There are plenty of banks and Organizations in india that provide credit cards. Credit cards now a days have become day to day goods in human life. The flexibility and the usability of these cards gave people a choice to roam without carrying any money with them. These cards also offer the flexibility of using them in any foreign currency and in any Non Indian outlet or marketing websites. There are mainly three service providers of these cards. VISA, MASTER-CARD and American Express. DISCOVER , CHASE, FIRST PREMIERE etc are also available but the widely used ones are VISA and MASTERCARDS.

Some of the indian Banks have tied up with another companies inorder to provide an addon card to its customers, through which people can take the advantage of the addon offers. Companies like AIR-INDIA, VODAFONE, AIRTEL, BIGBAZAAR, HP,RELIANCE etc are major contributors for the addon type of cards.

There are some Organizations other than banks like Barclay, Reliance etc provide credit facilities to their customers. These are relatively easy to get and expensive in terms of the interest rate and payback period.

List of CREDIT CARD providers in INDIA:

• ABN Amro
• American Express Bank
• Axis Bank
• Bank of Baroda
• Bank of India
• Bank of Maharashtra
• Bank of Rajasthan
• Barclays Bank
• Canara Bank
• Central Bank of India
• Citi Bank
• Corporation Bank
• DCB Bank
• Deutsche Bank
• Federal Bank
• HDFC Bank
• HSBC Bank
• ICICI Bank
• ING VYSYA Bank
• Indian Overseas Bank
• J&K Bank
• Kotak Bank
• Reliance
• SBI
• SCB Bank
• Syndicate Bank
• Union Bank of India
• Vijaya Bank

How to Apply?
Credit card application is so simple by following the steps.

1. Go to the website of the bank you are interested in.

2. Now, click on the cards section of the bank and choose credit cards.

3. Carefully choose the credit card that is suitable to you and dont forget to check if you meet the eligibility criteria.

4. Now, click on the online application submission and fill the details as per your certificates. Be sure that all the details are correct, because these are the details that are used in processiong your details.

5. Now, Click on the submit after you are sure that you have entered everything.

6. Thats it. Now you can expect a call from them, provided your phone number in the application form is correct.

If you are not excited about the standards Panasonic is setting for itself in the micro four third series of cameras you wouldn’t be here. Panasonic came out with the GH-1 to take on Canon EOS 500 D, Nikon D 5000 and Olympus E 620. The thought and planning Panasonic had put behind the design of its Lumix GH 1 was evident in its form and function. Buoyed by the success obviously, Panasonic has announced the new GF-1 to take on the likes of Olympus EP-1.

One thing is obvious. Panasonic has to design the lens for the GF-1 based on the micro four third standard. So while the Olympus Ep-1 has the 17 mm f2.8 kit lens, the GH-1 has the LUMIX G VARIO 14 – 45 mm, f3.5 – 5.6 zoom lens and the Lumix G 20mm, f1.7, kit lenses.

Just as the noise reduction measures it had undertaken with the GH 1 Panasonic has announced more noise reduction measures with the GF 1 like isolating chromatic and luminance noises before applying noise reduction measures. You would wonder why others have not thought of it before as it is a question of isolating frequencies of noise before the reduction techniques are applied.

The HD capabilities in the GF 1 are also enhanced to 1280 x 720 at 60 fps when compared to the GH 1.

One should however, wait for the review on image quality and noise parameters. But judging by the attention to detail Panasonic had given in the design of GH 1, you can expect the same for the GF 1.

Specifications

Sensor

• 4/3 type MOS (‘Live MOS sensor’)
• 13.06 million total pixels
• 12.11 million effective pixels

• RGB (Primary) color filter array Image sizes

• 4000 x 3000 (4:3)
• 2816 x 2112 (4:3)
• 2048 x 1536 (4:3)
• 4000 x 2672 (3:2)
• 2816 x 1880 (3:2)
• 2048 x 1360 (3:2)
• 4000 x 2248 (16:9)
• 2816 x 1584 (16:9)
• 1920 x 1080 (16:9)
• 2992 x 2992 (1:1)
• 2112 x 2112 (1:1)

• 1504 x 1504 (1:1)

Aspect ratios:

• 4:3
• 3:2
• 16:9
• 1:1 File formats RAW
• RAW + JPEG Standard
• RAW + JPEG Fine
• JPEG (EXIF 2.2) – Standard
• JPEG (EXIF 2.2) – Fine Movie mode AVCHD lite (three quality levels)
• Motion JPEG
• Mono sound
• AVCDHD: 1280 x 720, 60p (sensor output is 30fps) 9-17 Mbps

• MJPEG: 320×240, 640×480, 848×480, 1280×720 (all at 30fps) Lenses

• Micro Four Thirds mount lenses
• Four Thirds mount lenses via adapter (DMW-MA1PP)

Autofocus only available with:
- Olympus Zuiko 25 F2.8 ‘Pancake’
- Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6
- Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4-5.6
- Panasonic Leica D Summilux 25mm F1.4 ASPH
- Panasonic Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-50mm F3.8-5.6 ASPH. Mega OIS
- Panasonic Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-150mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH. Mega OIS

