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Before you ever decide on when to take your bridal portraits, before or after the wedding ceremony, you will need to decide who is going to take them and how much are you willing to spend on the bridal pictures. Once you’ve decided on who is going to take them and how much you’ll spend, then you can start thinking about when to take the pictures. Are you going to be okay with taking the wedding portraits before the wedding ceremony? Or do your prefer to take them after the ceremony? Some couples prefer to take the pictures before the ceremony because they feel that everyone looks a little more excited at this point. On the other hand, there are those couples who believe in taking the bridal portraits after the wedding ceremony so that way the groom will not see the bride beforehand.

In addition, if you want to show off you beautiful bridal dress to your kids in the future, assuming that you are planning on having some, then be sure and plan out these pictures ahead of time. The last thing you want is for the wedding photographer to not show up for one of the most important days of your life. Also, don’t forget to enjoy your special day as much as possible and have some fun.

Filed under: For Women, General, Photography, Relationships
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The Fuji Finepix J250 is a 10 megapixel digital camera with a 5x wide angle lens. I found this camera easy to use and it also felt good in the hand. It is a little bigger and heavier than the smallest digital cameras, but it will still fit into a reasonably sized pocket. Looking at the price tag the Finepix J250 falls into the lower price bracket when compared with most smaller compacts.

As you would expect the Finepix J250 is not packed with features. I think Fuji has chosen wisely though when it comes to the features they have included. For example there is a 3 inch LCD screen. You will also find image stabilisation available. The upsides of a relatively small set of features include ease of use, plus the fact you are not paying for a string of features you will never use.

Another camera I like that falls into roughly the same price bracket is the Panasonic Lumix DMC FS62. It has a slight edge over the Finepix J250 when it comes to picture quality, but this Fuji camera fights back with its larger LCD screen. There is not a lot to choose between these two cameras.

Rating: Above Average

Taking the price tag of the Fuji Finepix J250 into account I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of this camera. It is easy to use, can take a decent snap shot and it has a good solid feel in the hand. It is one of the better cheaper digital cameras.

Summary: For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Fuji Finepix J250 review and ratings

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The Nikon Coolpix S70 gives you full access to the camera settings through a large three and a half inch LCD screen. Nikon has certainly gone the whole hog and it is only cameras in this range that I have tested that offers zoom control via the screen. If you want to you can even set up the Coolpix S70 so that you can take a photo by touch the screen rather than pressing the shutter button on top of the camera.

Does the touch screen make using the Coolpix S70 easier than a more standard digital camera with buttons giving you access to a text based menu system? It is certainly a plus point that you can access all the main features just by tapping a screen icon. The big question is whether or not you feel comfortable using the icons or if you would prefer to use a more standard menu.

Another feature of interest is that you can charge the Coolpix S70 via a USB socket on a computer.

General features include 12 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom lens. Also available are High Definition movies and image stabilisation.

The big rival to the Coolpix S70 is the
Sony Cybershot DSC TX1. The Cybershot DSC TX1 also allows you to set the vast majority of controls through the touch screen. The TX1 offers some extra features too.

Rating: Above Average

Summary: Picture quality was fine when I was close to the subject, but I found focusing could fall off as soon as there was distance between the Nikon Coolpix S70 and the subject. The camera can handle snapshot size prints and is likely to appeal to the gadget conscious.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Nikon Coolpix S70 review and ratings

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The Canon Powershot SX20 IS is a 12 megapixel super zoom digital camera. It has a 20x optical zoom lens. The lens has wide angle capabilities. When you combine this with the more obviously telephoto qualities you can see you have a lens that offers a great deal of flexibility. This flexibility is further enhanced by the fact Canon has incorporated a macro mode that allows the Powershot SX20 IS to focus from right in front of the lens.

As well as the lens power this camera has a wide range of features that are likely to appeal to someone who sees photography as a serious hobby. To start with there are a set of manual exposure modes, including aperture priority and shutter priority. These will give you a high degree of control over the way your photos will look.

One feature you do not see often that Canon has included with the Powershot SX20 IS is a pull out and twist LCD screen. This can be a big help if you are shooting at an awkward angle. It can also come in handy if you are having a problem with the sun falling directly on the LCD screen.

This is one of the few compact digital cameras to have a hotshoe. There is a pop up flash unit on the top of the Powershot SX20 IS, but the hotshoe provides compatibility with a range of Canon speedlites and gives an extra boost to your flash options.

Another area giving you up to date options is the movie mode. The Powershot SX20 IS is able to take High Definition movies. Zoom can be used while recording and this is one of the few cameras to offer stereo sound.

A further option is the
Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ38. This camera has a similar set of features to the Powershot SX20 IS.

