Spb Software invites all mobile users to participate in its fifth annual Spb Survey. The Spb Survey is a mobile software industry report that identifies the changing user profiles, mobile device preferences, and handset use cases. Spb Software will release a report on the results of its fifth annual Spb Survey in the beginning of December 2008. A few lucky, randomly picked Spb Survey participants will receive valuable ‘thank you’ gifts, such as a Windows Mobile device or software by Spb. You can get to the survey here and good luck if you enter.
In a press releases we received yesterday Ricoh announced their new high-end digital compact camera, the Ricoh GX200.
The Ricoh GX200
We should be getting our hands on a review sample within the next week or so and naturally we’ll be talking about the GX200 more when we do. For now, here’s the Ricoh press release:
A high-end, 24 mm super-wide-angle, optical zoom, digital compact featuring high resolution 12 megapixel CCD coupled with the latest imaging engine SIE III
Tokyo, Japan June, 24, 2008 Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) has announced today the development and release of the GX200. The GX200 is able to reproduce high quality images from edge-to-edge with low noise and natural gradation. This camera succeeds the award winning Caplio GX100 compact digital camera introduced in April 2007. The GX200 inherits the popular features of the GX100 such as a 24 to 72 mm (35 mm ?lm equivalent focal length) high-performance wide-angle optical zoom lens on a 25 mm thin pocketable compact body, a wide variety of manual shooting functions, and a removable tilting electronic view?nder. The new GX200 achieves increased resolution via its 12 megapixel CCD and dramatic noise reduction with the addition of the new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III. Already a popular part of the Caplio GX100, the high-resolution wide-angle lens unit has been further con?gured to enable picture taking at an even higher resolution. With a large wide-viewing angle 2.7-inch 460,000 dots HVGA LCD and an electronic level function, for horizontal and vertical shooting, the GX200 contains extensive shooting functions to enable camera lovers to enjoy and create stunning photographs. This model comes in two package types with different accessories. The GX200 package contains: rechargeable lithium ion battery, battery charger, AV cable, USB cable, CD-ROM, strap, and lens cap. The GX200 VF KIT package contains all the above accessories plus the electronic view?nder.
*The lens focal lengths used in this document are the equivalent focal length for a 35 mm camera.
Main features of the new Ricoh GX200
1. Greater image quality through use of a 12 megapixel CCD, a new image processing engine and continuous RAW mode capture. • An effective 12 megapixel high-performance 1/1.7-inch CCD has been newly installed, with each pixel comes increased resolution. • The adoption of a new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III allows for greater control over the noise reduction process by the photographer without sacri?cing resolution or saturation. • High image quality combined with a lens with greater backlight capability*. • *This is the 24 to 72 mm equivalent wide-angle zoom lens mounted on the previous model (Caplio GX100). It features a generous con?guration of 11 elements in 7 groups, including superior aspheric surface lenses and high-refractive-index, low-dispersion lenses. This optimal con?guration restricts distortion, chromatic aberration, and light falloff at edges for wide-angle operation while delivering aperture light settings from F2.5 (wide) to F4.4 (tele-photo). In addition, ghosting has been further reduced through the improvements made to the lens unit.
2. Large, high-resolution 2.7-inch, 460,000-dots HVGA LCD. • The new 2.7-inch, 460,000-dots high-resolution LCD has a wide viewing angle and high contrast for distinct, easy viewing even outdoors. When thumbnail images are displayed, even the small 1/20 size images are clearly reproduced. 3. Electronic level utilizing an acceleration sensor to help keep the camera body horizontally or vertically level. • If the level setting is set on, when the camera is level, the level indicator becomes green in the picture display. Being able to check whether the image is level while looking at the display can be useful for keeping the camera level when composing pictures of landscapes, buildings, and other scenes where the horizon is visible. • It is possible to check whether the camera is level using the level sound setting. • The electronic level can also be utilized while using the view?nder.
