NIKON S1100PJ,S5100: TWO NEW COOLPIX DIGICAMS

Nikon Inc. has today announced two new digital cameras that refresh existing models -- the Coolpix S1100pj replacing the S1000pj, and the Coolpix S5100 updating the S570.

The Nikon Coolpix S1100pj is Nikon's second camera to include a built-in projector. Compared to its predecessor, the S1100pj's projector has increased brightness, allowing greater range (and hence a larger projected image) at like brightness. The Nikon S1100pj also boosts sensor resolution slightly, from twelve to fourteen megapixels, while retaining the same Nikkor-branded optically stabilized 5x zoom lens with 28mm wide angle.

SANYO ADDS OPTICAL ZOOM TO DUAL CAMERA

(Credit: Sanyo)

One of the biggest detractors for Flip-style minicamcorders is their fixed lenses. These candy-bar cams feature only digital zooms, which destroy video quality. The Sanyo Dual Camera VPC-PD2 fixes that by shoehorning a 3x zoom lens--36-108mm for photos and 37-111mm for video (35mm equivalent)--into a body measuring 2.5 inches wide by 4.4 inches high by 0.9 inch deep. Basically, it's an ultracompact point-and-shoot camera with the lens repositioned so the device can be held vertically for shooting video. And like all of Sanyo's Dual Cameras, it takes stills just as easily as it shoots video clips.

NIKON UNVEILS NEW D3100 ENTRY-LEVEL DSLR

It may have taken Nikon almost three years to replace its much beloved entry-level D40 digital SLR with the popular D3000 last July, but just over a year later, the company has announced a new updated version, the Nikon D3100. The new model sports a similar body to the D3000, but adds some catch-up features to the mix — such as Live View and video recording — which competing dSLRs have offered for some time now. But Nikon ups the ante with full 1080p HD video and continuous autofocus, along with the standard bump in resolution (up to 14 megapixels here). In fact, for both video and resolution, the D3100 also outspecs Nikon’s D5000.

CANON DOUBLES UP ON COMPACT MEGAZOOMS

(Credit: Canon)

How do you like your compact megazooms? As small as possible and loaded with features or more affordable with a basic feature set and powered by AA-size batteries? Regardless of your answer, Canon now has a model to fill both needs.

The $349.99 SD4500 IS is the very compact, full-featured one, packing a 10x zoom lens in a Digital Elph body. Running the show is the same backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and Digic 4 combo found in the SD4000 IS, which means it should produce good low-light photos and have fast shooting performance. It also does high-speed movies for slow-motion clips at 240 frames per second and records normal movies at resolutions up to 1,080p.