Rating: Above Average

Summary: I like this camera a lot. I did have a problem with purple fringing when the lens was fully zoomed out, but otherwise I found the picture quality offered by the Canon Powershot SX20 IS to be very good.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Canon Powershot SX20 IS review and ratings

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC FS62 is an excellent little camera. It is one of the cheapest pocket cameras on the market at the time of writing this review. Yet despite its low price it is able to give many a more expensive digital camera a run for their money. To start with I like the way the Lumix DMC FS62 looks. There is a simplicity about its design and in this instance I think it is a case of less is more. There are five different colour versions so you should be able to find one that suits your taste. The colours are black, silver, blue, pink and red.

As with other Panasonic digital cameras I found the Lumix DMC FS62 very easy to use. The menu system is straightforward and there is also a quick menu option that gives you fast access to key settings you may wish to fine tune.

The only real compromise is when it comes to shutter delay. Alas this is an area that is likely to be of critical importance to many people. This camera is noticeably slower to respond than a lot of more expensive digital cameras. At this price something has to give somewhere. The LCD screen is also slightly smaller than standard at 2.5 inches.

One area where no compromises have been made is when it comes to picture quality. My test photos were sharper than many more expensive digital cameras manage. I also liked the warmth of the colours the Lumix DMC FS62 produced for me.

Rating: Above Average

Summary: Out of all the cheaper cameras I have tested in 2009 the Panasonic Lumix DMC FS62 stands out when it comes to offering good old fashioned value for money. If you are looking for a pocket camera and do not want to overspend, you will be hard pressed to beat this camera.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Panasonic Lumix DMC FS62 review and ratings

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Do you experience moments in which you wish you had a way of capturing because they are so precious? Do you wish you had a way to wrap your arms around certain events and arrest them for all eternity? Would you like me to tell you exactly how you can accomplish all that very easily?

Well, here it comes. Get your hands on the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W290 12.1 MP Digital Camera. This terrific camera is compact and so you can carry it in your pocket or in your purse and flip it out for action at any moment. Also, this Sony camera is very intuitive and extremely easy to use and it produces images which are truer than life.

For more information about this product, go to dscw290.com where you will learn about all its build in features.

Filed under: Cameras, Digital Cameras, General, Gifts, Photography
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The market is flooded with very many cameras and many of them are even pocket video camera. But, can any of them compete with the Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera? I am really not so sure. This particular video camera is truly tiny and as compact as can be but it is so fully loaded that you would expect that its body would have to be huge to contain it all.

Yes, Kodak has done it again. They have come up with a pocket video camera that can compete and blow all its competitors clear out of the water. But please do not merely take my word for it — check it all out for yourself.

If you go to zi8hd.com you will find all the information about this amazing little camera that you will ever need to make a great buying decision and I have no doubt that you will decide to buy this one.

Filed under: Cameras, Consumer Electronics, Digital Cameras, General, Photography
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The press release for the Fuji Finepix Z35 makes it abundantly clear who this camera is aimed at. The Finepix Z35 is targeted fairly and squarely at teenagers and twenty somethings. The emphasis has been placed on design and ease of use. Reading through the five colours the camera comes in should give you an idea if this camera is for you or not. The colours are marshmallow white and pink, quartz black and silver, apple green, true blue and deep purple. Fuji suggests the Finepix Z35 is great to take to a party. This is partly because it is one of the smallest cameras I have ever reviewed.

Even though I am neither a teenager or twenty something any more I like the design of the Finepix Z35. The front is slightly sculptured and the lens cover slides open to turn the camera on.

In terms of price it is one of the cheapest cameras you will find from a known brand. It is also one of the easiest to use digital cameras you are likely to find. This is mainly owing to the small number of features this camera has.

There are not too many direct competitors when it comes to design, style or price. In fact this is the only camera of its type I can remember viewing apart from other cameras in this part of the Fuji series. One camera you may wish to consider that is small and compact and is available for a low price is the Olympus FE-5020. It does not have the style of the Finepix Z35, but it is small and relatively cheap.

Rating: Above Average

Picture quality is not a strong point of this camera, but then again if picture quality is a big thing with you then you are unlikely to be attracted to this camera in the first place. The Fuji Finepix Z35 should be judged on its merits as a simple, fun camera and on that basis it works quite well..

Summary: For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Fuji Finepix Z35 review and ratings

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The Nikon Coolpix S640 is a fairly standard pocket camera. It is one of those digital cameras where although it does not have a flashy design it still manages to look good. It feels good in the hand and gives the impression of having a decent build quality. It is also one of the more lightweight digital cameras. You can choose between models in pink, red, silver and black.

In my opinion the biggest strength of the Coolpix S640 is its ease of use. I have felt for a long time that the menu system that Nikon has adopted is probably the easiest to read and use out of all the digital camera manufacturers. I must admit that in this case ease of use is helped by the fact there are not too many features to get to know. This is truly a point and shoot digital camera.

Looking at cameras with similar features and build quality, but perhaps offering that bit extra all round I have come up with the
Canon IXUS 120 IS.

