Samsung Metal 5 Camera Phone Introduced in India

Samsung Electronics has introduced its new phone called the Metal 5, in the Indian market. The new phone is considered to be the world’s slimmest 5MP camera.

The new camera phone is mainly made to capture high quality images on the handset. The phone offers camera features like 5 Megapixel Camera with Auto focus, Light sensor, Power LED flash light, Multi / Mosaic / Panoramic shot, High Sensitive Shot (antishake) ISO 800 and Image editor/ Image stamp.

Moreover, the Metal 5 also offers multimedia like MP3 / AAC / AAC+ / e-AAC+/WMA Player, Stereo FM Radio and music library.

The new Samsung phone also offers few security features such as Mobile Tracker, Emergency SMS Alert and Privacy lock.

“With sleek design, the Samsung Metal 5 embodies everything that Indian consumers are seeking in high end camera phone, in terms of unique compact metallic design and flawless function, appealing to young fashion conscious tech-savvy enthusiasts,” said H.C.Ryu, M.D. Samsung Telecommunications India.

Some of the other features of the Metal 5 mobile phone are:

Video Player / Recording & Messaging (H.263 / MPEG4)

Background music animation

FM recording / 3D sound Speakerphone

USB / Bluetooth 2.0 / PictBridge

Bluetooth Stereo Headset supported

Mobile Printing (via Bluetooth)

SMS/ MMS / EMS/ WAP / Group messaging

Intelligent UI / Expresso GUI

Voice recorder

Netfront browser v 3.4

55MB Internal Memory

Expandable Memory with micro SD T Flash

The Metal 5 is available in the Indian market at the price of Rs. 18,999.

New S760 and S860 Digital Cameras announced by Samsung

Samsung has announced that their two new entry-level digital cameras are the new members in its S-series. The user-friendly point and shoot digital cameras are called the S760 and S860.

The only difference between the S760 and S860 digital cameras is the mega-pixels. While the S760 is a 7.2 mega-pixel camera, the S860 is an 8.1 mega-pixel one.

The stylish and compact cameras come with a 3x optical zoom, Samsung SHD lens and digital image stabilization for the user to avoid shake and produce sharp, clear images, even in low-light environments. The face detection feature can detect nine faces and automatically adjust focus and exposure to capture pictures in better composition and image quality. Interestingly, the face detection technology also helps owners of the S760 and S860 to automatically detect their own face and take images, provided the subject is in the center of the frame. The self portrait mode obviously helps you to click your self portrait.

Furthermore, Samsung also provides a special effects ‘E’ button that enables an instant access to a host of creative controls along with options for resizing and rotating images, adjusting brightness, contrast and saturation levels, fixing red eye and manipulating color. You can save captured photographs as Black and White, Sepia, Red, Blue, Green and Negative.

The Movie mode in the cameras lets users capture videos in either one of the two resolutions, namely 320×240 or 640×480, at 30 frames per second in AVI (MJPEG) format. Samsung S760 and S860 work on AA alkaline batteries.

Expected to roll out in January 2008, The Samsung S760 digicam costs $169 (approx. Rs. 6,800) and S860 carries a price tag of $179 (approx. Rs. 7,200).

Ricoh Caplio RR770 Digital Camera Launched

Ricoh has released its new sleek entry-level digital camera, called the Caplio RR770, which is the predecessor of Caplio RR750 and a new member of the popular, award-winning range of digital cameras.

The Caplio RR770 comes equipped with a 7.16-inch megapixel CC and new crystal-clear 3.0-inch color TFT-LCD monitor that offers easier viewing while capturing images and playback. It also features a 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom, for a combined 12x zoom and has the ability to tackle almost any photographic situation with ease. It can also capture videos (320×240 pixels resolution at 30 frames/second).

Moreover, the 32 MB of internal memory allows users to take many beautiful pictures right out of the box. You can also place an SD card for additional storage space.

This compact camera has been developed for beginners and has all the point-and-shoot freedom. The six scene modes ensure many exciting options for adding a touch of creativity to the digital imagery. In addition, in the mode dial settings of Auto, Program, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Scene as well as Movie mode, you get a wide range of choices and high level of usability.

