New Intel Core Ultra processors deliver breakthrough performance, efficiency for the AI PC age
 Intel launched its most efficient family of x86 processors ever, the Intel "Lunar Lake" Core Ultra 200V series processors. Designed to deliver low-power leadership for AI PCs with up to 50% lower package power and up to 120 total platform TOPS across CPU, GPU and NPU, Lunar Lake marks the debut of Intel’s new Xe2 graphics microarchitecture that delivers a significant leap in mobile graphics performance. The built-in Intel Arc GPU includes as many as eight new 2nd Gen Xe-cores, eight enhanced ray tracing units, support for up to three 4k monitors, and new built-in Intel Xe Matrix Extensions AI engines. [See Intel media release] -- Posted Wednesday, September 11, 2024 by chb
Tough and simple, Kyocera's rugged flip phones are ideal for digital detox
 Popular detoxes and cleansing programs have been favored by those pursuing physical health and well-being. Now, "digital detoxing" is rapidly growing for those who wish to improve their mental health by reducing stressors from constant online connectivity and, instead, enhance genuine connections with friends and family. To help encourage periodic tech breaks, Kyocera International, Inc., the North American leader in rugged mobile solutions, today announced a gift with purchase of a DuraXA Equip or DuraXV Extreme+ rugged flip phone. Consumers can choose between a free digital detox starter pack, a spare battery, or a single-wire PTT earpiece kit with purchase of one of these Kyocera rugged flip phones through August 31, limited quantities available. [See Kyocera media release] -- Posted Thursday, July 25, 2024 by chb
Microsoft introduced Copilot+ PCs
 In a May 20 event, Microsoft introduced "a new category" of Windows PCs designed for AI. The Copilot+ PCs, according to Microsoft, are "the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever built". These seem to be "AI-enhanced" PCs with advanced AI capabilities integrated into their hardware, leveraging AI features across Microsoft software (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc), but also certain third party software, such as Adobe. In addition to Microsoft's own Surface Pro and Surface Laptop hardware, Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and perhaps others will all launch Copilot+ PCs, available starting June 18. All these will likely be based on Intel 14th gen "Meteor Lake" Core Ultra processors that contain, in addition to performance and efficient cores, the requisite new NPUs (Neural Processing Units). [See Microsoft's Introducing Copilot+ PCs] -- Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2024 by chb
New FLIR Si2-Series acoustic imagers
 In industrial settings the early detection of air and gas leaks as well as machinery faults is crucial for preventing costly breakdowns and ensuring the smooth operation of equipment. Revolutionizing predictive maintenance in manufacturing, the next-generation FLIR Si2 acoustic imager prevents critical failures, cuts energy costs, reduces maintenance expenses, and boosts productivity, ensuring a rapid ROI. [See FLIR Si2-Pro acoustic imagers] -- Posted Wednesday, May 15, 2024 by chb
DJI launches Inspire 3 professional 8k video drone
 Drones are getting ever more professional in their capabilities, opening massive productivity and efficiency gains in numerous industries. DJI's new Inspire 3 comes with a full-frame 1/1.8-inch-sensor FPV camera that can record up to 8K/75fps video, transmit live feeds at up to 1080p/60fps, fly waypoints and repeatable routes, have night vision, centimeter-level RTK positioning, 14 F-stop dynamic range, and more. [See DJI Inspire 3]
-- Posted Thursday, April 13, 2023 by chb
DPReview.com to close
 Digital photography review site DPReview will close down, after 25 years of covering the digital imaging market and generating arguably the best camera reviews you can find. Amazon bought DPReview in 2007, and why they would shut down what is likely a very small cost item to them (and likely very helpful in fueling imaging equipment sales) is anyone's guess. As is, with DPReview, the world will lose a site that could be considered part of its technical heritage. [See DPReview.com to close] -- Posted Thursday, March 23, 2023 by chb
EU ministers give final approval to one-size-fits-all charging port
The Council of the EU today gave its final approval to the common charger directive. This means that in 2024, a USB-C port will become mandatory for a whole range of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and headphones. It will no longer be necessary to buy a different charger every time you purchase a new mobile phone or similar device: all of them can be recharged using the same charger. [See EU Council media release] -- Posted Tuesday, October 25, 2022 by chb
French Ministry of the Interior chooses Motorola Solutions to modernize frontline policing with 30,000 body-worn cameras
 Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI), today announced that the French Ministry of the Interior will deploy 30,000 of Motorola Solutions' VB400 body-worn cameras to its National Police and the Gendarmerie (military police) to modernize policing. The roll-out of body-worn cameras, valued at $17.5 million (15 million Euros), is one of the largest ever deployed and is expected to start in July 2021. The deployment will support the French government's goal to improve trust and safety in policing by having all law enforcement officers wearing body-worn cameras. [See Motorola Solutions media release -- Posted Monday, May 10, 2021 by chb
Janam unveils most affordable temperature sensing kiosk
 Janam Technologies LLC, a leading provider of rugged mobile computers and contactless access solutions, today unveiled the newest addition to its Guardian family of access management hardware solutions. With advanced thermal imaging and facial recognition technology, GT2 is an extremely affordable and easy-to-deploy temperature sensing kiosk that quickly and accurately reads the body temperature and confirms the identity of individuals entering a facility. [See Janam media release] -- Posted Wednesday, July 1, 2020 by chb
Olympus getting out of the camera business
After making cameras for 84 years, Olympus is getting out of the business. Citing "rapid market shrink caused by the evolution of smartphones," Olympus will sell the camera division to Japan Industrial Partner, the same folks who took over Sony's Vaio PC operation in 2014. While Olympus says JIP will see to "continuous growth of the business," we'll miss all those awesome rugged, adventure, mirrorless, dSLR and underwater Olympus cameras. And as for the smartphone excuse, we feel the digital camera industry brought this upon itself. [See Olympus media release] -- Posted Wednesday, June 24, 2020 by chb
Olympus TG Tracker now US$199!
 While the Olympus TG Tracker isn't anywhere near as popular as GoPros, it is an absolutely fabulous, super-compact little 4k video camera that can also do 8mp stills. It can handle depths to 100 feet without housing and comes with everything you need to shoot above and under water. The TG Tracker is so good that we take it on every dive trip and every dive. And now Olympus has them on sale for $199 (usually $349). [See Olympus TG Tracker deal] -- Posted Friday, March 22, 2019 by chb
The GoPro Hero6 is here
 GoPro releases a new top-of-the-line action camera with the Hero6. It's the same size as the Hero5 and looks the same, but can record 4k/60 and 1080p/240 instead of the Hero5's 5k/30 and 720P/240. Other new features include wake-on-voice, touch-zoom, and better image stabilization. Price is US$499 vs US$399 for the still available Hero5. [See GoPro press release] -- Posted Friday, September 29, 2017 by chb
AI at the Edge: Motorola Solutions and Neurala to work together on intelligence for cameras
 Interesting things are happening in mobile cameras used as bodycams and similar. Instead of just recording footage, there emerging camera systems can actually analyze image streams on the fly and search for objects (like types of cars) or persons of interest such as missing children and suspects.Motorola Solutions announced that it will work with artificial intelligence (AI) company Neurala to develop intelligent cameras for public safety users. The companies will work together to integrate Neurala’s AI capabilities with Motorola Solutions’ software and cameras, including its Si500 body-worn camera. [See Motorola Solutions press release] -- Posted Friday, July 21, 2017 by chb
Digital film "canister" for old 35mm cameras?
Are all those old film SLR cameras still sitting on shelves and in closets just museum pieces — like record players — or do they still have some use? Probably not, but look at the Pseudo film canister idea that envisions a digital camera packaged into a 35mm cartridge, using the SLR's optics and mechanisms. See A digital film canister for old 35mm cameras -- Posted Tuesday, May 31, 2016 by chb
Nikon joins the premium compact camera market
Nikon is finally joining Canon and Sony in offering compact premium cameras with their new US$799.95 DL18-50 and $649.95 DL24-85. With footprints of roughly 4.5 x 2.5 inches and weighing about 3/4 pound, they are handy and pocketable. That's good news for those who want something more than just a smartphone camera, but a lot smaller than a big dSLR. -- Posted Thursday, February 25, 2016 by chb
Leica X-U — the Grey Poupon of adventure cameras
Outdoor cameras are going upscale with the new Leica X-U. Designed (albeit not made) in Germany as a shockproof, dust and water sealed expedition camera, the Leica X-U can handle 4-foot drops, go on 50-foot dives, has a 16.5mp CMOS imager, a fixed Leica Summilux 23mm lens and a fast f1.7 aperture. How much? Ummm... just under US$3,000. [See Leica media release] -- Posted Wednesday, January 20, 2016 by chb
Digital camera vendors, except Canon and Sony, shunning the consumer camera market
