The Casio EX-FC100 is a compact digital camera that features speedy performance and slow-motion controls of the larger and more expensive EX-F1 and EX-FH20 in sleek form. The EX-FC100 shoots 9-megapixel images and HD video with a 5x zoom lens.

The camera houses a 1/2.3″-type CMOS image sensor the choice of which has been made with speed in mind. You can shoot at 30, 15, 10, 5 or 3 frames per second and also specify the burst depth - either 30, 20, 10 or 5 shots.

A High Speed Best Selection mode will help you to choose the ideal photo from a burst - it selects the image automatically judging by blurring, and whether your subject is blinking or smiling.

The FC100 also offers the ability to precapture images and then save up to 25 frames from immediately before the shutter button was pressed. Another unusual function is the ability to combine multiple burst shots into one single image, in-camera.

In movie mode, the EX-FC100 captures high-definition 720p (1280 x 720 pixel) video at 30 frames per second. It’s also possible to shoot at higher framerates of 210, 420, or even 1000 frames per second at reduced resolution.

High-Speed Anti-Shake and High-Speed Night Scene modes are said to allow for great low-light shots without a tripod. The camera’s specs list also includes sensor-shift image stabilization.

Camera Reviews:

Digitalcamerainfo.com:
In terms of straight-out image quality, at the price of the EX-FC100 you can get a better camera. Its resolution performance is underwhelming, mostly due to low sharpness, and it doesn’t have very good color accuracy (on the plus side, image noise was quite low). However, you won’t be able to get the same speeds out of any other brand.

Reviews.cnet.co.uk:
Casio’s right to keep pushing its High-Speed Continuous Shutter technology, because it offers something new and unique in the camera world. Though it lacks a wide-angle zoom and is rather expensive.

Sample Photo Galleries: digitalcamerainfo.com.

Casio Exilim EX-FC100 - Specifications:

• 9.1 Megapixels
• 1/2.3 inch CMOS Sensor
• 5 x Optical Zoom
• Focal Length Equivalent: 37-185 mm
• Aperture Range: F/3.6-4.5
• 2.7 inch LCD Display with 230,000 pixels
• Sensitivity: ISO 100 - 1600
• Shutter Speed: 1/1000 s - 4 s
• Exposure Metering: Multi-segment, centre-weighted, spot
• 15 Scene Modes
• Continuous Shooting: 1fps at full resolution, up to 30fps at 6 megapixels fps
• 32 MB Built-in Memory
• Metal Body
• Li-ion Rechargeable Battery
• Body Colors: gray or white
• Price Tag: $329

Official Information: casio.com.

Nikkor 105mm ƒ/2D AF DC is a portrait medium telephoto lens with Nikon’s exclusive Defocus Control to control the degree spherical aberration in background or foreground elements and to change the appearance and nature of out-of-focus elements in the scene being captured.

The 105mm f/2 replaces the 105mm f/1.8 lens. It is fully compatible with both DX- and FX- sensor-based digital SLR cameras. On a body equipped with a DX-format (APS-C) sensor, the lens will provide an effective field of view of 158mm.

The lens has 6 elements in 6 groups and a plane-glass rear dust element - but no aspherical elements. Rounded diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural.

The 105mm f/2D AF DC features Rear Focusing for fast AF operation. It also employs a built-in telescoping hood, and takes 72mm filters. The body of the lens is metal.

How does Defocus Control work? The DC ring has settings from 5.6R to 0 to 5.6F. If you set the ring to the same aperture as the lens in the F direction, it blurs objects in front of the subject. Likewise, if you turn the ring to match the aperture in the R direction, it blurs the background.

Lens Reviews:

Slrgear.com:
The 105mm ƒ/2D AF DC provided excellent results for sharpness with just slightly soft results when used wide open. The lens also dealt extremely well with any potential chromatic aberration. Corner shading and distortion are virtually non-existent.

Nikkor 105mm ƒ/2D AF DC – Specifications:

• Image Circle: 35mm
• Type: Telephoto Prime Defocus Control
• Focal Length: 105mm
• Focal Length APS Equivalent: 157mm
• Max Aperture: ƒ/2
• Min Aperture: ƒ/16
• 9 Diaphragm Blades
• Lens Construction: 6 elements in 6 groups
• Diagonal Angle of View (Based on image circle): 23.5 degrees
• Focus Details: Defocus Control; Rear Focusing
• No Front Element Rotation
• Closest Focus: 0.9m / 3 ft.
• Magnification Ratio: 0.13x / 1:7.7
• Filter Size: 72mm
• Dimensions (Length x Diameter): 112mm x 79mm / 4.4 in. x 3.1 in.
• Weight 621g / 21.9 oz
• Built-in Lens Hood
• Typical Online Price: US$920

What’s new: Cameralabs have added the camera’s full review and sample images!

Canon’s PowerShot SD990 IS (aka IXUS 980 IS in Europe) digital camera replaces the PowerShot SD950 IS model. It retains the same 1/1.7-inch CCD image sensor size, but features more megapixels -14.7, and previous model’s DIGIC III processor was upgraded to a DIGIC 4 type that allows for servo-AF tracking.

The Canon SD990 features the same 3.7x optical zoom. Its LCD display measures 2.5-inches diagonally with a resolution of 230,000 dots, with improved contrast ratio.

A high sensitivity scene mode allows ISO to be boosted to a maximum of ISO 3,200. Meanwhile, it’s better to take advantage of optical image stabilization that prevents camera shake. High ISO levels mean only noise.

The SD990 offers a program mode, and a manual mode where aperture and shutter speed can be selected. There are also 16 scene modes, and a new Intelligent Contrast Correction function.

DIGIC 4 image processor, in its turn, is responsible for face detection (with a self-timer trigger that automatically takes a photo two seconds after an additional face enters the scene) and servo autofocus (which continuously tracks moving subjects when you half-press the Shutter button).

Sample Photo Galleries: imaging-resource.com.

Camera Reviews:

Imaging-resource.com:
The Canon PowerShot SD990 IS is a good quality digital camera overall. Image corners are soft at full wide angle, with chromatic aberration, but that’s to be expected in cameras of this size. Color is bright and vibrant, with only slight oversaturation in some reds and still pleasing.

Cameralabs.com:
The camera offers a good screen with optional viewfinder as well as manual control over exposure. Though it lacks true wide-angle coverage and its burst mode is rather modest at 1.3fps.

Sample Photo Galleries: cameralabs.com.

Canon PowerShot SD990 IS aka IXUS 980 IS - Specifications:

• 14.6 Megapixels
• Maximum Image Size: 4416 x 3312
• 1/1.7″ CCD Sensor
• 3.69x Optical Zoom
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 16:9
• Focal Length Equivalent: 36 - 133 mm
• Aperture Range: f/2.8 (W) - f/5.8 (T)
• Optical Viewfinder
• 2.5 inch LCD Screen with 230,000 pixels
• New DIGIC 4 Image Processor: Face Detection, Servo AF, Face Detection Self-Timer
• Intelligent Contrast Correction
• Continuous-mode: 1.4 frames/second
• Manual Focus
• Macro Focus Range: 5 cm
• ISO Settings: 100-3200
• Shutter Speed Range: 15 - 1/1600
• Metering Modes: Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot (center), Face Detect AE
• Movie Mode: 640×480, 30 fps
• 32.0 MB Memory
• Lithium Ion NB-5L Rechargeable Battery
• Street Price: $341.40