Focus modes

• Auto Focus
• Manual focus
• Face Detection
• AF Tracking
• 23-Area-Focusing/1 Area Focusing
• Single or Continuous AF
• AF detection range: EV 0-18 (F3.5 lens, ISO 100)
• Pre AF (Quick AF/Continuous AF), AF+MF, MF Assist(5x, 10x)

AF assist lamp Yes, dedicated lamp Image stabilization None (lens only) Extended optical zoom Yes Digital zoom

• Up to 4x

Exposure modes

• Program AE
• Aperture priority AE
• Shutter priority AE
• Manual
• iAuto
• SCN
• Movie
• Custom (2)

Scene modes

• Portrait
• Soft Skin
• Creative Portrait
• Architecture
• Sports
• Peripheral Defocus
• Flower
• Food
• Objects
• Night Portrait
• Night Scenery
• Illuminations
• Baby 1,2
• Pet
• Party

• Sunset

Sensitivity

• Auto
• Intelligent ISO
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600

• ISO 3200

Metering 144-zone multi-pattern sensing system Metering range 0 to 18 EV Metering modes

• Multiple-Weighted
• Center-Weighted
• Spot AE Lock AEL/AFL button
• With shutter release half-press AE Bracketing 3, 5 or 7 frames

• 1/3 to 2.0 EV steps Exposure steps 1/3 or 1.0 EV Exposure compensation • -3.0 to +3.0 EV

• 1/3 EV steps Shutter speed 60 -1/4000 sec
• Bulb (up to 4 mins)
• Flash X-sync 1/160 sec White balance Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Shade
• Halogen
• Flash
• Custom 1
• Custom 2

• Kelvin temp (2500 – 10000 K, 100K steps) WB fine tuning Yes (blue/amber bias, magenta/green bias) WB Bracketing

• 3 shots
• +/-1 to +/-3 in either blue/amber or magenta/green axis Color space sRGB

• Adobe RGB Image parameters • My Color mode (Expressive/Retro/Pure/Elegant/Monochrome/Dynamic Art/Silhouette/Custom)

• Film Mode (Standard / Dynamic / Nature / Smooth / Nostalgic / Vibrant)
• Saturation (5 levels)
• Contrast (5 levels)
• Sharpness (5 levels)
• Noise reduction (5 levels)
• Monochrome (Standard, Dynamic, Smooth)
• My Film (2 memories, multi film mode) Drive modes Single
• Continuous H (3 fps)
• Continuous L (2 fps) Continuous buffer 7 RAW images
• Unlimited JPEG images with a fast card Self-timer 2 sec
• 10 sec
• 10 sec, 3 images Remote release Optional DMW-RSL1 Flash Manual pop-up
• TTL auto / manual
• Guide no. 6.0 (ISO 100, m)

• Sync modes: Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction, Slow syncro with red-eye reduction, Slow syncro

• 1st /2nd curtain sync

• Flash power: Up to +/- 2EV in 1/3 EV steps Flash X-sync speed 1/160 sec External flash

• Hot shoe

• TTL Auto with FL220/FL360/FL500 (Optional) Viewfinder • Optional Electronic Viewfinder DOF preview Yes Orientation sensor Yes LCD monitor • 3.0″ Low temperature Polycrystalline TFT LCD

• 3:2 aspect ratio
• Wide viewing angle
• 460,000 dots
• 60 fps
• Approx 100% frame coverage
• Brightness (7 levels), Color (7 levels)
• Modes: Off / Auto Power LCD / Power LCD Playback functions Single
• Magnify (2 – 16x)
• Index (12 or 30 frames)
• Slideshow
• Calendar view
• Resize
• Text Stamp
• Trimming
• Aspect Conversion
• Audio Dubbing Connectivity USB 2.0 (High Speed)
• Video Out (NTSC / PAL)
• Wired remote control DMW-RSL1 (optional)
• HDMI Print compliance PictBridge

• DPOF Storage SD / SDHC / MMC Power • 1250 mAh 7.2v Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery
• Supplied charger / AC adapter Dimensions 119 mm x 71 mm x 36.3 mm (4.69 x 2.8 x 1.43 inches) Weight (camera body) Approx. 285 g (10.05 oz) Weight (inc 20mm lens, card and battery) Approx. 448 g (15.8

Press Release

PANASONIC INTRODUCES ITS LATEST LUMIX G SERIES DIGITAL CAMERA – THE LUMIX DMC-GF1

The LUMIX GF1, the world’s smallest and lightest system digital camera with built-in flash*, packs powerful DSLR and HD video capabilities into a sleek and easy-to-use compact body

Secaucus, NJ (September 2, 2009) – Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-GF1, the latest addition to the award-winning LUMIX G Series, which debuts as the world’s smallest and lightest system digital camera with a built-in flash*. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 distinguishes itself from previous models with its elegant, compact design reminiscent of classic film cameras, yet builds on Panasonic’s success with the revolutionary LUMIX G Series of digital interchangeable lens system cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. With its compact size, user-friendly design and ability to record High Definition (HD) video and take professional-quality photos, the LUMIX GF1 continues to redefine digital photography standards.