According to DigiTimes, camera manufacturers no longer have much interest in the consumer digital still camera market. Only a limited number of new models have been released over the last year. The exception to the rule are Sony and Canon, both of which still released new DSCs every quarter during 2015. In particular, the two companies are releasing high-end DSC models featuring large image sensors in order to differentiate their devices from smartphone cameras. Examples are the Sony RX10 II and RX100 IV - which use stacked CMOS image sensors with DRAM chips, the RX1R II with a full-frame CMOS sensor , and bringing 40-megapixel resolution into the consumer DSC market. And Canon launched the G5 X and G9 X with a 1-inch 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor in the fourth quarter. -- Posted Friday, January 8, 2016 by chb
Samsung pulls out of UK digital camera market
In another blow to the dedicated digital camera market, Samsung is pulling out of the digital camera and camcorder market in the UK. According to TechRadar, Samsung stated that "In the UK, we have seen a gradual and sustained decline in demand for standalone digital cameras and camcorders and related accessories. For this reason, we have taken the decision to phase out the sales and marketing of these products." -- Posted Thursday, December 3, 2015 by chb
RAM Mounts reveals new and improved website
 RAM Mounts, the company that makes our preferred mounting solutions, has totally rebuilt its entire website and the result is extremely impressive. While we've seen a number of less than optimal website makeovers during the last year (usually on Wordpress), RAM's new site is terrific. [See new RAM Mounts site] -- Posted Thursday, November 19, 2015 by chb
Canon to automate camera production
The Japan News reports that Canon plans to fully automate domestic production of digital cameras as part of an effort to shift production back to Japan while reducing costs. The implementation, aided by a new Canon technology development facility, will start in 2018 and take place in phases. Production of high-end models and lenses will also be automated. Canon expects the automation to cut production costs by around 20%. [See Japan News article] -- Posted Friday, August 7, 2015 by chb
GoPro charges ahead
While most traditional camera companies are hurting, GoPro posted $16.8 million in profit and $363 million in sales for its first fiscal quarter, up from $8.5 million profit on $236 million sales the same quarter last year. [See GoPro Q1 2015 financials] -- Posted Tuesday, April 28, 2015 by chb
New GoPros!
GoPro announced three new cameras, those being the top-of-the-line Hero 4 Black (US$499), the Hero 4 Silver (US$399), and a new basic camera, just called Hero (US$129). Most important features: the Hero 4 Black can do 4k/30fps, 2.7k/50fps and 1080p/120. The Hero 4 Silver seems to have roughly the same capabilities as the old Hero 3 Black but includes, a first for GoPros, an integrated LCD. The new entry-level Hero can do 1080p/30fps and 720p/60fps and is built directly into a waterproof housing. [See GoPro press release] -- Posted Monday, September 29, 2014 by chb
Nikon announces new D750 dSLR
 Nikon announced the new D750, an exciting addition to its FX-format D-SLR camera lineup. This full-frame camera features a powerful combination of pro-caliber photo and video features for both professionals and enthusiasts in a compact and lightweight body. The Nikon D750 features a 24.3-megapixel sensor and is the first FX-Format Nikon D-SLR to feature a tilting vari-angle LCD display and built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. [See Nikon press release] -- Posted Friday, September 12, 2014 by chb
Canon celebrates 80th anniversary of its first camera
 Canon U.S.A. announced that its parent company, Canon Inc., is commemorating the 80th anniversary of Canon’s first camera, the Kwanon. Marking Japan’s first 35mm focal-plane-shutter camera, the Kwanon was produced in prototype form in 1934, the culmination of the dreams of engineers who wanted to catch up with Europe, the leading presence in the camera industry at the time. The engineers who created the camera decided to name it after Kwannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, hoping the deity would share her benevolence as they pursued their dream to produce the world’s finest camera. -- Posted Tuesday, September 2, 2014 by chb
GoPro goes public June 26, 2014
On June 26, 2014, GoPro CEO and founder, Nick Woodman, rang the bell on the NASDAQ trading floor, signaling the start of the trading day and GoPro’s first day listed on the NASDAQ exchange thus marking another huge milestone for GoPro. GoPro's stock (GPRO) started around US$30 per share, and as of June 30 reached US$40. [See GoPro's announcement] -- Posted Monday, June 30, 2014 by chb
Canon launches new optics microsite
Canon U.S.A. announced a new microsite devoted to helping people understand the incredible power they can access when they look at the world through the right lens. While a DSLR camera body is a very important creative tool, lenses help photographers of all levels realize their artistic vision. This microsite will help consumers grow creatively and expand their photographic tools beyond kit lenses. [See Canon's Through the Right Lens site] -- Posted Thursday, June 26, 2014 by chb