Picture quality was good, but I felt that if the lighting is tricky the Coolpix S640 can start to struggle. This is not just when the light gets low, but on a cold sunny day I found some of my test pictures took on a very strong blue tint. There was also an issue with portrait shots where hair colours took on a purple tinge.

Rating: Above Average

Summary: The Nikon Coolpix S640 just creeps into my above average category. It is in a very competitive category and there are plenty of smaller compacts to choose from. Although there is nothing that stands out and tells me you should not buy this camera it is also missing a bit of Wow! Factor and it is difficult to say why you should buy this camera over and above other models.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Nikon Coolpix S640 review and ratings

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The Samsung ST550 is a groundbreaking digital camera. As well as the standard LCD screen placed on the back of the camera, Samsung has added a 1.5 inch screen to the front. This is a big help if you are trying to line up self portrait type shots.

The screen on the back of the camera is touch sensitive and allows you to control just about every setting through touch. Other features include High Definition movies and tilt control. Once you have mastered tilt control you are able to activate options such as deleting photos or starting a slideshow by tilting the camera.

One feature I really like is the recycle bin. Many people have written to me over the years bemoaning the fact they have accidentally deleted treasured photos of their grandchildren, holiday of a lifetime etc. The recycle bin puts an extra step in the deletion process and gives you some added protection.
Picture quality is very good. It is not the very best, but you should not have too many complaints about the quality of the pictures you take with the ST550

The camera that comes nearest to the ST550 in terms of features is the Sony Cybershot DSC TX1. This also offers full touch screen control. It comes in a very stylish body too.

Rating: Above Average

If the number of features on a digital camera is one of the key attractions then the Samsung ST550 is likely to prove attractive. Samsung are probably the most innovative digital camera company and this camera breaks new ground.

Summary: For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Samsung ST550 review and ratings

Filed under: Cameras, Consumer Electronics, Digital Cameras, Hobbies, Photography
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60 is aimed at anyone who is looking for a straightforward pocket camera. It is easy to operate, yet has a good range of features when compared with other cameras jostling in this overcrowded sector of the digital camera market.

It has an unfussy, simple design. The Lumix DMC FX60 comes in four different colours. These are red wine, blue, silver and black. Key features include 12 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom lens. One thing I like about this camera is the fact you can opt to decrease the resolution you are shooting at in order to increase the amount of zoom available. For example if you shoot at 3 megapixels zoom increases to 9.8x.

Picture quality is very good indeed. It is right up there with the best cameras in its class. In fact considering it has such a wide angle lens the sharpness of the pictures it produces is outstanding. There was plenty of colour in my tests shots, without the scenes being overpowered. When I moved in closer for portrait shots my photos had a pleasant, warm glow to them.
If you are looking for a camera to compare the Lumix DMC FX60 against then take a look at another of my top rated pocket cameras the Canon IXUS 120 IS.
Rating: Above Average
Summary: There is plenty of choice when it comes to buying a pocket camera. The Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60 rubs shoulders with the best models from 2009. It is reasonably priced and ticks just about every box.
For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60 review and ratings

Filed under: Cameras, Consumer Electronics, Digital Cameras, Hobbies, Photography
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To add functionality to the new and more powerful Nikon FX cameras like the Nikon D3x and Nikon D700, Nikon has launched a new flash unit called Nikon SB900. For more demanding professional photography or even for the serious amateur, a separate flash unit is needed and Nikon has it all covered with its lineup of Speedlight-branded units that drastically improve the capability of the camera to handle difficult lighting conditions.

The SB-900 boosts a superior look when you put it right next to the mid-range SB-600. In terms of size, the SB-900 is the largest flash Nikon has produced. The head is a totally new design and size.

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The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj is different to other digital cameras. This is because it has a built in projector. This allows you to give an in house slideshow anytime you choose. I can see this being a big hit at parties where you spend part of the evening taking pictures before showing them later as the party progresses. The projector sits in the front of the camera and can be controlled through remote control. It can be set up display single photos or a slideshow.

Away from the projector the Coolpix S1000pj is a 12 megapixel digital camera with a 5x optical zoom lens. It has a 2.7 inch LCD screen as well as image stabilisation. The movie mode offers standard definition movies rather than the increasingly common high definition mode.

As there are no other digital cameras around that come with a projector it is impossible to come up with any direct competition for the Coolpix S1000pj. I tried to come up with a compact camera with a similar price tag, but the problem is the projector adds so much to the price that cameras with similar features aside from the projector are a lot cheaper than this one. A camera you may wish to compare it to is the Sony Cybershot DSC TX1.

Picture quality was a shade disappointing. If you envisage being able to make super sized prints from this 12 megapixel camera then think again. At times I detected a lack of sharpness in the photos and a loss of detail in lighter areas.