“Panasonic changed the digital camera industry with the world’s first Micro Four Thirds digital camera, the LUMIX G1 – a compact “DSLR-like” digital camera that produces exceptional image quality. Then, as we continued to raise the innovation bar, Panasonic launched the LUMIX GH1, adding full High Definition 1080p video recording with continuous auto focus,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The new LUMIX GF1 continues the evolution and is the perfect addition to our LUMIX G Series, as its sophisticated, small body makes it easier and more convenient to carry. The GF1 is ideal for point-and-shoot consumers looking to step-up to DSLR-quality or for current DSLR users who want greater convenience without compromising performance quality or creative flexibility.”

With its lightweight body, the LUMIX GF1 provides experienced photographers with the ideal digital camera to carry with them at all times. Like its predecessors in the LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX GF1 eliminates the pentaprism found in traditional interchangeable lens cameras. Thus, this mirror-free structure allows Panasonic to dramatically reduce both size and weight.

Though small in size, the LUMIX GF1 does not compromise in advanced features. The LUMIX GF1 thoroughly optimizes the advantages of a system camera to ensure high performance, whether capturing photos or HD video. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 can record 1280 x 720 High Definition video in AVCHD Lite, a format that enables longer recording times. With a dedicated video record button, capturing video is convenient and easy. The LUMIX GF1 can also record HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 and other video recording formats include: QVGA, VGA and WVGA. The LUMIX GF1 has a unique Movie Program Mode that allows consumers to adjust the depth-of-field while shooting in HD video, so background and foreground can be blurred to give creative effects – something typically only possible with expensive professional camcorders.

The LUMIX DMC-GF1 includes the new My Color mode, which includes seven preset effects – Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette and Custom – all which let users manually set the color, brightness and saturation levels. With the Live View function, users can see how these settings will effect the photo before they shoot, making it easier to capture the exact mood or atmosphere desired. For even more elaborate effects, users can choose from a total of nine Film modes, and set the contrast, sharpness and saturation levels for each. A custom function lets users store their favorite settings in memory. Furthermore, the exposure meter can be displayed in other shooting modes and the correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown, with a color-coded warning that alerts users when the settings are not in the proper range.

For those users not quite comfortable with extensive manual and creative controls, the LUMIX GF1 provides a user-friendly setting that can address a beginner’s comfort level, while helping them evolve their photography skills. For instance, Panasonic’s new Scene mode, Peripheral Defocus, lets users take a photo where the foreground is in focus and background is blurred – or vice versa. This popular effect can be intimidating for a beginner, but in the Peripheral Defocus mode, by simply selecting the objects to be blurred and focused using the camera’s keypad, it is simple for photographers of any level.

Also, helping to make the LUMIX GF1 more approachable, Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, a system of technologies that engage automatically – no setting changes needed – allows for intuitive use when shooting still or video images. While shooting video, iA activates Panasonic’s O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), which helps reduce video-blurring due to handshake. In addition, Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on it so it always turns out beautifully. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. For still photos, the iA system encompasses: Face Recognition (up to six faces can be registered); Auto Focus (AF) Tracking; Mega O.I.S.; Intelligent ISO; Intelligent Exposure; and Intelligent Scene Selector.

The LUMIX GF1 also comes fully-equipped with a built-in flash and a large, 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle and a 460,000-dot resolution. The Intelligent LCD offers automatic backlight control, which when combined with its high-resolution, helps improve visibility in all light environments – from sunny outdoors to low-light interior settings. New for the LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX GF1 is compatible with an optional Live View Finder (DMW-LVF1), which provides the full-time live view function boasting 100% field of view regardless of the attached lens. To further expand the LUMIX G Series system, Panasonic Micro Four Thirds digital cameras can be used with Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R lenses using Panasonic’s DMW-MA2M DMW-MA3R. These adapters give the user access to the unlimited number of lens properties.

The LUMIX GF1′s sensor technology offers the best of both worlds – the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the low-power consumption of a CMOS sensor. Advanced technology makes it possible to read four channels of data simultaneously, helping the LUMIX GF1 deliver 60 frames-per-second full-time Live View images, while maintaining fine detail and rich gradation. The LUMIX GF1′s Venus Engine HD records stunning high-resolution 12-megapixel images using its advanced Live MOS Sensor. This sophisticated LSI circuit separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, helping to capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO levels.

The contrast AF system adopted in the LUMIX GF1 is not only accurate, but also very quick – approximately 0.3 seconds with the LUMIX G H-FS014045 lens. Users can choose from a wide-range of AF modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas; 1-area AF with a selectable focus area; Face Detection; and AF Tracking. The LUMIX GF1 also has a Quick AF function that begins focusing as soon as the user aims the camera – without pressing the shutter button halfway.

As with all Panasonic LUMIX G Series digital cameras, the LUMIX GF1 is equipped with a highly-effective Dust Reduction system. Thus, if dust gets inside the camera (when changing lenses), Panasonic’s Dust Reduction system addresses this problem by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor which vertically vibrates around 50,000 times per second, thus repelling the dust.

The content captured on the LUMIX GF1 can easily be viewed on a Panasonic VIERA® HDTV by simply inserting the SD/SDCH Memory Card into the VIERA’s SD/SDHC Memory Card slot or into a Panasonic DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player. Alternatively, an optional mini HDMI cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the LUMIX DMC-GF1 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link^TM operation, with control of playback functions, such as slideshows, managed from the VIERA HDTV’s remote control.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1 will be available in early October 2009 with the option of two kits – both with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95. One kit option includes the newly-announced LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH, a compact and lightweight “pancake” lens, while the other kit features the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. The optional Live View Finder DMW-LVF1 has an SRP of $199.95; while the DMW-MA2M and DMW-MA3R both have an SRP of $249.95. All new accessories will also be available in early October.