Cool and useful gear: StarTech's 7-port USB charger
 Every now and then we need to mention some of the truly useful gadgets that come into our lab, that we end up using all the time, and that a lot of our readers out there could probably use, too. One such gadget is StarTech's 7-port USB charger. It's amazing how nice it is to charge all your gear at once and use only one wall outlet. [See StarTech 7-Port USB Charging Station] -- Posted Monday, June 16, 2014 by chb
GoPro files to go public
Action camera sensation GoPro has filed for an initial public offering. The filing showed that GoPro had revenues of US$985 million for2013, almost twice that of the year before. GoPro also recorded US$61 in net income and shipped 3.85 million Hero cameras during 2013. Of potential concerns listed was a Q1 2014 revenue drop (that may be the result of new product introduction timing). On the other hand, GoPro does not feel that smartphones and tablets would have the same negative impact on its camera sales as they're having on regular dedicated compact cameras. -- Posted Tuesday, May 20, 2014 by chb
Discover 4K and the mirrorless camera revolution at free event from Adorama and Panasonic
Adorama, one of the world’s largest photography, imaging, video and electronics retailers, is teaming up with Panasonic to present a free Next Generation Workflow event to discuss working with 4K video on Tuesday, May 20, 2014. This event will feature two sessions, at 3pm and 6pm, and will be held at the Adorama store located at 42 West 18th Street in Manhattan. Refreshments will be served. Register now for this Next Generation Workflow Event with the Panasonic LUMIX GH4. -- Posted Wednesday, May 14, 2014 by chb
Canon adds two new EF ultra wide-angle lenses and white EOS Rebel SL1 digital SLR
 Canon announced two new wide-angle lenses and a new white color model of the EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR, just in time for summer. The introduction of the new Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM and the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM wide-angle zoom lenses provides Canon digital SLR users with the ability to capture stunning photographs and videos of spacious landscapes and many other iconic scenes. The new white EOS Rebel SL1 comes with a matching white EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and offers a stylish alternative for those who like to stand out from the crowd. [See Canon's EF lens lineup] -- Posted Tuesday, May 13, 2014 by chb
Calumet Photographic sold to C&A Marketing
Photo retailer Calumet Photographic, which shut down in mid-March 2014 after filing for Chapter Seven bankruptcy, is under new ownership. C&A Marketing Inc. is acquiring Calumet stores in several major cities, beating out a rival bid from former Calumet employees. C&A marketing is the same company that bought the rights to Polaroid, and also purchased a number of Ritz Camera stores. [See article in Wall Street Journal and Sentinel article on how Loss of darkroom supplies could hurt photography students. -- Posted Saturday, May 10, 2014 by chb
More doom for compacts: Samsung Galaxy K Zoom
PCMAG had a nice first look at the new Samsung Galaxy K Zoom. The K Zoom looks like your standard big-screen phone, but it also has a 10x optical zoom that motors out from its backside, and what PCMAG calls a "relatively large" 20.7-megapixel sensor (relatively??) The specs, honestly, show right away why compact cameras are in trouble. 4.8-inch screen with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. Up to 16GB of storage. A dual-core and a quad-core processor. LTE network. A second camera on the front. [See what PCMAG had to say] -- Posted Wednesday, April 30, 2014 by chb
CONTOUR returns to POV camera market
 Contour, pioneers of the action sports camera industry, is now under new ownership and seeks to once again be a key contender in the Point of View (POV) camera market. After completing a financial overhaul, reorganizing its plans for new product innovation and building a framework for improved distribution, Contour says it is back on the map, re-launching its website that currently offers the Contour+2 with wireless smartphone connectivity, the waterproof ROAM2 and a range of accessories. -- Posted Thursday, April 3, 2014 by chb
Olympus reveals its latest outdoor camera
 Olympus, the company that pioneered outdoor cameras, is expanding outdoor shooting and sharing capabilities in even the most challenging of conditions with a new flagship. The STYLUS TOUGH TG-3 brings a high-speed f2.0 lens, expanded macro capabilities, GPS, and Wi-Fi for sharing pics and full 1080p video from (almost) anywhere. Divers can take it down to 50 feet, and the camera can handle almost any abuse in the great outdoors. [See description, analysis and specs of the Olympus TG-3] -- Posted Tuesday, April 1, 2014 by chb
Columns: Photo Gadgetry by Leo Heppner