4. Extensive shooting functions and high operability. • Expanding buffer memory has made continuous shooting of up to ?ve images possible in RAW mode, and it is also now possible to use the bracketing function to automatically change exposure settings when shooting in RAW mode. Other expanded RAW shooting capabilities include the ability to shoot 1:1 aspect ratio (vertical/horizontal ratio) format photography in RAW mode. • The number of mode dial “My Settings” options for de?ning your own shooting settings has increased to three. (There were two on the Caplio GX100.) • There are now one-push mode change function buttons both on the top surface and as one of the rear-surface cross keys. These buttons can be used for customized settings to, for example, to switch from JPEG to RAW or from colour to B&W. You can switch quickly to your preferred shooting mode when confronted with a sudden photo opportunity. • The AF target shift function, which before could only be used in macro shooting, is now also available in normal shooting. Without moving the camera, it is possible to shift the target for AF or AE or both. • The ?ash is manually raised by sliding the open switch. Flash functions on the GX200 have been further expanded with a light intensity adjustment function (-2.0 EV to +2.0 EV), a manual ?ash function in which intensity can be set, and a ?ash synchro setting where ?ash timing can be set as „1st Curtain“ or „2nd Curtain.“ • An auto rotate function makes it easier to view images on the picture display. • Even when shooting in high-contrast situations, the camera can use an auto level correction function to achieve an appropriate level of brightness while reducing areas that are overly bright or dark. • There is a distortion correction function (on/off selection possible) to automatically correct image distortion during shooting also usable with 19 mm conversion lens. • When in aperture priority mode, an auto aperture shift function will automatically adjust the aperture setting to prevent overexposure.
5. Enhanced image editing functions enable images to be manipulated in the camera. (1) Image colour tone correction (white balance compensation). • By adjusting green, magenta, blue, and amber tones, still image colour tone can be corrected, with the corrected image being recorded in the camera. (2) Image brightness and contrast correction (level compensation). • Still image brightness and contrast can be corrected with either auto or manual modes, with the corrected image being recorded in the camera. With manual correction, the image is corrected by adjusting the histogram. (3) Wide range of creative monochrome possibilities. • Colour, colour density, contrast, and sharpness can each be de?ned on a ?ve-level scale. • Sepia, red, green, blue, and purple colour selections are possible.
6. Additional options further expand possibilities for camera use. • Lens cap (LC-1) opens and closes automatically in sync with lens movement. • 135 mm equivalent tele conversion lens (TC-1) with built-in hood. Filter attachment possible. When the tele conversion lens is attached, vignetting will occur when the zoom is not set to full telephoto. *The above two options can also be used on the Caplio GX100.
7. Removable electronic view?nder can be attached. • A removable and tiltable electronic view?nder can be attached (included in GX200 VF KIT). • The ?eld of view provides 100% coverage without parallax and can display the same information as on the LCD picture display. • It is convenient for shooting in bright outdoor environments and enables shooting to be done in a conventional ?lm camera style.
Vodafone have added the two new HP Windows Mobile devices to their coming soon section. The iPAQ Data Messenger is a Windows Mobile 6.1 messaging device driven by an optical mouse for ease of navigation across the large 2.8″ QVGA touchscreen display. Slide-out full QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen functionality and a built-in GPS receiver. The iPAQ Voice Messenger is a Windows Mobile 6.1 “standard” messaging device driven by an optical mouse for navigation, 20-key keyboard and a built-in GPS receiver. You can pre-register here.
We have heard a few rumours just recently of the arrival of an interim update before the late arrival of Windows Mobile 7 in late 2009 or 2010 and it looks like this will be called Windows Mobile 6.5. The guys over at Smartphone France claim to have unearthed some screenshots of Windows Mobile 6.5 and it looks like a much more finger friendly interface. We have the pictures after the break so you can see. Also just released today is an emulator of the upcoming IE 6 on 6 they state that it will be available on new Windows Mobile devices soon, this browser will provide a high-quality browsing experience on your device that more closely resembles a desktop browsing experience. The Internet Explorer Mobile 6 Emulator is available for download today.
Nokia today announced the latest addition to its Eseries range, the Nokia E63, designed for people who need to manage their business and personal lives equally well. Building on the success of the Nokia E71, the company’s flagship messaging device, the Nokia E63 brings the QWERTY keyboard form factor to a broader audience at a great price. The Nokia E63 is expected to begin shipping in the coming weeks for an estimated retail price of EUR 199, before taxes and subsidies.
According to several website’s yesterday T-Mobile have ceased selling and are now recalling the Nokia 5610 XpressMusic handsets.
Nokia 5610 in Red
T-Mobile will stop selling the Nokia 5610 XpressMusic handset, and will also recall the entire 5610 inventory which includes floor demos and literature, from all stores and warehouses. This drastic move comes about after the discovery of a manufacturing problem that affects the display. While Nokia has already corrected this error in its current batch of 5610s, it is unfortunately that T-Mobile’s supply were all manufactured before the fix. There is no word on whether T-Mobile will be offering fixed 5610s in the future, but 5610 owners can replace their defective handset with either a Nokia 6301 or 5310 at any T-Mobile store. In addition, you will get $50 or $25 credit, depending on the replacement model chosen.
This will be a huge blow for Nokia in the run up to Christmas give that this was a high focus handset and a lot of money was invested in PR for it’s sales.
Nokia 5610 in Blue
I have sent a mail to T-Mobile directly to see what I can find out and will update you later today.
