Casio EXILIM EX-ZR800 introduced with 18x optical zoom and OIS

By: Brittany Hillen, Aug 7th 2013 (http://www.slashgear.com)

Casio has unveiled a new digital camera in its EXILIM line, the EX-ZR800. With this new camera comes 18x optical zoom and a 5-stop/5-axis image stabilization, as well as several other features commonly found on point-and-shoot compact cameras. Although the European announcement doesn’t specify the launch date, the company’s Japanese division says it will be launched on August 23.

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Decline of the Point and Shoot, Rise of the Smartphone Camera

June 10, 2013 by Juliana Payson in Camera (http://www.gadgetreview.com)

The emergence of Smartphone camera accessories is a major indicator for where photography is heading. That is to say that the Smartphone has to a large degree replaced the standalone digital point and shoot camera.

What consumers are concerned with now, is the footprint of their Smartphone and their associated accessories while placed in their pocket. Moreover, since it is the single most portable intelligent device the majority of us carry around, the Smartphone has become a hotbed of ingenuity for customizations, plugins, and app development all to customize your personal imaging device and thus further propelling the death of the point and shoot.

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Can a smartphone replace your point-and-shoot?

June 6, 2013 (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au)

We’ve already rounded up the top smartphone cameras, but are they good enough to replace your point-and-shoot digital camera? Jenneth Orantia finds out.

A couple of years ago, Olympus’ digital imaging unit set up a guerilla ad campaign specifically to trash talk smartphone cameras. Among the zingers it included as slogans were, “If your camera also sends text messages, that will explain why your photos are rubbish”, and “A camera phone is to photography what two-minute noodles are to cooking”.

A phone isn’t a camera – it’s a device that does multiple things.

John Young, Nikon

Olympus even went so far as to register the getarealcamera.com domain name, which redirected back to the company’s main website.

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Canon Point-and-Shoot Digital Cameras for 2013

By Amanda Bellucco. Tuesday, April 30, 2013 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com) Photography Reviews

If you’re in the market for a new point-and-shoot camera this spring, you may be especially impressed with Canon’s recently introduced 2013 lineup. New improvements to design and functionality guarantee high-quality images and video across the board. Many models now come with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, making it one step easier to transfer, edit and share. Whether you need something for everyday snapshots or crave greater creative control, the odds are that Canon has you covered.

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Pentax Ricoh imaging defines the advanced compact segment with the introduction of the Ricoh GR Camera

April 16th, 2013 (http://www.pentaximaging.com)

Ricoh GR Digital Camera

Ricoh GR Digital Camera

Denver, CO (April 16, 2013) — PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION today announced the RICOH GR, an ideal blend of image quality, camera size and price; setting a new benchmark for the advanced compact camera category. The new RICOH GR camera features an APS-C-sized CMOS image sensor delivering shallow depth of field, exceptional low-light performance and a wide dynamic range for remarkable images across a wide variety of shooting styles.

Ricoh GR Digital Camera

Ricoh GR Digital Camera

Remaining true to the heritage of the multi- award-winning RICOH GR Digital series the new Ricoh GR camera combines compact size with outstanding performance.  Featuring a 16 megapixel, APS-C-sized CMOS sensor, no low-pass filter and a completely redesigned optical path the GR is built for superb image performance.  The newly developed and optimized18.3mm (28mm in 35mm format) F2.8 lens compactly provides high-resolution, wide-angle images with stunning edge-to-edge sharpness all while minimizing chromatic aberration and distortion.  The camera’s category-leading, nine-blade aperture diaphragm produces a rounded bokeh effect across a wide range of apertures.

Ricoh GR Digital Camera

Ricoh GR Digital Camera

Advanced capabilities of the sensor and lens are supported by a newly developed GR ENGINE V imaging processor which optimizes high-sensitivity shooting to ISO 25600 minimizing noise, producing accurate, color-rich images. Finally, a newly designed lens driving mechanism and optimized AF algorithm combined with faster data readout speeds from the image sensor provide a high-speed auto focus system that can focus on a subject in a mere two-tenths (0.2) of a second. A super quick start-up time of approximately one second ensures photographers are guaranteed a speedy capture ready camera in even the most fleeting scenarios; making the RICOH GR the ideal companion camera at a fraction of the size of a DSLR.

Ricoh GR Digital Camera

Ricoh GR Digital Camera

“The introduction of the RICOH GR marks a new standard of confidence in the compact camera segment,” said Jim Malcolm, Executive Vice President, PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICA. “The RICOH GR camera’s unparalleled set of robust features and hardware completely redefines what can be expected from a compact camera.”

In keeping with its advanced functionality the GR also offers a range of helpful features common to DSLRs like in-body RAW-data development and a dedicated depth of field preview button to aid in accurate image framing and quick inspection of focus prior to capturing an image. Additionally, the GR boasts full 1080p HD video recording capabilities replete with continual AF during video capture creating sharply-focused, high-quality video output.

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Review: Sony RX1

by Abram Goglanian on 04/18/2013 (http://www.thephoblographer.com)

Sony’s RX1 is the first of a new breed of compact camera; the very first compact digital camera with a full-frame 24×36 sensor. I had the opportunity to spend a few weeks with this digital pioneer and the following consists of my thoughts and experiences.

Sony RX1Digital Camera

Sony RX1Digital Camera

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