After a 5-year hiatus, Leo Heppner's "Photo Gadgetry" column is back at Digital Camera! Leo promises to report on the latest and the greatest products ranging from simple lens caps to super-telephoto lenses, or from memory cards to the latest software every month! In his first new-era column, he reports on the coolest photo gadgetry at the PhotoPlus Expo 2013 in New York. [See Leo Heppner's Photo Gadgetry] -- Posted Monday, March 31, 2014 by chb
Canon celebrates milestones
Canon U.S.A., announced that Canon, Inc., its parent company, is celebrating two milestones. First, Canon is holding the No. 1 global share in the interchangeable-lens digital camera market for 11 straight years, and second, the combined production of the company's compact digital and interchangeable-lens digital cameras is surpassing 250 million units. -- Posted Thursday, March 27, 2014 by chb
Digital camera market in the US 2014-2018
Research and Markets forecasts the digital camera market in the US to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% over the period 2013-2018. One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is the increasing demand for mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. The US is also seeing an increase in demand for personalized digital cameras. The forecast cautions that the increasing threat from smartphones could pose a challenge to the growth of this market. -- Posted Tuesday, March 18, 2014 by chb
Canon pulls out of budget camera market
Wow. Canon apparently decided to get out of the market for budget-priced digital cameras, defined as those under roughly US$200. Instead, Canon will concentrate on their dSLR business and higher end compacts. On the one hand, that decision is understandable, given that every smartphone has integrated cameras that can do most, or more, than dedicated budget compacts can do. On the other hand, the camera industry has brought this upon itself by falling behind the times in the budget class, ignoring advancing technology in storage, technology, connectivity, and software. Another issue was competing against smartphones that are "free" or cost just a few dollars PLUS a 2-year telco contract. -- Posted Monday, February 24, 2014 by chb
Mid-tier camera makers facing hard times
Reuters reports that Japanese mid-tier camera makers Panasonic, Fujifilm, and Olympus are struggling against the tide of camera-equipped smartphones. Compact camera sales are expected to fall more than 40% in 2013 compared to 2012, and the price of those compact had fallen so low that they hardly generated any profit anyway. The photography industry had elected mirror less cameras to catch on, as a way to create higher quality pictures than smartphones can take, but at a lower price than digital SLRs. Yet, mirrorless camera sales have been stalling as well. So for now, the digital camera market that was such a boon since its inception in the late 1990s is in a funk, with only Canon, Nikon and perhaps Sony standing a chance to prevail. [See article] -- Posted Monday, December 30, 2013 by chb
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Two weeks of touring Scotland. Two weeks of touring magical lands that until now had only been visions in my dreams. Two weeks living out of a suitcase. Two weeks of lugging gear from the tour bus to hotel rooms day after day. This meant packing light! Being a photographer, lugging along a big second bag full of cameras, lenses, batteries, chargers, tripods, and assorted gear is normal. But this trip would be different. I vowed to spend 14 days taking pictures and videos using only my iPhone. 
After a 5-year hiatus, Leo Heppner's "Photo Gadgetry" column is back at Digital Camera! Leo promises to report on the latest and the greatest products ranging from simple lens caps to super-telephoto lenses, or from memory cards to the latest software every month! In his first new-era column, he reports on the coolest photo gadgetry at the PhotoPlus Expo in New York. 
Lake Tahoe, nestled in the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevedas, has a reputation as one of the clearest, bluest lakes in the world. To find out, we went up to Lake Tahoe for some scuba diving. Over the years our friends at ScubaDiverInfo.com reported on the ins and outs of high altitude diving in great detail, and so we won't go into that again. This time, we wondered whether Lake Tahoe, 6,230 feet above sea level, was still as clear as it used to be. 
GoPro released the Hero3 with a slimmer, lighter body, integrated WiFi, a better lens, better audio and numerous other improvements. The Hero3 has a new flat-lens housing that's compatible with all older mounting hardware. The Hero3 comes in three very different editions (white (US$199), silver (US$299), and black (US$399), so there's now a GoPro camera for everyone. 
Vacations are expensive, and dive trips especially so, and you want to get in as much precious sightseeing, picture-taking and adventure as possible. You can't wait to see the whale sharks and get the next 10 or 20 dives under your belt. But when you get there.... it rains. 