The bundled touch screen keyboard of Windows Mobile is rubbish. Sure it does the job with a stylus and its compact but it doesn’t offer much else. There are many alternatives on the market. Up until using this, Resco has provided me with the best experience with it’s imitation iPhone keyboard. Obviously this is tested on a touch screen device. The software is a little pointless otherwise.
Is it just my imagination or is the mobile market suddenly going on a release as quickly as you can strategy. T-Mobile & Samsung jumped on that exact comment and have now officially released the rumoured Samsung Behold and Samsung Gravity.
Looking first at the Behold firstly, it has a large full touchscreen display with what looks like the new Samsung Widget based O/S.
Samsung T919 Behold
As well as the touchscreen TouchWix interface there is a 5 megapixel autofocus camera, 3G support and a full HTML browser. The new Behold scores higher with its built-in GPS but unfortunately, lacks the much needed Wi-Fi feature.
Samsung Behold can be yours starting from November 10 for $149.99 on a 2 year contract in light rose colour.
Next is the Samsung Gravity which is actually the first phone by Samsung with form factor similar to the HTC S740 and S730.
Samsung Gravity
Leaving aside the design, the Samsung Gravity, is a quad-band phone with GPRS/EDGE but no 3G support. Its display is relatively small measuring 2.1" 256K colours and 176 x 220 pixels resolution. Other features include microSD card slot, Bluetooth with A2DP profile, a modest fixed-focus 1.3 MP camera. Its processor and built-in memory is still unknown.
Samsung Gravity Keyboard View
Samsung Gravity will be released on November 17 for $49.99 on a 2 year contract in lime and aqua colours.
The second beta release of Iris Browser for Windows Mobile is now available. This browser from Torch Mobile company has ported open-source “webkit” rendering engine (the same as the one used in Safari and Google Chrome) to Windows Mobile and now they are offering their second beta, available for download right now. They state that it represents their best browser to date. It contains over 100 fixes and improvements since the last beta release, and is incredibly fast and stable.
These days hi-def videocams are all the rage so, you could be forgiven for thinking that standard definition cameras are on their way out. Odd choice then the FS100 – it’s a new budget-priced standard definition model that competes with some low end HD videocams on price and which is not all that far away from the likes of the Sanyo Xacti on price.
I confess that I am a Canon man – I use Canon slrs, a Canon digital compact and a Canon DV-cam. I like the quality of Canon glass too. So, I was looking forward to getting my hands on the FS100 because I am considering moving to solid state media for video. How does it compare?
The Canon FS100 camcorder
What’s in the box?
Canon FS100
Li-ion rechargeable battery
Charger
Remote control
AV cable
USB cable
Wrist strap
Printed instruction manual
Software CD
Canon FS100 unboxing video
General
The FS100 is one of a range of three cameras, being at the bottom end of that range with no built-in memory and relying solely upon SDHC cards for recording. It is very definitely aimed at the casual user rather than the demanding amateur.
In the hand it looks smart with its two-tone brushed aluminium and polished chrome finish. It’s light and well-balanced with a conventional videocam format that we’re all familiar with. It’s not particularly compact and is more suited to handbag than the pocket, but it’s not overly bulky either.
Controls
Controls: there’s lots of them and they are liberally strewn around the chassis. I would go so far as to say that the design is a bit fussy when it comes to controls and not as elegant as it could be.
The Canon FS100 controls
Left: Easy mode select, battery info/display info, USB2.0 port, external mic’ input, AV out
Rear: Mode select rotary switch (stills record, video record, stills review, video review), video record
Top: Power ON/OFF switch, still capture, zoom control
Screen: 5-way menu navigator switch, “Func” (Menu activate), video play/pause, video fast forward, video rewind
Recording media: SD or SDHC Memory Card (Up to 8GB)
Still resolution (pixels): 1152 x 864, 1152 x 648, 640 x 480
Focal length: 2.6mm – 96.2mm
Movie: 41 – 1877 mm (on a 35 mm camera), stills: 41.5 – 1536mm, f/2.5 (W) – 5.2 (T)
Focus range: 10mm – infinity
Shutter speed: 1/2000th – 1/6th sec’
Still: 1/2 sec ~ 1/2000 sec. (Flash: 1/30 ~ 1/2000 sec., Lamp mode: max 4 secs)
Optical zoom: 37x
Digital zoom: 45x (known as advanced), 2000x
Focus: TTL auto focus, manual focus
Scene Selector: Auto, Sports, Portrait, Landscape, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks
Self timer: 2sec – 10 sec
White balance: Full Auto TTL
Manual: Fine/Cloud/Fluorescent/Incandescent
Flash: None
Audio microphone: Built-in stereo
Monitor: 2.7-inch TFT Colour Widescreen LCD display. Approximately 123,000-pixels
Video output interface: Component Video
Power source: Lithium-ion battery BP-808, charging AC adapter included)
Dimensions: 58mm x 124mm x 60mm (W x D x H)
Weight: 260g
Highlights:
Light
Uses SDHC cards
Good battery life
Feels solid
Lowlights:
Standard definition – not much cheaper than high-definition
Average image quality
No flash
No conventional viewfinder
Poor low-medium light picture quality
REVIEW
Positioned on top of and at the rear of the camera, the power switch is not immediately obvious as it blends into the chrome finish facia. There’s no colouring to it at all. Power on is very quick with the camera being ready to film in less than 3 seconds. Powering on also opens the noisy shutter protecting the lens with a satisfying click (no separate lens cap required). Depending upon the mode-selector switch position you will find yourself in one of 4 modes: stills capture, video capture, stills review or video review. Shooting video is simply a case of then pressing the big shiny button with a red dot on it at the rear of the body.
