Pre-Photokina 2008: Next up from Olympus today is the Mju 1040 ultra-compact digital camera, sporting a 2.7”LCD and 3x (38-114mm equiv) zoom lens. The 10 MP super slim camera is 16.5 mm wide and includes features such as Advanced Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment and Intelligent Auto Mode. Looking at the styling it would appear that Olympus is going after the Sony Cyber-Shot market with this one…

Press Release:

Precision optics in an all-new super-slim metal body
The Olympus µ [mju:] 1040: Brilliant results in a miniature body

Hamburg, 25 August 2008 – Combining powerful features in a completely redesigned super-slim metal body, the Olympus µ [mju:] 1040 is an extremely elegant performer. Measuring in at a depth of just 16.5mm at its thin end, it combines a precision 3x zoom (38-114mm*) with cutting-edge features such as Advanced Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology. Furthermore, the brand new Intelligent Auto mode can detect the five most commonly-used scenes and then automatically adjust camera settings including focus and exposure. A large (6.9cm/2.7”) HyperCrystal LCD helps users frame and review their shots. In addition to the camera’s internal memory, photos can be stored on xD-Picture Card or – thanks to a bundled attachment – on microSD Card. The 10 Megapixel µ [mju:] 1040 will hit stores from September 2008 at an RRP of £149.99.

Style meets innovation
The Olympus µ [mju:] 1040 represents a new generation of style. Its sleek, thin metal body really makes a statement and comes in a dazzling array of colours. These include Starry Silver, Midnight Black, Magma Red and Melon Yellow, with a sliding lens cover that enhances the µ [mju:] 1040’s streamlined appearance. The camera’s interface has also been changed as now you can access most functions through a flat control panel. This ensures easy navigation while simultaneously getting the hearts of minimal design enthusiasts racing.

High-tech features
The innovations incorporated in the Olympus µ [mju:] 1040 make capturing picture-perfect images a breeze with the brand new Intelligent Auto mode. This feature automatically detects 5 different popular photographic scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically.

Advanced Face Detection Technology lets up to 16 faces be recognised by the camera. Matched with Shadow Adjustment Technology, which cleverly optimises shadowy areas in picture, you can be sure that your human subjects are always caught in the right light.

Thanks to Digital Image Stabilisation, which boosts ISO values, crisp and sharp photos are assured – even in low-light situations. Meanwhile, the powerful TruePic III image processor enhances colour reproduction and image quality as well as boosting speed.

Take charge
With the Olympus µ [mju:] 1040, you are in control. Perfect Shot Preview lets adjustments to your photo be shown on the LCD in real time. This makes it easy to choose the right settings to achieve the best effects. In cases where further assistance might be required, the in-camera help guide puts solutions at your fingertips. Users also have a choice of up to 39 languages for the camera menu. In addition to internal memory, pictures can be stored to xD Picture Card, or – thanks to a bundled attachment – to microSD Card. And to ensure easy handling of photos on a computer, the multifaceted Olympus Master software is also included.

Available in Starry Silver, Midnight Black, Magma Red and Melon Yellow, the sleek and ultra-slim µ [mju:] 1040 becomes available in September 2008 for £149.99.

The Olympus µ [mju:] 1040 – main features:

• Miniature 3x optical zoom (38-114mm*) in super slim metal body (just 16.5mm at its thin end) to capture everything from great scenes to exciting close-ups
• 10 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
• The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
• Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces, plus correct exposure of other image areas
• 6.9cm/2.7" HyperCrystal LCD for excellent previews even in brilliant sunlight
• Digital Image Stabilisation for less blur even in low light
• TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30 fps)
• xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatible

• 10.3 million total pixels
• 10 million effective pixels
• Primary colour filter (RGB)

Image sizes • 10M 3828 x 2794
• 5M 2560 x 1920
• 3M 2048 x 1536
• 2M 1600 x 1200
• 1M 1280 x 960
• VGA 640 x 480
• 16:9 1920 x 1080 Movie clips • 640 x 480 / 15 fps
• 320 x 240 / 15 fps File formats • JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
• AVI Motion JPEG
• WAV audio Lens • 3 x
• 3 Aspherical glass elements
• Focal length 6.7 – 20.1 mm
• Focal length (equiv. 35mm) 38-114 mm
• 10 lenses / 8 groups
• Aperture 3.5 – 5.0 Image stabilization No Conversion lenses No Digital zoom Yes 5x Focus • TTL iESP auto focus with contrast detection
• Face Detection AF
• Spot
• Standard
• Macro
• Super-Macro AF assist lamp Yes Focus distance • Standard mode 0.5m (wide) / 0.5m (tele)
• Macro mode 0.2m – (wide) / 0.3m (tele)
• Super Macro mode Closest focusing distance: 7 cm Metering • ESP light metering
• Spot ISO sensitivity • Auto ISO 80 – 1600 Automatically selected
• Manual ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 Exposure compensation • +/- 2 EV
• 1/3 EV steps Shuttter speed 1 s – 1/2000 s Aperture f3.5 – f5.0 Scene modes

• Portrait
• Landscape
• Landscape with Portrait
• Night Scene
• Night Scene with portrait
• Sports
• Self-portrait
• Smile Shot
• Cuisine
• Movies
• Intelligent Auto Mode

White balance • White balance adjustment
• Sunlight
• Tungsten
• Overcast
• Flourescent 1
• Flourescent 2
• Flourescent 3 Self timer Yes Flash • Auto
• Red-eye reduction
• Fill-in
• Off LCD monitor • 2.7" / 6.9 cm LCD
• 230,000 dots Connectivity • DC input
• Combined A/V & USB output
• USB 2.0 compatible Storage • DCF
• EXIF 2.2
• PIM III
• PictBridge
• DPOF Power • LI-50B Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery
• D-7 AC AC Adapter (optional) Weight (no batt) 108g Dimensions 89 x 55.5 x 20.3mm

Source: www.dpreview.com

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TrustedReviews have reviewed the 15x zoom Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H9 digital camera.

“Sony’s DSC-H9 has some interesting features, including an impressive zoom range, manual exposure options, night shooting and a big tilting monitor, and it is competitively priced, but it lack the versatility of some rival cameras. It is also lacking in final image quality, with unexpected optical problems as well as overpowered noise reduction. Not a bad camera, but there are better alternatives available.”

TrustedReviews – Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H9 Review

Source: feeds.feedburner.com

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Sony Electronics has issued a global recall for Cyber-shot DSC-T5 digital cameras. Unlike the now-infamous recall of about 10 million notebook computer batteries manufactured by Sony, this product recall doesn’t involve meltdowns or devices bursting into flame; instead, Sony is recalling the cameras because their bottom plates can detach from the bottom of the camera and warp, creating a sharp edge that can scratch or cut users’ hands.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5 camera was announced two years ago and went on sale in September 2005. The model is a slim, compact camera offering a 5.1 megapixel resolution, a 2.5-inch LCD display, 3× optical zoom, sliding lens cover, and aluminum bodies available in black, silver, gold, red, and champagne colors.

Under the recall, Sony will replace the bottom casing on affected cameras for free.

A Sony spokesperson in Tokyo said the company first became aware of the problem abut a month after the camera was introduced, and that about 30 customers in Japan and other markets have reported the problem, with several suffering small cuts or scratches.

According to Sony, approximately 350,000 Cyber-shot DSC-T5 cameras have been sold in the U.S., Europe, and China, with  another 66,000 apparently sold in Japan.

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