The Coolpix AW100 represents Nikon's first underwater camera since the fabled Nikonos ceased production back in 2001. A sleek, elegant 16-megapixel camera, the AW100 has a 33-foot depth rating, can handle 5-foot drops, is freeze and dustproof, can do 1080p HD video at full 30fps speed, has a bright 3-inch display, and includes powerful GPS capabilities. ScubaDiverInfo.com tested the US$349 Coolpix AW100 on intense dive trips in the Sea of Cortez and off Isla Mujeres. 
The Pentax Optio WG-2 represents Pentax's 13th generation of tough, waterproof cameras, and the maturity shows. Sporting a unique design, the 16-megapixel Optio WG-2 has a 40-foot depth rating, can handle 5-foot drops, is freeze and crushproof, can do 1080p HD video at full 30fps speed, has a wide-format 3-inch display, and is chuck-full of features and tricks. ScubaDiverInfo.com tested the US$349 Optio WG-2 on a week of diving and exploring in the Sea of Cortez. 
Three years ago, Canon introduced its first waterproof compact, the PowerShot D10. It was a good camera, but had a few areas that needed improvement. Canon listened and fixed everything with the PowerShot D20, introduced this year. It's a US$349 12-megapixel camera that is waterproof to 33 feet can handle 5-foot drops, temperature extremes, and can also shoot 1080p HD video. There's a terrific 3-inch screen, good battery life, and logical controls. ScubaDiverInfo.com tested the PowerShot D20 on a week of diving and exploring in the Sea of Cortez. 
Whenever we test underwater video cameras and still cameras that can do video (which is most by now), we compile and publish videos shot with those cameras. We usually upload them to YouTube for viewing there, but have now added our own video pages from where you can see most of the videos, sorted by camera. 
With the 16-megapixel FinePix XP200, Fujifilm adds a most impressive offering to the rugged/waterproof camera space. Its 50-foot depth rating makes the camera truly useful for many dives, and is a definite and much appreciated step up from the 33 feet that was the maximum for these types of cameras for several years. And it's freezeproof as well and can handle drops from more than six feet. Add to that 5X optical zoom, 1080p HD video at 60 frames per second, and the ability to wirelessly view and transfer pictures, all for a MSRP of US$299. 
For about half the cost of one of the top-of-the-line waterproof compacts, you can get the 16mp Panasonic Lumix TS20. It, too, can handle big drops, dust and icy water, but the depth limit is 16 feet, about half that of the more expensive waterproof cameras. And there are fewer features and no GPS. We gave the Lumix TS20 a good workout around and in the water. Are you saving money with this camera? Or will you regret not spending a bit more? 
One thing that's different about a week of meandering from dive spot to dive spot is logistics. When you fly somewhere and stay at a resort or liveaboard, you get to park your gear and be done with it. Not so when you move from place to place. Here's how the ScubaDiverInfo.com team spent a few days of driving and diving and exploring in Northern Florida.... 
No sooner did we publish a big feature on GoPro and its tiny Hero high definition camera that's taken the world by storm than GoPro released the Hero2. Is the new Hero really twice as fast and twice as sharp, as GoPro claims? And have some of the issues we had with the original Hero been fixed? We gave the tough little Hero2 a full workout, both above and under water. 
When we first got a GoPro, I was quite impressed with the small size of the camera (2.3 x 1.6 x 1.2 inches -- about the size of a matchbox) and certainly with all the included mounting hardware, but the GoPro didn't seem particularly elegant or high-tech. So, of course, I had to research this whole thing in more detail. The result is this rather lengthy report, and several dive trips that took us thousands of miles from home, and several hundred miles offshore.
In this review we're looking at the US$599 Olympus E-PL1 camera and the optional PR-EP01 underwater housing that'll set you back an additional US$599. That's a lot by point & shoot camera standards, but not very much by digital SLR standards where a housing alone can cost you thousands. The pictures below are misleading because they make the camera look like a standard point & shoot, which it is not. Instead, the E-PL1 is an early representative of what's for now, and for lack of a better term, is clumsily named a "mirrorless interchangeable lens camera," or MILC, a moniker even Wikipedia quickly disqualifies as "terminology not yet standardized." Instead, they call it a "micro," a term that likely won't stick either. So what is the EP01, and why do we think it's so relevant? 
The Lumix TS2 is Panasonic's follow-up on their first waterproof and ruggedized camera, the Lumix TS1. While the new model looks almost identical to the one it replaces, there are some subtle and not so subtle improvements that are certain to elevate Panasonic's standing among manufacturers of waterproof and ruggedized compact cameras. The biggest news for divers is that the new model can now handle depths up to 33 feet, addressing the 10-feet rating that limited the TS1 to just snorkeling. Resolution has been bumped to a full 14.1 megapixel, the camera is more rugged yet, and you can still shoot glorious high definition video to play back on HDTV flatscreens. 
