There are three things about a digital camera that never fails to attract consumers: (1) A fairly wide digital display, (2) AA batteries as power source and (3) the Brand name. If you are making a checklist of this three, then you will surely pick Nikon Coolpix L22. This camera has a 3-inch LCD, powered by two AA batteries and of course, it comes from one of the leading camera manufacturers in the world, Nikon.

However, despite being attractive to a lot of consumers, a closer look will surely make a wise buyer think twice. Even though the camera is light (even with batteries loaded), the user will definitely be frustrated over the limited features that this camera have; couple this frustration with the built-in mediocre-quality lens and you get nothing but a camera that can be easily considered least among many of its counterparts.

Nevertheless, this camera is a good enough entry-level point-and-shoot. It may not produce outstanding pictures and it may even compromise happy moments when there is not enough light but it can still capture descent shots especially when used outdoors under bright sunlight. In addition, Coolpix L22 can also be powered using alkaline lithium-ion cells or NiMHs which are both long-lasting and rechargable. The battery compartment of the camera can be opened and closed using the attached latch. With either batteries loaded, the camera feels more sturdy.

Coolpix L22 might prove to be a disappointment to users who look to Nikon when it comes to digital cameras. Unfortunately, its low-quality lens seem to make the edges of the picture a bit softer than that of the center. This problem is even exacerbated when you will use its 3.6x optical zoom feature. Using its 4x digital zoom feature is even worse. When using zoom functions, users can easily ruin their shots if they are not paying enough attention to the display.

Read More

[amazon-product-reviews]

Panasonic G1 is famous for two things: (1) among all cameras with interchangeable lenses, G1 is the first of its kinds to have “turned its back” from the classic optical viewfinders to the more practical live-like capture view through a built-in LCD and (2) it is also the first camera in the world to have met the Micro Four Thirds standard.

Given these two pioneering traits, although G1 still possess the outward DSLR appearance, to many people this camera is but the symbol of the commencement of a new era where single-lens reflex cameras have lost their dominance.

Nonetheless, the absence of a video-recording function in G1 definitely drags down the reputation that this DSLR has earned so far. In a time when video recording has become a common feature amongst SLR cameras, G1 would really seem a little bit odd. Yet, for those who really can’t do without video recording capabilities, Panasonic has already released GH1 and GF1 out in the market to compensate for G1’s limitations.

But that was some months ago. As of now Panasonic has already unveiled G1’s successors: G2 and G10 which are pretty much like their predecessor but with more functionality. In order to compete with mid-price DSLR cameras already saturating the market, Panasonic adjusted the viewfinder resolution of these two successors. But cutting down on the camera viewfinder’s extremely high resolution, Panasonic is able to reduce production cost thereby allowing the company to sell the new cameras at a lower price.

G2 and G10 have so far silenced the complaints and criticisms which their predecessor has so long endured. As for G2, here are its key features:

- 12.1 MP with a 4/3 “Live MOs” sensor

- 1.4 MP electronic viewfinder

- 3-inch LCD, touchscreen, multi-angle

- “Venus Engine HD II” (this allows the camera to auto adjust resolutions)

- 720p video capture, Mpeg or AVCHD formats

- Port for an external microphone (for better audio capturing for videos)

Read More

[amazon-product-reviews]