Having an elegant black body, RR770 works on AA batteries. The digital camera can be hooked up to a computer through a USB cable to transfer photos. It also comes with a software to improve the images and create panoramic images.

Bundled with an AV cable, a camera pouch and hand strap, the price and availability of the Ricoh Caplio RR770 digital camera is not yet clear.

Sanyo Xacti DMX-HD1000 Camcorder bundles Corel’s Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5SE

Sanyo and Corel Corporation have announced that Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5SE, Corel’s award-winning Ulead DVD MovieFactory authoring software, will soon be featured into the world’s smallest and lightweight HD digital movie camera, the Sanyo Xacti DMX-HD1000.

Owners of the already-launched Sanyo camcorder can now import, edit HD (1920 x 1080) MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 movies and convert their HD movies and even store it as creative DVD projects. Users are also allowed to either output their edited movies to MPEG2-HD format and burn to DVDs, or copy the movie files to their computers and utilize the 5SE to edit and save them.

“Corel is pleased SANYO has selected Ulead DVD MovieFactory for its Xacti DMX-HD1000,” said Jeff Hastings, President and General Manager, Digital Media at Corel. “SANYO has focused on the consumer with its new small and light camcorder making it easier to shoot video any place at any time. Bundling Ulead DVD MovieFactory completes the positive user experience by removing the complexity of HD video and making it fun, fast and easy to import, convert and edit HD video so consumers can quickly and easily share their memories with family and friends.”

The added flexibility to Corel’s software ensures easy sharing of projects with family and friends, viewing movies on TV screen or creating HD-quality slideshows that includes high-resolution photos taken with the Xacti DMX-HD1000 as well as exporting them as MPEG2-HD files at 1440 x 1080 or 1920 x 1080 resolutions.

“The file formats for the Xacti series are Internet- and PC-friendly,” said SANYO DI Company’s DI Project Manager Hideki Toyoda. “By bundling the Ulead DVD MovieFactory, DMX-HD1000 will become a solution for a more accessible and enjoyable movie lifestyle.”

Sanyo’s Xacti DMX-HD1000 camcorder features a new high-speed processor, new ergonomic design and the Xacti Library for easy file sharing and playback.

Pentax Optio M40, an Ultra-slim Digital Camera Launched by IDLDPL in India

IDLDPL, an Indian distributor of lifestyle products, has released a new member in its digital camera range, called the Pentax Optio M40, in India.
This compact digicam comes with a huge 8.0 mega pixel point and shoot camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen. Boasting to be an ultra-slim stylish device, it measures 18mm in depth and is encased in an aluminum cover.

“Who does not want to have a digital camera now-a-days? But, one wants it to be hassle free, stylish, and easy to carry with a high quality image output. I think Pentax Optio M40 possesses all the qualities and it is the best one can have, to experience the magic of digital photography at an affordable price. We are really proud to be associated with Pentax brand and our efforts will be to push this product aggressively in the Indian market and garner very good market share,” remarked Surinder Saini, VP-Sales, IDLDPL.

Pentax Optio M40 captures special moments to share it with the ones who missed to see moments passed without regretting it. The easy-to-operate camera delivers the best quality photography.

The digital shake reduction and face recognition technologies (AF and AE), 16 shooting modes including the new ‘natural skin tone’, ‘pet’ and ‘food’ modes are loaded into the lightweight digital camera. The lens has an equivalent focal length of 36 to 108mm.

Besides, The Pentax Optio M40 has 21.9 megabytes of internal memory and supports PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, PRINT Image Matching III and Auto Picture mode that automatically determines the best settings for the shooting conditions.

Pentax Optio M40 Digital Camera comes with a price tag of Rs. 15,490 and MOP Rs.12,990 and is available through IDLDPL.

Apacer Technology has introduced the fourth generation CompactFlash memory card called the Photo Steno Pro IV 300X CF. The new card is targeted at professional photographers and cameramen.

The 300X CF card features a highly compatible high-performance controller and advanced file management ability at faster data transferring rate. Thanks to Apacer’s Wear Leveling Technology, the new memory card rates longer life.

