Casio Exilim EX-H5 is a new digital camera that belongs to Casio’s line-up of compact long-zooms. It features 12.1 megapixels of resolution, 10x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD screen and High Definition movie capture – all in pocketable body available in different color variants.

The camera’s lens deserves special attention - it features both telephoto and wide-angle capabilities. It offers you 24mm angle of view at the wider end, which is more than the majority of modern digicams can offer. It will help you shoot large groups of people, dramatic interiors and extremely wide landscapes and cityscapes.

At the heart of the EX-H5 there’s lies an Exilim Engine 5.0 image processing engine that helps it deliver good quality in terms of color accuracy and noise suppression, as well as fast performance. The camera also offers CCD-shift mechanical image stabilizer to combat blur caused by camera shake.

The EX-H5 can take great photos at distance or difficult lighting conditions, according to the manufacturer’s info. The camera’s intelligent auto focus detects major objects and subjects in a frame and optimizes the focus.

There’s an array of BEST SHOT motif programs in the EX-H5 to match all possible shooting situations. There’re such shooting modes, for instance, as Landscape, Make-up or Art Short Mode. You can also make use of its Dynamic Photo function to combine your subject with a different background.

Casio Exilim EX-H5 - Key Features:

• 12.1 Megapixels
• 10x Optical Zoom
• 24mm Wide-Angle Lens
• CCD-Shift Image Stabilization
• 2.7-inch LCD Screen
• Exilim Engine 5.0 Image Processor
• Intelligent Auto Focus
• Landscape Mode
• Make-up Mode
• Art Shot Mode
• Best Shot Scene Modes
• Dynamic Photo Function
• Movie Mode: 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps
• Available Body Colors: Silver, Black, Red

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm F4 ASPH lens was designed specially for the use with Micro Four Thirds cameras and mounts on Panasonic and Olympus camera belonging to this standard.

The lens features really compact dimensions, yet it is delivers powerful wide-angle capabilities. It offer 14-28mm equivalent focal length and 114º angle of view, which is very helpful when shooting extremely wide scenes or taking pictures indoors where the distance is limited.

The 7-14mm has an F4.0 constant maximum aperture over the entire zoom range. Its optical design combines 16 elements in 12 groups with two aspherical and 4 extra-low dispersion glass elements to minimize chromatic aberrations. The lens features multi-coated lens elements as well to reduce ghosts and flare. There’s also an integrated hood to protect that large expanse of glass against stray light.

When mounted on the DMC-GH1 DSLR camera, the new lenses allows use of the advanced contrast AF system, which includes a Face Recognition function, for more convenient, more enjoyable shooting.

However, there’s no filter thread for various attachments, and the prices too high in comparison with its rivals.

Lens Reviews:

Dpreview.com:
The lens shows very good image quality and extremely fast, practically silent autofocus. It is impressively resistant to flare but produces fairly strong lateral chromatic aberration at the widest settings when used on Olympus bodies.

Alternatives/Rivals: Nikon 14-24mm F2.8 (APC-S), Olympus M Zuiko Digital 9-18mm F4-5.6.

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm F4 ASPH - Specifications:

• Focal Length: 7-14mm
• Focal Length Equivalent: 14-28mm
• Diagonal Angle of View: 114º - 75º
• F4 Constant Maximum Aperture
• Minimum Aperture: F22
• Lens Construction: 16 Elements / 12 Groups
• 4 ED Glass Elements
• 2 Aspherical Elements
• 7 Diaphragm Blades, Rounded Aperture
• Minimum Focus: 0.25m
• Maximum Magnification: 0.08x
• Micro AF Motor
• Focus Method: Internal
• No Filter Thread
• Supplied Accessories: Front and Rear Caps
• Weight: 300 g (10.6 oz)
• Diameter & length 70 mm x 83 mm (2.8 x 3.3 in)
• Micro Four Thirds Lens Mount
• Price Tag: US: $1000

Sony Handycam HDR-CX110 is a stylish and compact camcorder that offers full HD video functionality, advanced specs list, various shooting modes and manually-controlled options.

The camera is based upon a back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. Back-illuminated sensor technology is quite new to the world of digital devices, it means that your camera – is it uses the one - would capture more light without raising sensitivity level.

The CX100 features five video recording modes: apart from the highest quality video capture of 1920 x 1080 at 60 interlaced frames per second with 24 Mbps, it can take the same but at 17 Mbps, 1440 x 1080 at 60 fps with either 9 or 5 Mbps, and 720 x 480 pixels at 9 Mbps.

The camera also offer still image capture with modest 3.1-, 2.4-, 1.9- and 0.3-megapixel image sizes. There’s a special button for switching between video and still image modes.

The camera is equipped with a 2.7-inch flip-out LCD touch screen and a 25x optical zoom lens, which offers freedom and adds convenience to a shooting process.

When shooting, you can choose between intelligent auto, scene and manual modes. There’s also an auto backlit function for rich detail in both well-lit and dark areas of the image; face and smile detection for great people’s shots and videos.

Camera Reviews:

Digitalcamerareview.com:
The camcorder offers fun shooting modes, great build and design, as well as superb clip colors. But it’s the images it delivers may appear soft on edges. And there’s a manual lens cover, which may cause inconvenience.

Sony HDR-CX110 – Specifications:

• 1/4″ back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS sensor
• Video: 1920×1080 Full HD
• Still Images: 3.1 Megapixels
• 30mm CZ Vario Sonnar T Lens
• 25x Optical Zoom
• Steadyshot Image Stabilizer
• 2.7-inch Flip-Out Touch LCD Display
• Intelligent Auto Mode
• Scene Selection
• Face Detection
• Smile Detection
• Auto Back Light Function
• Slow Record Function: 3 seconds at 240 fps
• 1080/60p Playback
• Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD/SDHC Cards
• Height & Width: 2.2 inches x 2.0 inches
• Weight: 0.56 pounds
• Available Body Colors: Blue, Red, Black