Rating: Above Average

Summary: Having the built in projector understandably adds a fair premium to the price of the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj. If this is a feature you are attracted to and with no other digital cameras currently offering this feature (November 2009) then this camera is likely to be attractive to you. If on the other hand you feel you will only use the projector now and again then it is best to look elsewhere.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Nikon Coolpix S1000pj review and ratings

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Read the review of this wi-fi digital photo frame at our website. It is ideal for sharing photos with friends and family at Xmas etc. Here’s an excerpt from the review:

Everyone likes to keep their memories alive by displaying their favorite photos around them. If you know anyone breathing, there are usually pictures galore surrounding their personal environment. Why not then present these special memories in the coolest means possible to date! The MemoryFrame 8000 Premium is the way to do this. It not only displays your favorite photos but also plays mp3 audio.

Read more by visiting our website, where you can read more reviews and consumer opinions about these great products.

Filed under: Cameras, Photography
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The Olympus FE-4000 is a 12 megapixel digital camera with a 4x, wide angle lens. It will fit into a pocket easily. If you are on a budget you will be pleased to know that the FE-4000 is one of the cheaper digital cameras in this class.

In terms of features the FE-4000 is a typical point and shoot camera. Olympus has created a camera that is very easy to use. The design is plain, but unfussy. The front of the camera has a highly reflective sheen.

That is about it when it comes to good news. The delay between pressing the shutter button and the picture being taken is excessive making the FE-4000 one of the slowest cameras on the market. My test shots struggled for focus and shots with high levels of contrast suffered badly from a loss of detail in the lighter areas of the shot.

I did wonder if I had a rogue camera, but I don’t feel this is the case. I think it is more a case of the FE-4000 not being up to the expected standard.

A slightly larger digital camera that I felt takes a better picture is the Canon Powershot A480.

Rating: Below Average

Summary: It is all very well packing an extra wide angle lens into a camera of this size, but there is little point if this causes a compromise when it comes to picture quality. I am sorry to say I found the picture quality produced by the Olympus FE-4000 to be below standard and not up to the standard provided by the majority of its competitors.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Olympus FE-4000 review and ratings

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The Casio Exilim EX-Z280 is a standard pocket sized digital camera. It has 12 megapixels and a 4x wide angle zoom lens. It sits in the middle of the pack when it comes to both price and features. You should find the Exilim EX-Z280 fairly straightforward and easy to use. Features include image stabilisation and a High Definition movie mode. The camera can capture movies up to 10 minutes in duration.

A couple of features you will not find on many other digital cameras are a Make Up mode and a Dynamic Photo mode. The make up mode softens skin and reduces the impact of shadows for portrait shots. The Dynamic Photo mode allows you to cut a subject from one image and superimpose it on another.

The Exilim EX-Z280 is up against some pretty stiff opposition. There are many pocket sized digital cameras on the market that offer a few extra features on top. One such camera is the
Sony Cybershot DSC WX1. This camera is well worth considering if you like the idea of a digital camera capable of shooting great panoramic shots and firing off very fast bursts of shots.

Rating: Average

Summary: Based purely on picture quality I feel the Casio Exilim EX-Z280 struggles when compared to other digital cameras with a similar specification and price tag. As with other digital cameras with such a high number of pixels crammed onto a small sensor and the introduction of an extra wide zoom lens I wonder if Casio have pushed the technology limits a little too far.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Casio Exilim EX-Z280 review and ratings

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The Olympus MJU Tough 6010 is one of an increasing number of digital cameras that have extra robustness built in. This model is waterproof to depths of 3m, shockproof to drops of 1.5m and freezeproof to -10 degrees centigrade. With these features there are two types of people that the MJU Tough 6010 tends to appeal to. The first is people who like to travel and perhaps come across some tough conditions. The next set of people is families with younger children. It may be that the children like to get their hands on the camera. The fact that the MJU Tough 6010 is shockproof adds a bit of protection against accidental bumps, bruises and knocks. On top of this the camera can be used in and around the swimming pool without the worry that it will be damaged by the water.

Other more standard features include a 12 megapixel sensor and a 3.6x wide angle, zoom lens. You also get access to image stabilisation and a 2.7 inch LCD screen. You can also opt to adjust some of the camera settings by simply tapping the camera. This method can also be used to scroll through pictures you have taken.

There are an increasing number of robust digital cameras on the market. One I particularly like is the Panasonic Lumix DMC FT1. It offers similar protection to the Olympus MJU Tough 6010, but I feel it has a bit of extra quality about it.

Rating: Above Average

Summary: The Olympus MJU Tough 6010 does a fair job when it comes to picture quality. There were one or two areas I came across where I felt the camera could have done better, but on the whole it is good enough for most snapshot opportunities as long as you do not get overambitious when it comes to print sizes.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Olympus MJU Tough 6010 review and ratings

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC FP8 is one of the fastest cameras I have tested when it comes to start up times and shutter delay when taking a picture. It has a lot going for it in general. Features include High Definition movies where you can zoom in and out while you are recording, image stabilisation and a 12 megapixel sensor. The 4.6x, wide angle zoom can be increased up to 9.1x zoom if you reduce the number of megapixels you are shooting at. This gives you a good deal of flexibility depending on the scene you are shooting and the size of print you are planning to make.