Link

www.panasonic.com

Fujifilm’s new digital camera, FinePix SI500 is perfect for advanced amateur photographers as it offers great range and flexibility, however you need to ignore its bulky, conventional looks. Equipped with features like a super – zoom compact with a wide-angel versatile Fujinon 12x optical zoom (33mm- 396mm equivalent), face detection technology with automatic red-eye removal, dual image  stabilisation and a new tracking auto focus function, the product is designed for relatively low power consumption.

While the dual image stabilisation of the camera facilitates long distance and fast action shots by ensuring that the blur is minimised, the new tracking auto ficus function will help you track a moving subject even when using the full eye-watering 12x zoom – the camera locks on to the subject, ready for you to take the perfect shot!

For low light conditions, of the camera help you get a picture with increased clarity and sharpness. Not only this, the camera can fire about 7.5   frames per second up to 15 frames (at 2MP) or 3.3 frames per second up to 6 frames (at 5MP). In addition to the long zoom range, the FinePix SI500 also features a combined CCD-shift and image stabilisation to avoid effects of camera shake at longer shutter speeds.

With these novel characteristics the camera is bound to be a hit with users. However, the pricing could have been a little bit more reasonable – in keeping with cameras in the same genre.

Nikon has announced the new Nikon COOLPIX S70 along with the S640 and S570. The S70 seems to be having all the features of S640 and S570. With the S70, Nikon seems to have preempted competition from Samsung’s “Tap and Take” cameras to be announced on August 13.

The S70 comes with a 3.7″ wide OLED screen, with 288 KP resolution  that is touch responsive in operation and is capacitive in design. But the difference between the S70 and its other two cousins is the touch enabled shutter release mechanism which you may find in the coming Samsung cameras. The S70 comes with the same Image Stabilisation as the S640 and has all the scene modes of S570 including the automatic scene selection by the camera.

The form and the look of the S70 also seem to have been given a retouch with multiple shades of color.

You would like to check out the parameters like HD resolution and scene selection and performance in low light along with noise parameters once the reviews are out.

The S70 is likely to be available at $400.

Nikon COOLPIX S70 Other Features

• Selection of three different stylish HOME screen displays
• Macro shooting from as close as 3 cm (1.2 in.)
• 16 handy scene modes for optimized shooting in various settings
• D-Lighting
• Active Zoom
• Versatile file sorting functions
• Four movie modes with sound
• Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
• Approx. 20 MB of internal memory
• Hi-Speed USB connectivity with USB charging via Charging AC Adapter EH-68P/EH-68-P (AR) or PC

Nikon Digital Camera COOLPIX S70 Specifications

Effective pixels	12.1 million
Image sensor	1/2.3-in. CCD; total pixels: approx. 12.39 million
Lens	5x zoom NIKKOR; 5.0-25.0mm (equivalent with 35mm [135] format picture angle: 28-140mm); f/3.9-5.8; Digital zoom: up to 4x (35mm [135] format picture angle: 560mm)
Focus range (from lens)	30 cm (1 ft.) to infinity (∞), Macro mode: 3 cm (1.2 in.) to infinity (∞)
Monitor	3.5-in., approx. 288k-dot, wide-viewing angle OLED monitor with touch screen control and anti-reflection coating
Storage media	Internal memory (approx. 20 MB), SD/SDHC memory cards*1
Image size (pixels)	4000 x 3000 (High: 4000★/Normal: 4000), 3264 x 2448 (Normal: 3264), 2592 x 1944 (Normal: 2592), 2048 x 1536 (Normal: 2048), 1024 x 768 (PC: 1024), 640 x 480 (TV: 640), 3968 x 2232 (16:9: 3968)
Vibration Reduction (VR)	Combination lens-shift and electronic VR
ISO sensitivity	ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200*2, 6400*2, Auto (auto gain ISO 80-800), Fixed range auto (ISO 80-200, 80-400)
Interface	Hi-Speed USB
Power sources	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12 (supplied), Charging AC Adapter EH-68P/EH-68P (AR) (supplied), AC Adapter EH-62F (optional), Battery Charger MH-65 (optional)
Battery life	Approx. 200 shots with EN-EL12 battery
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 96.5 x 60.5 x 20 mm (3.8 x 2.4 x 0.8 in.) excluding projections
Weight	Approx. 140 g (4.9 oz.) without battery and SD memory card
Supplied accessories*3	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12, Charging AC Adapter EH-68P/EH-68P (AR), USB Cable UC-E6, Audio Video Cable EG-CP14, Strap AN-CP19, Software Suite CD-ROM
Optional accessories	AC Adapter EH-62F, Battery Charger MH-65

*1

Not compatible with Multi Media Cards (MMC).

*2

ISO 3200 and 6400 are available only for image sizes of 3M (2048 x 1536) or smaller.

*3

Nikon has announced its Nikon COOLPIX S570 compact. The S570 has been announced in conjunction with S640. Both the compacts are similar as far as portrait modes and all the features of the S640 exist in the S570.