Furthermore, the card features read rate of 47MB/sec and write rate of 36MB/sec.

The card also includes error-correcting codes (ECC) feature that enables auto-detection and auto-correction of errors. Also the Photo Steno Pro IV 300X CF card that uses the CF4.0 specification and original SLC flash memory (single-level cell) delivers outstanding performances. Hence it allows taking high-resolution photos.

The Photo Steno Pro IV 300X CF is available in the capacities of 4GB and 8GB.

Top 10 Affordable Digital Cameras in the Indian Market

It’s festive time again and everyone is high on shopping spree. In such an environment you must have thought of buying something for you and for your loved ones. Now-a-days digital cameras have become one of the most essential gadgets to have during festival time as well during holidays. If you are looking for affordable digital cameras to capture your precious moments? Then we can help you choose the right device for you.

Here is the list of affordable digital cameras, which you can cosider purchasing this festive season.

Kodak C653: Rs. 6995

This is one of the basic cameras from Kodak. The C653 camera features 6 Mega-pixel resolution and 3x Optical Zoom. This camera shoots in video mode too in MPEG-4 format. Other features of the Kodak C653 camera are 2.4 inch LCD display, 32 MB internal memory, 9 shooting conditions, such as low light, sunset, and children etc.

Canon Powershot A460: Rs. 7990

With the Canon Powershot A460’s 5 Mega-pixel resolution and 4x Optical Zoom, these features are good enough for basic level photography. The 2.0-inch LCD screen shows you the captured images. Some of the other features of the Canon Powershot A460 are Built-in flash with five operating modes, Photo Effects (Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, B&W, Positive Film, and Custom Color settings) etc.

Olympus FE210: Rs. 7990

Olympus FE-210 camera is equipped with a 7 Mega-pixel camera with 3x Zoom and a 2.5” LCD screen. Moreover, this camera also features 15 scene modes and multi-language menu with 25 languages, which helps users to capture better photos.

Nikon Coolpix L11: Rs. 8500

Nikon another superior quality digital camera manufacturer offers its low-end camera with features such as 6 Mega-pixel, 3x Optical Zoom and 2.4-inch TFT LCD with brightness adjustment. Also, this camera has 7MB memory, which can be expanded with SD memory cards.

Sony S650: Rs : 8990

Sony, one of the leading brand in digital cameras offers its S650 model for the ’stiff budget buyers’. This camera has 7 Mega-pixel and a 3x Optical Zoom Lens. A 2-inch LCD screen and seven scene modes such as Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Beach, Snow, High Sensitivity, Soft Snap make photography simple.

Olympus FE270: Rs. 8995

Another basic level camera that Olympus provides is the Olympus FE270. It features 7 Mega-pixel resolution, 3x optical Zoom, Super Macro mode and 2.5 inch LCD. Also the camera features 15 scene modes.

Panasonic Lumix LS70: Rs. 9250

This 7.2 mega-pixel camera has 3x optical zoom with 2.0 inch TFT color screen. Also the camera offers 27MB internal memory and can also capture videos at the speed of 30fps or 10fps w/out audio.

Samsung DIGIMAX-S500: Rs. 9990

Compared to other cameras in range of Rs. 7000-10,000 that offer 6-7 Mega-pixel resolution, Samsung DIGIMAX-S500 offers only 5.1 Mega-pixel resolution and 3x optical zoom lens. But this camera is very useful for macro photography as it offers 5cm Macro & Auto Macro function. Its 2.4 inch LCD allows users to view captured images.

Canon Powershot A550: Rs. 9990

The Powershot A550 from Canon is equipped with 7 Mega-pixel, 4x Optical Zoom and 2.0 inch LCD display. The huge number of scene modes adds fun to photography.

Sony S700: Rs. 9990

Sony S700 has 7 Mega-pixel resolution, 3x Optical Zoom Lens, 2.4 inch LCD and 24MB of internal memory. Also videos can be captured in AVI format.

We have chosen these ten models after much research. It goes withhout saying that the festive season as well as the discounts offered by companies and resellers would lead to a small price difference. Also, accessories purchased such as memory cards, carrying cases etc. are bound to make the price change a tad bit.