When we hand hold a camera and press the shutter release button to take a picture, we ever so slightly move the camera. This “camera shake” often results in a blurred picture. Image stabiliation (I.S.) is a technology that either moves a lens element (Optical I.S.) or the camera’s image sensor (Sensor-shift I.S.) to compensate for camera shake and reduce or eliminate the blurring.

But is one better than the other? You would think so by reading the discussions on some forum boards. There is a difference in how they work but there is no better I.S. Each has its own strength and weakness.

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Casio EXILIM EX-S7

We’ve added another Casio Exilim EX-S7 [QuickPrice Check] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

“Overall, I recommend the EX-S7 for consumers on a limited budget who want a well-built, small camera that has many interesting features.”

DigitalCameraReview has published their review of the ultra slim Casio Exilim EX-S7 with 12.1MP resolution (on a 1/2.3-in. square pixel CCD), 3x optical zoom (35.5-106.5mm equiv.), 2.7-in. LCD (230k-dot), Easy Mode, Best Shot mode, Make-Up Mode, Dynamic Photo, and HD Movie 720p 1280×720.

You can read the full Casio EX-S7 Review at: DigitalCameraReview.

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Thom Hogan has an interesting article (search for “Changing of the Guard” April 20) concerning the changing of the guard at Nikon. Apparently Nikon has studied the DSLR market carefully and come to a couple of conclusions:
The DSLR market is saturated, i.e. everyone who wanted a DSLR now pretty much has one.
The upgrade market (to a new version) is small by comparison.

Read the article at: Thom Hogan (search for “Changing of the Guard” April 20).

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10

“The DMC-G10 … may well turn out to be one of the most important models in Micro Four Thirds’ short history.”

We’ve added a new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 [Specs] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

PhotographyBLOG has posted their review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 with 12.1MP resolution (on a 17.3 x 13.0 mm Live MOS Sensor), 3.0-in. high resolution (460k-dot) LCD, fast Contrast-Detect AF, EVF (202k-dot), Dust Reduction, Scene Modes and full PASM exposure flexibility.

You can read the full Panasonic G10 Review at: PhotographyBLOG.

Olympus E-PL1

“The Olympus PEN E-PL1 system camera has an excellent price/quality ratio and represents an example of what a Micro Four Thirds System means… the ease of a compact and the quality of a DSLR. ”

We’ve added another Olympus E-PL1 [Specs] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

LetsGoDigital has published their review of the Olympus E-PL1, an easy-to-use version of the E-P2 Digital Interchangeable Lens (DIL) camera. The E-PL1 features 12.3MP resolution (on a large 17.3 x 13.0 mm Live MOS sensor), sensor-shift image stabilization to help reduce camera shake, a direct HD Movie button, a 6.9-cm (2.7-in.) LCD display screen (230k-dot), a built-in pop-up flash, Art Filters, Scene Modes, and a new Live Guide that simplifies exposure adjustments without having to know the technical lingo — all in a compact and light body.

Read the full Olympus E-PL1 Review at: LetsGoDigital.

Olympus E-P2

“Olympus’ design goal for the PEN series was to create a truly compact camera with much of the versatility of a DSLR, and I think the E-P2 fulfils that request pretty admirably.”

We’ve added another Olympus E-P2 [Specs] review to our Reviews Matrix.

Imaging Resource has published their review of the Olympus E-P2, a Digital Interchangeable Lens System camera with 12.3MP resolution (on a 17.3 x 13.0 mm High Speed Live MOS Sensor), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Dust Reduction, an extra large 3.0-in. LCD (230K dots), HD Movie (1280×720 @ 30fps) with stereo sound, Intelligent AUTO (auto scene recognition), Scene Modes, AF Tracking, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, PASM modes, Shutter speed range of 60 – 1/4000 sec. plus Bulb (up to 30 min.), Continuous Shooting at 3fps, RAW file format, Digital Level, MF Assist, a hot shoe, Live View Autofocus system with real time focus, Multiple Exposure, six built-in Art Filters and ePortrait. In a welcomed change for an Olympus digital camera, the E-P1 uses the Secure Digital (SD / SDHC) memory cards. Included in the box is also a high resolution (1.44M dots) electronic Live Viewfinder.

You can read the full Olympus E-P2 Review at: Imaging Resource.

Leica V-Lux 20

The Leica V-Lux 20 is a rebadge of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 / TZ10 [Specs], at US$300 more, i.e. US$700 / 549€, with 12.1MP resolution (1/2.33-in. CCD), 12x optical zoom (25-300mm equiv.), optical Image Stabilization, a 7.6-cm (3.0-in.) LCD display screen (460k-dot), GPS, and HD Movie 1280×720 @ 30fps in AVCHD Lite with stereo sound.

PRESS RELEASE

New: LEICA V-LUX 20

The universal compact camera for outstanding pictures – from wide to telephoto

Solms, Germany (April 20, 2010) – Leica Camera AG presents a new, 12.1 megapixel digital compact camera: the LEICA V-LUX 20. Equipped with a high performance DC-VARIO ELMAR lens, innovative GPS tagging, optional HD movie recording and various automated functions, the V-LUX 20 is a truly universal camera, capable of capturing all moments of life.

The V-LUX 20’s LEICA DC-VARIO-ELMAR 4.1–49.2 mm f/3.3–4.9 ASPH. zoom lens offers a range of focal lengths of 25–300 mm in 35-mm format, making it the ideal camera for almost any photographic environment. Whether shooting expansive landscapes, finely detailed macro studies at short distances or shots of distant objects with a super-telephoto setting, its 12x zoom captures them all in images of breathtaking quality. Integrated image stabilization helps photographers in every shooting situation and also prevents fuzzy pictures caused by camera shake or difficult lighting conditions.

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B&H Deals:

• Canon EOS 50D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body)
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• Canon EOS Rebel XSi (a.k.a. 450D) SLR Digital Camera Kit (Black) with 18-55mm IS Lens
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