But the S570 in addition to portraits appears to have been designed for outdoor photographs. It has the EXPEED processor and has 16 scene modes that includes portrait mode and night portrait mode. Compared to the S230 the S570 also seems to have designed for night land scape. You can always check out on the performance of the S570 in low light conditions once the reviews are out. While the S640 is packed with image stabilization features the S570 seems to have electronic VR, Vibration Reduction meaning the lens may not be optically  stabilized.

Nikon COOLPIX S570 Features

• 16 handy scene modes for optimized shooting in various settings
• D-Lighting
• Active Zoom
• Auto Sort and Favorite Pictures functions
• Four movie modes with sound
• Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
• Approx. 47 MB of internal memory
• Hi-Speed USB connectivity

Nikon Digital Camera COOLPIX S570 Specifications

Effective pixels	12.0 million
Image sensor	1/2.3-in. CCD; total pixels: approx. 12.39 million
Lens	5x zoom NIKKOR; 5.0-25.0mm (equivalent with 35mm [135] format picture angle: 28-140mm); f/2.7-6.6; Digital zoom: up to 4x (35mm [135] format picture angle: 560mm)
Focus range (from lens)	45cm (1 ft. 6 in.) to infinity (∞), Macro mode: 3cm (1.2 in.) to infinity (∞)
Monitor	2.7-in., approx. 230k-dot, TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating
Storage media	Internal memory (approx. 47 MB), SD/SDHC memory cards*1
Image size (pixels)	4000 x 3000 (High: 4000★/Normal: 4000), 3264 x 2448 (Normal: 3264), 2592 x 1944 (Normal: 2592), 2048 x 1536 (Normal: 2048), 1024 x 768 (PC: 1024), 640 x 480 (TV: 640), 3968 x 2232 (16:9: 3968)
Vibration Reduction (VR)	Electronic VR
ISO sensitivity	ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, Auto (auto gain ISO 80-1600), Fixed range auto (ISO 80-400, 80-800)
Interface	Hi-Speed USB
Power sources	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL10 (supplied), AC Adapter EH-62D (optional)
Battery life	Approx. 220 shots with EN-EL10 battery
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 92 x 56.5 x 21.5 mm (3.6 x 2.2 x 0.8 in.) excluding projections
Weight	Approx. 120 g (4.2 oz.) without battery and SD/SDHC memory card
Supplied accessories*2	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL10, Battery Charger MH-63, USB Cable UC-E6, Audio Video Cable EG-CP14, Strap AN-CP19, Software Suite CD-ROM
Optional accessory	AC Adapter EH-62D

Nikon has announces its Nikon Coolpix S640 compact. The S640 appears to be arriving with features and specifications packed in it. As they come to my mind I will lay them out for you and not necessarily in their order of importance

The S640 has a 5 x optical and 4 x digital zoom. The images that the S640 captures range from a minimum resolution of 640 x 480 to 4000 x 3000. I am sure you would like to check the performance at higher resolutions.

The S640 incorporates 4 features for Image Stabilisation that Nikon calls Vibration Reduction. First is the optical stabilization of the lens correcting for pitch and roll. The second is Nikon’s BSS, Best Shot Selector, automatically shoots a series of frames and selects the one that has the best focus. The other two include shooting at High ISO with fast shutter speed and detecting motion and compensating for ISO and shutter Speed and camera shake.

Nikon seems to be following the skin toning or smoothening features of the recent spate of compacts, only it makes it automatic. Then for portraits there are features like detecting a smile and correcting for blink, automatically detecting up to 12 faces for AF and refocusing on a moving subject especially tracking children, if he goes out of the camera range and comes back with in 3 seconds.

The Nikon Coolpix S640 will be coming in 5 colors.

Nikon COOLPIX S640 Other Features

• Macro shooting from as close as 2 cm (0.8 in.)
• 16 handy scene modes for optimized shooting in various settings
• Scene Auto Selector
• D-Lighting
• Active Zoom
• Auto Sort function
• Two movie modes with sound
• Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
• Approx. 45 MB of internal memory
• Hi-Speed USB connectivity with USB charging via Charging AC Adapter EH-68P/EH-68P (AR) or PC

