a bit TOO much

1. Every single plant and flower in your garden has been shot in close-up macro-vision. At different times of the day. With and without dew.

2. Your cats are waving image-rights contracts around before letting you come near them.

3. You actually understand and have used every single one of the scene modes on your camera.

4. You've forgotten what your other half looks like without their hand in front of their face.

5. The hard drive on your computer is groaning under the weight of hundreds of snaps of blurry, out-of-focus seagulls.

6. The yourpics@bbc.co.uk address has started auto-rejecting any emails you send it.

7. You're actually looking forward to the next family wedding.

8. You use Photoshop for purposes other than drawing comedy genitals on George Bush's face and putting your boss' head on a giant chicken.

9. You've single-handedly crashed Flickr's servers six times.

10. Your baby has bonded with your Cyber-Shot instead of your face. This makes feeding a bit complicated.