Panasonic has given the Lumix DMC FP8 a different design to its previous cameras. In this instance it has gone for a flat body and a lens tucked up in the top left hand corner. The lens does not protrude from the body even when you zoom in on a subject. The body is made from aluminium. This helps to keep the weight of the Lumix DMC FP8 down. It is available in black, red and silver.

As ever there are plenty of models to choose from when looking for a camera that is small enough to slip into a pocket. Another camera capable of taking a good quality snapshot, but with a few less features is the Nikon Coolpix S570.

Rating: Above Average

Summary: It is not easy to stand out in what is a crowed market. Through its turn on times and general response times the Panasonic Lumix DMC FP8 manages to get noticed over and above many of its rivals. It gets most things right and is one for your shortlist if you are in the market for a good quality pocket sized digital camera.
For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Panasonic Lumix DMC FP8 review and ratings

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The Nikon Coolpix S570 is a pocket digital camera. It has 12 megapixels and a 5x wide angle lens. Throughout 2009 there has been a trend to ramp up the features included on digital cameras. With the Coolpix S570, Nikon have taken a different route and come up with a camera that simply takes good pictures and is easy to use. The upside of this is that you should be able to find one at a lower price than a lot of the latest crop of digital cameras sells for.

The design of the camera is a little understated. It is has a simple, almost plain look, but this works for me. You can select from black, pink, red and blue versions. At around 21mm wide you should have little problem popping the Coolpix S570 into most pockets or small bags and purses.

There are plenty of pocket sized digital cameras to choose from. If you would like to check one with more of the latest buzz features try taking a look at the
Sony DSC TX1.

Rating: Above Average

Summary: I think the Nikon Coolpix S570 is well worth a closer look. This camera is likely to be especially attractive to anyone who is not looking for every latest feature, but would like a camera that is easy enough to use, takes a good picture and will not break the bank.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Nikon Coolpix S570 review and ratings

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The Sony Cybershot DSC WX1 gives you a number of different options and features compared to most pocket sized digital cameras. To start with there is a 5x zoom lens with extra wide capabilities. As with a lot of other Sony models zoom can be increased if you are shooting at lower resolutions.

What sets the Cybershot DSC WX1 apart from many of its rivals is the different type of sensor Sony has used. The CMOS censor may not necessarily mean a lot to you, but it speeds up processing dramatically. This gives you access to a burst mode that can take photos at a rate of 10 frames per second. A further advantage is its ability to produce panoramic shots. It achieves this by rattling off a burst of rapid fire shots as you pan the Cybershot DSC WX1 around. It then stitches the scene together in camera.

Other features include High Definition movies. You can also buy an additional dock for the camera. This fires off photos automatically. So you can place the camera in the dock, forget about it and then go back later to see the photos it has captured for you. Sony sells this as great for parties.

There is another camera in the Sony series with a similar set of features. This is the
Sony Cybershot TX1. The main difference is that the TX1 has a touch control screen as well as some very stylish looks.

Rating: Above Average

Summary: Picture quality holds up well. The Sony Cybershot DSC WX1 is a good choice for anyone looking for something a bit different from their camera.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Sony Cybershot DSC WX1 review and ratings

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The Olympus FE-5020 is a straightforward, pocket sized digital camera. Olympus has kept the price down. This will help make the FE-5020 appeal to anyone who is looking for a simple, point and shoot camera, but does not want to pay over the odds.

As you might expect the emphasis has not been placed on all the latest buzz features. The features you do have access to include 12 megapixels and a 5x extra wide angle lens. There is also a 2.7 inch LCD screen for composing images. Features that are now more or less standard across the entire spectrum of digital cameras include face detection for better portrait shots. Olympus has also added a magic filter. This allows you to create different effects with your photos. Personally I would see this feature as a bit of fun rather than a major driver for buying the camera.

In terms of design and style, digital cameras do no come much plainer than the FE-5020. Even so the camera is attractive enough. Olympus has incorporated a double layer finish that helps to give the camera a bit of extra sheen.

Another digital camera you may wish to take a look at is the Panasonic Lumix DMC FS7. This is another easy to use pocket camera, but it has a few more features than the FE-5020.

Rating: Average

Summary: With a lower price tag it is not surprising that the Olympus FE-5020 does not always match up to more expensive models. That is fair enough. This seems to me like a camera that knows its limitations and does a good enough job for the price.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Olympus FE-5020 review and ratings

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Les lunettes astronomiques sont très en demande de nos jours, autant par des jeunes amateurs que par les professionnels en la matière. Depuis des siècles, c’est toujours aussi passionnant d’explorer la voûte céleste. Avec les plus récents télescopes à portée de tous, il n’y a plus d’excuses pour ne pas examiner avec étonnement cet espace qui nous intrigue tant.