Nikon Digital Camera COOLPIX S640 Specifications

Effective pixels	12.2 million
Image sensor	1/2.3-in. CCD; total pixels: approx. 12.39 million
Lens	5x zoom NIKKOR; 5.0-25.0mm (equivalent with 35mm [135] format picture angle: 28-140mm); f/2.7-6.6; Digital zoom: up to 4x (35mm [135] format picture angle: 560mm)
Focus range (from lens)	45 cm (1 ft. 6 in.) to infinity (∞), Macro mode: 2 cm (0.8 in.) to infinity (∞)
Monitor	2.7-in., approx. 230k-dot, wide-viewing angle TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating, antifouling and water repellent layer
Storage media	Internal memory (approx. 45 MB), SD/SDHC memory cards*1
Image size (pixels)	4000 x 3000 (High: 4000★/Normal: 4000), 3264 x 2448 (Normal: 3264), 2592 x 1944 (Normal: 2592), 2048 x 1536 (Normal: 2048), 1024 x 768 (PC: 1024), 640 x 480 (TV: 640), 3968 x 2232 (16:9: 3968)
Vibration Reduction (VR)	Lens shift VR
ISO sensitivity	ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, Auto (auto gain ISO 100-1600), Fixed range auto (ISO 100-400, 100-800)
Interface	Hi-Speed USB
Power sources	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12 (supplied), Charging AC Adapter EH-68P/EH-68P (AR) (supplied), AC Adapter EH-62F (optional), Battery Charger MH-65 (optional)
Battery life	Approx. 270 shots with EN-EL12 battery
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 91 x 55 x 20.5 mm (3.6 x 2.2 x 0.8 in.) excluding projections
Weight	Approx. 110 g (3.9 oz.) without battery and SD/SDHC memory card
Supplied accessories*2	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12, Charging AC Adapter EH-68P/EH-68P (AR), USB Cable UC-E6, Audio Video Cable EG-CP14, Strap AN-CP19, Software Suite CD-ROM
Optional accessories	AC Adapter EH-62F, Battery Charger MH-65

Link

http://www.nikon.com/

The IRDC 250 from IRES Technology corp is a wearable and portable video camera. It comes with 2 GB of memory unlike the IRDC 150 which comes with only 1 GB of memory. It can be used as a web cam on a PC as well. Like the IRDC 150 it has a CMOS sensor which has 300 KP resolution and can record video in AVI 640 x 320.

Image Sensor	CMOS
Resolution	300,000 Pixels
Video Format	AVI 640 x 480
Video File Size	Up to 600 KB/s
Recording Speed	Up to 25 fps
Max Recording Distance	Up to 25 feet away (Video & Audio)
Viewing Angle	60°
Built-in Lithium Battery	3.7V
Battery Life	Up to 2 Hours
Charging Time	Up to 3 Hours
Interface	Mini USB 1.1
SD Card	Micro SD Card (not included)
Internal Memory	2 GB
SD Capacity	Up to 8 GB
Compatible Systems	Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Mac, Linux
Operating Temperature	-15°C ~ 65°C (5~145°F)
Dimensions	1.1″ x 0.6″ x 3.5″

Link

http://www.uCorder.com/

IRES  Technology corp has brought out the ultra small wearable Video and Audio Recorder IRDC 150. IRES has a range of other surveillance products too. But the IRDC 150 records even when you are busy and your hands are occupied. Surprisingly it uses a CMOS sensor that has a resolution of 300 K. It can record video in AVI at 640 x 480 p at 25 fps. The specifications are given below.

Image Sensor CMOS

Resolution 300,000 Pixels

Video Format AVI 640 x 480

Video File Size Up to 600 KB/s

Recording Speed Up to 25 fps

Max Recording Distance Up to 25 feet away (Video & Audio)

Viewing Angle 60°

Built-in Lithium Battery 3.7V

Battery Life Up to 2 Hours

Charging Time Up to 3 Hours

Interface Mini USB 1.1 SD Card Micro SD Card (not included)

Internal Memory 1 GB

SD Capacity Up to 8 GB

Compatible Systems Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Mac, Linux

Operating Temperature -15°C ~ 65°C (5~145°F)

Dimensions 1.1″ x 0.6″ x 3.5″

UPC Code 6-28057-00150-6

Package Weight 1 lb Package

Dimensions 5.2″ x 1.7″ x 7.5″

Master Carton 36 pcs, 25″ x 12″ x 11″

Inner Carton 6 pcs, 11″ x 10″ x 5.5″

Link

http://www.ucorder.com/

The best kept secret of Nikon is finally out with the announcement of the Nikon D 3000 along with the new D300 S. I do not know if I have missed all the future offerings of Nikon by not visiting Nikon Rumours.

The Nikon D3000 is an entry level D SLR that would be competing with Olympus E 620 and the Panasonic G1. What surprised me was that it is using the CCD sensors, so you should check out the noise parameters specially of the luminance due to IR interference and may be not much of the chrominance variety. If you have already become the video enthusiast then this is not for you, more likely the D 300 S.

The D3000 seems to have been built with the enthusiast in mind where there is a special mode called the “Guide Mode” which takes through the process of settings step by step. This I am sure will be welcomed by all enthusiasts. Apart from this Nikon seems to have taken a few leaves off from Olympus where it adds certain special effects to your photographs. This is provided in the Retouch menu and not special filters. The specifications are given below:

• Image Sensor Format

DX

Image Sensor Type

CCD

Sensor Size

23.6 x 15.8mm

Total Pixels

10.75 million

Effective Pixels

10.2 million

Image Area (pixels)

DX-format
(L) 3,872 x 2,592
(M)2,896 x 1,944
(S)1,936 x 1,296

Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution

3 frames per second

LCD Monitor Size

3.0 in. diagonal

LCD Monitor Type

TFT-LCD

LCD Monitor Resolution

230,000 Dots

LCD Monitor Adjustments

Brightness,7 levels

Shutter type

Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane

Slowest Shutter Speed

30 sec. in steps of 1/3 EV

Fastest Shutter Speed

1/4000 sec. in steps of 1/3 EV

Bulb Shutter Setting

Yes

Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity

100 in steps of 1 EV

Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity

1600 in steps of 1 EV

Highest Expanded ISO Sensitvity

HI1 (3200 equivalent)