Taking stills is done by pressing a chrome button on the top of the camera just below the zoom control. It didn’t fall to hand readily for me and I think it’s too close to the zoom which could result in the zoom being actuated instead. If you are shooting from the hip then this is not a problem. Generally the ergonomics are not as polished as some other cameras and coming from the Sanyo Xacti I have been spoilt.
The menu system is one of the simpler ones I have come across. Navigation of the menus is done by a fairly typical 5-way navigator switch mounted to the left of the screen. Setting some oft-used and basic parameters took too long and too much navigation to achieve. If this frightens you off then take comfort in the fact that there’s an Easy mode to simplify everything and this is where I mostly found myself anyway and where I suspect most users of this type of camera would be too.
A good touch is the placement of function keys around the screen. This makes a lot of sense when everything is done via the screen interface. However, being of the membrane type, the keys lacked tactile feedback and looked cheap.
Picture quality by day in good light is adequate. In medium to low lighting levels and particularly indoors there is a noticeable coarseness that is also very apparent on the display – the performance under such conditions can best be described as mediocre to poor. This is disappointing because I have always rated Canon performance and I have no complaints whatsoever about the image quality I get from my Canon cameras.
The FS100 has three video recording options. It’s possible to record up to 2½ hrs of MPEG2 video onto a single 4GB SDHC card in LP mode. The higher quality SP mode gives about 1¼ hrs of capacity, and in XP mode it’s about 1 hr. I always used the XP high-quality mode to try to maximise the quality of footage.
There’s three modes of zoom: optical, digital and advanced with 37x, 200x and 45x zoom being available respectively. The 37x optical zoom is generous in comparison to the opposition and the zoom function itself was very speedy and accurate with the control located on the top of the body. The 2000x digital zoom is frankly ridiculous and would destroy image quality totally. I didn’t bother using it. Using the large optical zoom magnified the graininess in images to the point where it became intrusive although, this is not as big a deal as you might imagine because I can’t ever recall using anything like the full 22x optical zoom on my own camcorder.
Image stabilisation is of the inferior digital variety rather than optical that I am used to. For general uses though it is good enough, but it won’t be able to cope with wobble at the long end of the zoom.
As a stills camera don’t expect too much from the FS100 – it has a small CCD sensor with only a limited pixel count of 800k pixels which is nowhere near adequate for anything but modest uses such as web use or display on a monitor. There is no flash and overall it is best reserved for emergency use.
Battery life was excellent and better than all camcorders I have tested so far. I managed about 2¾ hrs in general use which means for a day out it’s not necessary to carry the charger.
You can download a sample video – taken straight from the FS100 memory card with this link.
Conclusion:
The FS100 looks good and feels good, but lets the side down a bit and I would expect more from the likes of Canon. The decent quality does not rescue the Canon from lacklustre filming performance and compared against high-def models costing not much more it suffers. The Canon is not a bad camera, it’s just that there’s quite a few better and more flexible offerings around for not much more money.
Although this is the last camera review in the Camcorder Group Test please come back again soon for my summary of the reviewed devices or head over and look at Part 1 to see which cameras were included or have a look at my Panasonic SDR-S7 review or Sanyo Xacti HD700 review.
Spb Software invites all mobile users to participate in its fifth annual Spb Survey. The Spb Survey is a mobile software industry report that identifies the changing user profiles, mobile device preferences, and handset use cases. Spb Software will release a report on the results of its fifth annual Spb Survey in the beginning of December 2008. A few lucky, randomly picked Spb Survey participants will receive valuable ‘thank you’ gifts, such as a Windows Mobile device or software by Spb. You can get to the survey here and good luck if you enter.
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