Pour en savoir plus sur la grande variété de lunettes astronomiques, suivez ce lien maintenant.

Filed under: Accessories, General, Hobbies, Optical, Photography
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The Canon IXUS 120 IS looks good and feels good in the hand. At only 20mm wide it is one of the slimmer digital cameras. You should have no problem slipping this camera into a pocket. Features include High Definition movies, image stabilisation and a 2.7 inch LCD screen. Unlike some other cameras in this part of the Canon range there is no viewfinder. There are 12 megapixels and a 4x optical zoom lens.

Like other Canon digital cameras the IXUS 120 IS is capable of taking bright, colourful photos. I like the crispness of the shots, especially taking into account the wide angle lens. The addition of a wide angle lens often takes the edge off the quality of the photos when the lens is zoomed right out, but this camera does well.

I like the look of the camera. The design is quite simple but Canon has somehow given it a bit of an extra sheen. This suggests a touch of added quality. The IXUS 120 IS is available in black, silver, blue and brown.

Another of my top rated, pocket sized digital cameras is the
Sony Cybershot DSC TX1. This camera is a bit different to the IXUS 120 IS. It has a touch control LCD screen, plus a few extra features too.

Rating: Above Average

Summary: I like the Canon IXUS 120 IS. It includes most things I look for in a pocket digital camera. It does not have some of the features that other brands are now starting to offer, but it does take a good photo in most situations.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Canon IXUS 120 IS review and ratings

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The Samsung WB1000 is just about small enough to squeeze into most pockets. Samsung has included a number of features that help to differentiate this camera from other smaller compacts. Starting with the more basic features the WB1000 has 12 megapixels and an extra wide, 5x optical zoom lens. The extra width the lens offers will be useful to you if you enjoy taking pictures or landscapes, cityscapes, interiors or groups of people.

If you would like to take some extra control over the way your final photos will look you will be pleased to know Samsung has added a set of manual exposure controls. These include aperture priority and shutter priority. Manual focus is available too. Image stabilisation has been built in and there is a High Definition movie mode where zoom can be used while you are shooting the movie.

Added extras include a setting for taking square photos, a recycle bin to guard against accidental deletion of photos and two dials on the top of the WB1000 that give a clear indication of when battery and memory card levels are running low.

It is not easy to come up with camera with a similar set of features. Another camera I really like that has one or two extra functions of its own is the Fuji Finepix F70EXR.

Rating: Above Average

Summary: You certainly get a digital camera that is a bit different to the rest of the crowd if you go for the Samsung WB1000. Picture quality is good and despite all the features I found this camera easy enough to use. As mentioned there is not a great deal of direct competition, so if you are attracted by the features this camera offers, then it is well worth closer investigation.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Samsung WB1000 review and ratings

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The Canon IXUS 200 IS is a 12 megapixel digital camera with a 5x optical zoom lens. The lens has a focal length equivalent to 25 – 120mm in 35mm format. This means it has extreme wide angle capabilities. This is likely to prove attractive if you enjoy photographing wide scenes where you need to squeeze a lot of width into a shot

The IXUS 200 IS will fit easily into most pockets. It has a metal body and is available in shades of silver, purple, light blue and gold.

Other key features include image stabilisation and the ability to shot 720p High Definition movies. There is also a 3 inch LCD screen. Help text pops up on the screen to give you hints and tips. You can also select a small number of settings through the touch sensitive screen.

The Canon IXUS 200 IS is the first Canon digital camera to offer control of some features through the 3 inch LCD screen. The number of features you can control in this way is limited, but you can change the shooting mode and set the flash for example. Other features include an extreme wide angle lens with 5x optical zoom. Zoom can be increased if you opt to shoot at lower resolutions. Other features include High Definition movies and image stabilisation.

The IXUS 200 IS feels like it is well made and has a touch of style about it. It has a metal body and like a number of digital cameras these days it comes in a variety of colours. In this instance you can choose between purple, silver, light blue and gold.

If one of the big attractions for you of the IXUS 200 IS is the touch screen then you may be disappointed to find that the number of settings you can change with it appears to be quite limited. Therefore you may find the Sony Cybershot TX1 a more attractive proposition. As well as being more or less completely touch screen controlled it has some innovative features for such a small camera.

Rating: Above Average

Summary: Picture quality with the Canon IXUS 200 IS does not quite hit the heights of other Canon cameras in this range. It is hard to say exactly why this is, but there are an awful lot of pixels packed into a very small sensor. On top of this the extreme wide angle lens is really pushing technology boundaries. Unless you really do need that wide angle view, maybe for photographing house interiors, you may be better served looking elsewhere. I would say this camera is good, but it falls short of excellence.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Canon IXUS 200 IS review and ratings

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The Orion Observer is the perfect 60mm telescope when you want to get started with your astronomy. It is easy to use, and very user-friendly. It allows simple vertical and horizontal movement with the altazimuth mount and tripod that comes with the telescope.