Storage Media

SD
SDHC

File Format

AVI
Compressed 12-bit NEF (RAW) JPEG (Baseline Compliant)

File System

Compliant with DCF 2.0
EXIF 2.21

Exposure Modes

Programmed Auto (P) with Flexible Program
Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
Aperture-Priority Auto (A)
Manual (M)
Auto
Scene Modes

Advanced Scene Modes

Portrait
Landscape
Close-up
Sports
Night Portrait
Child
Auto
Auto [Flash Off]

Exposure Metering System

420 pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Center-weighted
Spot

Metering Range

0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or Center-weighted metering)

Exposure Meter Coupling

CPU

Exposure Compensation

±5 EV in increments of 1/3

Exposure Lock

Yes

Exposure Bracketing

No

Shutter Release Modes

Single-frame [S] mode
Single Frame Shooting, Continuous Frame Shooting (Approx 3 FPS), Self Timer, Delayed Remote Mode, Quick Response Remote Mode

White Balance

Sun
Shade
Fluorescent
Incandescent
Flash
Preset
Fine Tune by Kelvin color temperature setting
Auto, 8 Modes (when Auto is selected, TTL white balance with main image sensor and 420-segment RGB sensor is available) fine-tuning possible

Interface

Hi-speed USB
NTSC
PAL

Lens Mount

Nikon F bayonet mount

Compatible Lenses

• AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR: All functions supported
• Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor: All functions supported except autofocus.
• Non-Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and autofocus.
• IX-NIKKOR and AF-NIKKOR for F3AF: Not supported.
• Type D PC NIKKOR: All functions supported except some shooting modes.
• AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II
• Non-CPU: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode d, but exposure meter does not function.
• Lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster: Electronic rangefinder can be used.

Picture Angle

Equivalent in 35mm (135) format is approx. 1.5X lens focal length

Viewfinder

Eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder

Viewfinder Frame Coverage

Approx. 95%

Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment

-1.7 to +0.5 m^-1

Viewfinder Eyepoint

18mm  (-1.0m-1)

Reflex Mirror

Quick-return type

Focusing Screen

Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V with superimposed focus brackets

Viewfinder Magnification

Approx. 0.8x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0m^-1)

Autofocus System

TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM1000 autofocus module

Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points

11

Autofocus Sensitivity

-1 to +19 EV (ISO100)

Focus Modes

Single-servo AF (S)
Continuous-servo (C)
Manual
Auto

Single-point AF Mode

Yes

Dynamic AF Mode

Yes

Auto-area AF Mode

Yes

Focus Lock

Half press of shutter-release button (single-point AF in AF-S)

Automatic Exposure Scene Modes

Yes

Picture Control

Standard
Neutral
Vivid
Monochrome
Portrait
Landscape

In-Camera Image Editing

Trim
D-Lighting
Color Balance
Filter Effects
Monochrome
Stop Motion
Color Balance
NEF (RAW) processing
Quick retouch
Small picture
Red-eye correction
Color Outline
Miniature Effect
Before and After

Built-in Flash

Yes

External Flash Shoe

Yes

Built-in Flash Distance

Guide Number Approx. 12/39, 13/43 with manual flash (m/ft, ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F)

Dust-Off Reference Photo

Yes

Nikon Creative Lighting System Compatibility

Yes

Flash Sync Speed

Up to 1/200

X-Sync Speed

up to 1/200

Flash Sync Modes

Front-curtain sync (normal)
Slow sync
Rear-curtain sync
Red-eye reduction
Red-eye reduction with slow sync
Flash cancel/ flash off

Flash Control

i-TTL flash control by 420-segment RGB sensor. i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR and standard i-TTL fill-flash for digital SLR available when CPU lens is used with built-in flash, SB-400, SB-900, SB-800, and SB-600. Non-TTL Auto with SB-900, or SB-800.

Accessory Shoe

Yes

Self-timer

Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10 or 20 seconds

World Time Setting

Yes

Date, Time and Daylight Savings Time Settings

Yes

Battery Type

Rechargeable

Battery / Batteries

EN-EL9a Lithium-ion Battery

AC Adaptor

EH-5a AC Adapter
(Used with Power Connector EP-5, available separately.)

Battery Charger

MH-23 Quick Charger

Image Comment

Yes

Battery Life (shots per charge)

500 shots (CIPA)

Tripod Socket

¼ inch 20

Approx. Dimensions

Width 5.0 in. (126mm)
Height 3.8 in. (94mm)
Depth 2.5 in. (64mm)

Approx. Weight

16.1 oz. (485g)

Supported Languages

Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish

Supplied Software

Software Suite CD-ROM

Optional Accessories

ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control, Capture NX 2, EP-5AC Adapter Connector, EH-5a AC Adapter, EG-D100 Video Cable, CF-DC1 Semi-Soft Case, Speedlight SB-900, SB-600, SB-400, R1C1

Other

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

Supplied Accessories

• EN-EL9a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
• MH-23 Quick Charger
• UC-E4 USB Cable
• DK-20 Rubber Eyecup
• AN-DC1 AN-DC3 Camera Strap
• BF-1A Body Cap
• DK-5 Eyepiece Cap
• BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover
• Software Suite CD-ROM

*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.