The PowerShot D10 is Canon's first entry into the waterproof/rugged camera space where it joins offerings from the likes of Olympus, Pentax, Fuji, Panasonic and a number of specialty manufacturers. The somewhat playfully styled camera is is a bit on the bulky side, but is also well equipped to handle most of the abuse it may encounter outdoors. It can be used in freezing weather (down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit), it is dust and waterproof, and it can handle being dropped from up to four feet. Editors at the Digital Camera Magazine sister site ScubaDiverInfo.com gave the D10 a good underwater workout and illustrated this review with numerous stunning underwater pictures. The list price is US$329. 
Given that Casio has been selling tough and rugged G-SHOCK watches for over a quarter of a century, one might wonder what took the company so long to enter the increasingly lucrative water/shock/dust/crush-proof segment of the digital camera market currently dominated by the likes of Olympus, Pentax, Canon and Panasonic. Whatever Casio's reasons were, Casio now has a tough waterproof camera of its own, the new 12.1-megapixel Exilim EX-G1 
After years of building Toughbook computers, Panasonic has entered the waterproof/shockproof/dustproof camera market with the 12.1-megapixel TS1, available in silver, green or orange. The camera has a terrific folding 28-128mm equivalent zoom, can do 720p high definition video, has a very bright and vibrant 2.7-inch LCD display that is large enough and can be seen from any angle, and excels in picture quality. Max depth is limited to 10 feet though and the TS1 is pricey.
Inexpensive high definition video is here, and it is simpler than ever thanks to the new Flip UltraHD camcorder from Pure Digital. The pocket-size UltraHD has a larger 2-inch display, records in 1280 x 720 pixel 720p high definition format, and can now connect to HDTVs directly via an HDMI cable. 8GB of internal memory allow for a full two hours of recording. A rechargeable battery lasts about 2-1/2 hours. Add to that the onboard FlipShare software, and you have an absolutely unbeatable US$199.95 package.
The US$699 12.3 megapixel Olympus Stylus E-620 dSLR was introduced in February of 2009. It is representative of the digital imaging industry's effort to make digital SLR cameras smaller, lighter and more advanced while at the same time adding the kinds of entertaining and useful features and functions that up to now have primarily been available in consumer point-and-shoot cameras. Consider it an advanced entry-level digital SLR with more than adquate resolution and some very nice features, among them the swivel LCD, the 7-point autofocus and the multiple aspect ratio shooting.
Everyone seems to be getting into waterproof cameras! The very small 10-megapixel FinePix Z33WP, available in four bright colors, is Fujifilm's entry, joining Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic, Canon and a number of specialty manufacturers. The camera's maximum depth rating of ten feet makes it suitable only for very shallow dives, but it's great for snorkeling and other activities in and around the water. The Z33PW has a large and bright 2.7-inch LCD display, a 3x optical zoom, digital anti blur, and some fun features and functions. If the 10-foot depth limit or lack of ruggedness doesn't cramp your style, the list price of US$199 makes this new Fuji a fun and very affordable choice among waterproof cameras. 
Bonica offers a modular underwater high-definition video camera system that can record 1280 x 720 pixel video at up to 30 frames per second for very good 720p playback on a HDTV. A soft inner housing can be used for snorkeling and guards against flooding if the camera is used in its hard acrylic deepwater (180 feet) housing. Optional single or dual video lights have 30, 40 and 60 watt settings and can be easily adjusted via ball joints. The setup is very easy to use and can yield amazingly good video as well as decent still shots from its 5-megapixel CMOS imager. The inexpensive camera records on standard SD cards and needs about 2GB for each hour of video. 
As part of its Winter 2009 lineup, Olympus introduced the 12-megapixel Stylus Tough-8000 as the new flagship of its renamed line of shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof, dustproof and waterproof (up to 33 feet) cameras. This is a camera you can truly take, and use, anywhere. Available in Black, silver and blue.
Like last year, Olympus offers cameras that are waterproof to 33 feet and thus suitable for diving, and others that are waterproof to 10 feet, but otherwise almost as tough. For 2009, the 10-foot slot is filled with the new Stylus Tough-6000, a modern 10-megapixel camera with an internal 3.6X optical zoom that starts wide, a terrific 2.7-inch LCD, dual image stabilization and a whole bag of features and tricks. 