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Hobbies, Optical, Outdoor, Photography
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The Fuji Finepix S200EXR bowled me over. Having reviewed well in excess of 500 digital cameras over a number of years it is not often I pick up a camera that really makes me sit up and take notice. Picture quality is out on its own, especially for scenes with high contrast. I was also very impressed by photos taken using flash. The Finepix S200EXR was able to get lighting levels right and avoid washing out colour owing to an overpowering burst of flash.

I really enjoyed using this camera. A lot of that was down to the way the Finepix S200EXR handles. It made a very pleasant change to get my hands on a digital camera with a twisting lens barrel to zoom in and out. Add in a variety of buttons and a selection wheel to provide immediate access to key features and I found changing settings quick and easy.

There are numerous features for you to get your hands on. These include 12 megapixels, 14.3x optical zoom, image stabilisation, manual exposure modes, manual focus and the ability to store images in RAW format.

On top of these the Finepix S200EXR has some very useful shooting modes to check out. These include the EXR mode that differentiates this camera from its rivals. One advantage of this mode is that it allows you to bring out a great deal of detail in shots where there is high contrast. No more blown out skies and other highlights.

If you would like even more zoom then try looking at the Canon Powershot SX1 IS. This camera is also packed with features, although they are a bit different to those offered by the Finepix S200EXR.

Rating: Excellent

The picture quality produced by the Fuji Finepix S200EXR came as a very pleasant surprise. Rich colours, great use of lighting and a level of detail that is very rare to see. With the EXR options you can get great detail and accurate colours in high contrast scenes too. Highly recommended.

Summary: For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Fuji Finepix S200EXR review and ratings

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If you are into more traditional ways of filming, you may be interested by a new site which offers customer reviews of 8mm camcorders. If you are thinking of getting an 8mm camcorder this website might help you decide which one is the best for your home movies.

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ38 packs a fair punch. To start with it has plenty of megapixels and zoom power. It has a 12 megapixel sensor and the 18x zoom lens has wide angle capabilities that are likely to come in handy for landscapes and cityscapes or any other type of shot where you would like to squeeze in a wide scene. The amount of zoom can also be almost doubled to a maximum 35.2x if you shoot at lower resolutions.

Among the features built into the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ38 are manual exposure modes including aperture priority and shutter priority modes, plus manual focusing. Image stabilisation is also on hand to help keep picture blur under control.

It is the movie mode that really catches the eye. To start with it can capture High Definition movies. Moving on it is worth noting that the Lumix DMC FZ38 is one of the few digital cameras where you can zoom in and out while shooting the movie. It is also one of the few able to capture stereo sound. On top of this you can also set the shutter speed and aperture size.
Another advanced super zoom digital camera worth a look is the A HREF=” http://www.cameras.co.uk/reviews/canon-powershot-sx1.cfm”>Canon Powershot SX1.
Rating: Above Average
Summary: I really liked the pictures I took with the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ38. I found them to have plenty of brightness and sharpness. I would happily recommend this camera.
For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ38 review and ratings

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The Fuji Finepix F70EXR is a little different to more run of the mill digital cameras. To start with it has a 10x wide angle lens in a relatively compact body. For the more creative photographer there is a manual exposure mode together with an aperture priority mode. These help to give you extra control over the way your final photos will look. There is a 2.7 inch LCD screen that I found very clear and easy to see, as well as image stabilisation.

Innovation comes in the shape of an EXR mode. This lets you choose between taking photos at the full 12 megapixel resolution or reducing resolution down to 6 megapixels. When you opt to reduce the number of megapixels you are shooting at you can select to increase the detail showing in lighter and darker areas of a photo or to reduce noise levels.

A second feature that tries to combat noise is the Pro Lowlight mode. This fires off six shots and overlays them one on top of the other to try to increase picture quality. A similar technique is used in the Pro Focus mode. This mode throws the background of a shot out of focus to highlight the main subject. This is seen at its best for close up shots and portraits.

Digital camera companies appear to be focusing more on features now with different cameras offering a clear choice when it comes to features. I cannot come up with any direct competitors to the Finepix F70EXR, but you may wish to take a look at the Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7. It does not have the EXR features, but it does offer High Definition movies.

Rating: Above Average

The Fuji Finepix F70EXR produced some of the most striking images I have produced in a while. My outdoor shots have a great feeling of clarity. Coupled with vivid colours and plenty of brightness I am very impressed with the shots the camera can produce.

Summary: For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Fuji Finepix F70EXR review and ratings

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When I tested the Panasonic Lumix DMC ZX1 it was off to a great start as soon as I turned it on. This is because it has the fastest turn on time of any camera I have reviewed up to October 2009. The delay time between pressing the shutter button and the picture being taken was also very small. This can be a big help if you are planning to take photos of children or other subjects that do not stay still for long!