Kodak has announced its new Easy Share Z950. It is a DSLR that has HD video recording mode. It will be competing with Canon EOS 500D, Nikon D 5000, Panasonic Lumix GH1 and recently announced Fuji Film DSLR for attention. Te video mode includes  HD Video of 1280 x 720 at 30 fps, VGA at 640 x 480 at 30 fps and QVGA oft 320 x 240 at 30 fps. HD Video can be shot continuous up to 29 mins and VGA/QVGA can be shot up to 80 min continuous. The Z950 has 10 modes of shooting and 15 scenes for shooting. One thing of interest will be its performance in HD Video recording and the performance of AF for videos. The lens announced is SCHNEIDER KREUZNACH VARIGON optical Zoom lens. The noise parameters will also be interesting when compared to Canon EOS 500 D and the Panasonic Lumix GH1.

Specifications

Standard features
Sensor type		1 / 2.33 type
Effective pixels		12 MP (4024 × 3012)
Lens		35-350 mm (35 mm equiv.) f/3.5-f/4.8 SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON Optical Zoom Lens
Zoom		10X optical, 5X advanced digital, total zoom range 50X
Image stabilizer		optical
Shutter speed		1/8-1/1250 sec. (auto)
Monitor		3 in. high resolution (230K dots), 5 level brightness adjustments
Storage		32 MB internal memory* available, SDHC/SD card expansion slot
Auto focus
Type		TTL imager AF system
Modes		normal, macro, infinity, manual
Focus range		wide standard: 0.5 m-infinity tele standard: 1.2 m-infinity wide macro: 0.12-0.6 m tele macro: 0.6-1.3 m
Auto focus control		single, continuous
Auto focus zones		TTL multi-zone, center zone AF
AF assist light		yes
Exposure control
ISO sensitivity		auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200**
Metering modes		multi-pattern, center-weighted, spot
Compensation		±2.0 EV with 1/3 EV steps
Bracketing		±1.0 EV with 1/3 EV steps, 3 images
White balance		auto, daylight, tungsten, fluorescent, open shade
Flash
Range		5.4 m (@ wide, ISO 400) 3.9 m (@ tele, ISO 400)
Modes		auto, off, fill, red-eye reduction
Compensation		±1.0 EV in 1/3 steps
Shooting specifications
Drive modes		single shot, first and last burst (up to 3 images), self-timer (10 sec.), delay shutter (2 sec.), 2-shot self-timer
Shooting modes		Smart Capture, high ISO, sport, P (program), A (aperture priority), S (shutter priority), M (manual), panorama (left-right, right-left), video, SCN (scene modes)
Scene modes		portrait, night portrait, landscape, night landscape, flower, sunset, backlight, candlelight, manner/museum, text, beach, snow, fireworks, children, self-portrait, stage
Click to capture		< 0.3 sec.
Shot to shot		< 1.5 sec
Still capture
Still format		JPEG/EXIF v2.21
Picture size		12.0 MP (4000 × 3000)-4:3 10.7 MP (4000 × 2264)-3:2 9.0 MP (4000 × 2256)-16:9 6.0 MP (2832 × 2128)-4:3 3.1 MP (2048 × 1536)-4:3 2.2 MP (1800 × 1200)-3:2 2.1 MP (1920 × 1080)-16:9 1.2 MP (1280 × 960)-4:3
Color modes		high color, natural color, low color, sepia, black and white
Sharpness		high, normal, low
Review options		single, magnification with navigation box, multi-up, multi-field search, slideshow, multimedia slideshow, histogram
Editing		on-camera crop, KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology, voice annotation
File management		delete, undo delete, copy, protect, text tagging, one-button upload
Video capture
Format		QUICKTIME MPEG-4
Quality		HDV (1280 × 720) at 30 fps VGA (640 × 480) at 30 fps QVGA (320 × 240) at 30 fps
Length		HDV: continuous up to 29 min. based on memory card capacity VGA/QVGA: continuous up to 80 min. based on memory card capacity
Review options		play, rewind, pause, fast-forward and rewind, forward and rewind by frame, multi-up, multimedia slideshow, multi-field search bookmarks
Editing		make a picture from video, action print (4, 9, 16-up), trim
File management		delete, undo delete, copy, protect, text tagging, one-button upload
Customization
Custom settings		LCD brightness (5 levels), date stamp (on/off), image storage, capture frame grid (on/off), image stabilizer control, red-eye, quick view (on/off), advanced digital zoom, orientation sensor, sound, volume, date & time, auto power off, video out, language, reset camera
Sharing
Share button		yes
Physical specifications
I/O interface		digital (USB 2.0 high speed) connector for data and video
Power		Kodak Li-Ion Rechargeable Digital Camera Battery KLIC-7003; optional AC adapter
Dedicated buttons		Top: power, shutter with zoom ring, mode dial, drive, flash Back: joystick, info, menu, review, delete, Share
Tripod mount		¼ in. standard
Dimensions		H × W × D: 4.3 × 2.6 × 1.4 in. (110.0 × 66.8 × 35.5 mm)
Weight		8.2 oz (223 g) (without SD card and battery)
Compatibility
Direct printing		PictBridge-enabled
Software		works with KODAK EASYSHARE Software