In the olden days, the number of pictures we took was somewhat limited by the cost of film and making prints. Digital cameras eliminated that limitation as we can store hundreds of pictures on a small memory card and tens of thousands on a hard disk. How can anyone keep track of it all? Enter Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. It's a tool for professional and serious amateur photographers to simplify photography from shoot to finish, and a whole lot more. 
The Stylus 1030 SW is the camera a lot of divers and outdoor lovers have been waiting for. It brings 10-megapixel resolution to scuba diving without the need of an underwater case. It's also the most rugged Olympus Stylus camera yet, being able to survive huge drops from almost seven feet and freezing temperatures. We tested the 1030 SW during a week of diving on Roatan island, Honduras.
Nikon introduced the Coolpix S710 as part of its Fall 2008 lineup. With this camera Nikon pushes the resolution limit available in inexpensive consumer cameras even farther. You now get 14.5 megapixel, a number almost unimaginable just a few years ago. Compared to the 12.1 megapixel Coolpix S700 it replaces, the S710 offers a bit more in almost every respect: You get a 3.6X zoom instead of just a standard 3X. The display has grown to 3.0 inches. As far as sensitivity goes, the S710 can go up to an insanely high ISO 12,800. And the S710 offers Program, Aperture, Shutter, and Manual exposure modes in addition to the usual scene modes. Add to that the latest tricks and features and the US$379 S710 is a compelling buy.
Ever since the Apple iPhone hit the market, touch screens have made a comeback. Nikon joins the party with the new 10-megapixel Coolpix that has a terrific high-res 3.5-inch touch screen that replaces all the hardware controls. The Coolpix S60, which comes in five eye-catching colors, has an internal 5X folding optical zoom to bring things close. There is optical lens-shift image stabilization to reduce blur, and you can shoot at up to 3200 ISO. Like most new cameras, the US$349 S60 includes a wealth of in-camera goodies and technologies.
If you're not spoiled enough to automatically pass on a new camera with a mere 8-megapixel resolution, the Exilim Z150 from Casio has a lot to offer. It is an elegant little shooter that comes in five colors (silver, black, red, pink and green), has a very useful 4X wide angle zoom, a large and terrific 3-inch LCD display, CCD-shift anti-shake, and it comes with a list price of just US$199 -- a total bargain. Read description and specs of the Casio Exilim Z150 with 3-inch display and 4X wide zoom.
There are times when you don't want to have to worry about getting your camera wet or dirty. Pentax designed the 10-megapixel Optio W60 with that in mind. It's a tough but elegant camera with a fully internal 5X zoom that starts out wide and still gets you closer than 3X zoom models. The 2.5-inch display is sharp and very readable from all directions. The camera can record 1280 x 720 pixel movies. Best of all, the US$329 Optio W60 can handle up to 13 feet of water and you can use it even in freezing temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
Olympus introduced two new cameras in its SW (Shock & Waterproof) series. The US$299 Stylus 850 SW is a 8-megapixel camera that's waterproof to ten feet, can survive drops of five feet, and freezing temperatures. It's designed for all sorts of outoors activities including skiing and snorkeling. The US$399 10-megapixel Stylus 1030 SW is tougher yet. You can go diving with it, down to 33 feet (and probably more), drop it from almost seven feet, subject it to extreme temperatures, dust, sand, whatever. It also has a terrific hi-res 2.7-inch LCD and a 3.6X 28-102mm optical zoom that enables wide angle photography. 
Casio's corporate slogan is "Expect the Unexpected," but even so, few would have expected the Pro EX-F1 from the company famous for its attractive little ultra-slim cameras. What is the EX-F1? A fairly large 6-megapixel camera with a 12X optical zoom and, according to Casio, the world's fastest burst shooting performance. How fast? Up to 60 frames per second in full resolution burst mode, and up to 1,200 frames per second in high-speed movies! And also 1920 x 1080 stereo movies at 60 frames per second. 
"Over the many years that we have been testing and reviewing digital cameras, and in our professional careers prior, we have noticed that consumers and professionals alike are often confused where and what to buy," said Dr. Conrad H. Blickenstorfer, Editor-in-Chief of DigitalCameraRoundup.com. "We trust that our site will answer many questions and provide all the answers a customer needs to make informed decisions."
"There's no substitute for sound photographic principles, but with digital cameras becoming so powerful and affordable, we have better equipment than ever to go for those great pictures," says award-winning Photography Editor Carol Cotton. "And without the expense and hassle of film, you can try, try, and try again!"