Basic specification details for the Lumix DMC ZX1 include a 12 megapixel sensor and an 8x optical zoom lens. The lens has a minimum focal length equivalent to 25mm in 35mm format. This means it is able to squeeze wide scenes into a picture. This can be great for landscapes and cityscapes.

Other features include the ability to shoot High Definition moves, image stabilisation and a Travel Mode. The travel mode helps you to organize your photos by destination, date and time.

If it is the extra zoom in a relatively compact body that attracts you to the Lumix DMC ZX1 then it may well be worth taking a look at the
Olympus MJU 9000. This camera also has a wide angle lens and a slightly longer lens at 10x zoom. It should prove a good camera to perform a comparison against.

Rating: Above Average

Summary: Picture quality from the Panasonic Lumix DMC ZX1 was good. My feeling is this is a good all round snapshot camera.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Panasonic Lumix DMC ZX1 review and ratings

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The Sony Cybershot DSC TX1 has just about every feature you can think of packed into its ultra slimline body. Sony has equipped this camera with a special sensor, the type normally associated with a Digital SLR. This allows for faster processing giving you access to a burst mode capable of shooting at up to 10 frames per second. On top of this the speed of processing has enabled Sony to create a special sweep panorama mode. When placed in this mode the Cybershot DSC TX1 fires off a burst of photos as you sweep the camera round. The pictures are then stitched together in camera to create a single, seamless photo. This is a great innovation if you like to capture sweeping landscapes or cityscapes.

Another advantage of the processing speed comes when light levels are falling towards the end of the day. This creates a problem where noise starts to appear in photos, decreasing the overall quality of the shot. With the Cybershot DSC TX1 Sony fire off a burst of six shots and then overlay them one on top of the other. This reduces noise and increases overall photo quality.

Aside from these headline features the Cybershot DSC TX1 is one of the smallest and slimmest digital cameras on the market. It comes with image stabilisation, a High Definition movie mode and a 3 inch, touch controlled LCD screen.

Another small, touch controlled digital camera is the
Nikon Coolpix S60. It does not have all the features the Cybershot DSC TX1 has, but it is available for a lower price.

Rating: Above Average

Summary: If you are looking for a feature packed, pocket sized digital camera then you will be hard pushed to beat all the features crammed into the Sony Cybershot DSC TX1.

For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Sony Cybershot DSC TX1 review and ratings

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Hands down, the best type of photography lighting is natural light. The light from the sun or the moon can illuminate the object of the photograph in such a way as to make them appear smoother and softer. Direct sunlight is some of the brightest photography lighting available and creates perfect shadows for the backgrounds of the photographs. Natural light is also used as photography lighting indoors, by taking the photographs near windows and other brightly lit areas.

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC FS25 is a neat, little pocket digital camera. I was very impressed by the quality of the snaps I was able to take with it. If you like your colours strong then this could be the camera for you. The power of the colours was clearly shown in my outdoor shots where blue skies looked a very deep shade of blue. There was a good level of sharpness about the shots. This suggests you should be able to go beyond snapshot sized prints.
In terms of features I would describe the Lumix DMC FS25 as a step up from a more basic point and shoot digital camera. You get a larger screen (at 3 inches), plus image stabilisation too. You also get a number of modes you can choose from to fine tune your photos. Panasonic has also thrown in some colour options.
Another camera in the same section of the Panasonic range you may wish to take a look at is the Panasonic Lumix DMC FS15.
Rating: Above Average
Summary: I think the Panasonic Lumix DMC FS15 offers a bit of extra value when compared to a number of similar digital cameras. You would have to pay quite a lot more for a significant step up in picture quality. As ever Panasonic seem to have thrown in a few extra features while managing to retain a very good level of ease of use.
For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Panasonic Lumix DMC FS25 review and ratings

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Looking through my test shots you will be hard pressed to beat the Canon Powershot SX120 when it comes to the crispness and sharpness of its photos. As well as this important plus point I also like the colours the camera produces. All in all this is a good all round digital camera.

It offers a 10 megapixel sensor with a 10x optical zoom lens. These are backed up by an impressive range of features including image stabilisation, a 3 inch LCD screen and a set of manual exposure controls. As ever with Canon digital cameras you also get a set of colour options too.

So what is missing from the Powershot SX120 IS. Well Canon has opted not to include a High Definition movie mode. On top of this there is no wide angle lens. If these are two features that appeal to you then try taking a look at the
Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7. As they say you cannot have everything and the Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7 lacks the manual controls offered by the Powershot SX120 IS.

Rating: Above Average

Picture quality is just about spot on for this type of camera. I put the Canon Powershot SX120 IS through its paces and it did not let me down at all. With a macro mode that can focus from 1cm away from the subject it offers plenty of scope for close up photography too.

Summary: For a full review, ratings and sample images please visit: Canon Powershot SX120 IS review and ratings

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