Chic Gadgets

Nikon’s latest line of COOLPIX point and shoot digital cameras range from the super pocket friendly compact types to larger cameras with optical zooms. The newest batch are a lot of colorful items that come in shades like Royal Purple or Titanium Silver.

There are four new models in COOLPIX’s S-Series, three new models in the L-Series and one new model in the P-Series, each with its own unique capabilities and features.

From the S-Series come the following:

• S630 - 12 megapixel camera, with “Sure Grip” thumb hold, big 7x optical zoom, priced at $279.95
• S620 - in pastel body, 12.2 megapixel camera packs, 4x optical zoom (with image stabilization), $269.95
• S230 - 7x zoom, 3-inch LCD screen, 10 megapixel camera, five colors, $229.95
• S220- 3x optical zoom, 10 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD, 18mm thick body, six colors, $149.95

From the L-Series come the following:

• L100 - big 15x zoom, 3-inch LCD screen, $279.95
• L20 - 10 megapixels, 3.6x optical zoom, $129.95
• L19 - 3.6x zoom, 2.7-inch LCD screen, 8 megapixels, $109.95

The P-Series or P90 is the most expensive of all, priced at $399.95, with 24x optical zoom, “vari-angle” LCD, 12.1 megapixels.

I’m no photography buff but I live with someone who is and the news of a new camera out in the market is big news. Although, I’m not quite sure if this one’s going to be taken with the same excitement as others since this new gadget is a bit on the quirky side, much like how cameras used to be in the early 50’s…. and well, very pink. Hot, hot, pink.

The Diana F+ Mr Pink is part of the Diana F line from Lomography.

Its special feature includes the ability to produce ultra-dreamy, soft-focus, vignetted medium-format pictures. Using a 35mm film, the camera can dish out some 16 shots per frames. This is truly one for serious photography hobbyist.

This camera will be made available this spring….which is so very timely considering how bright, sunny and coloful its body is.

I have been dying to get my hands on a Lumix point and shoot camera and even considered giving myself this one as a Christmas gift. But then my purchase didn’t push through yet. And maybe it’s a good thing as I will now have options when I do decide to buy it this year.

Recently, Panasonic announced they will be launching colored versions of the Lumix this spring. The digital camera will now also come in green, blue and hot pink and I am quite excited about it!

I prefer this one over any other digital camera because of its powerful features. It has an intelligent image processor and a better resolution (at 10 megapixels). It also has an optic image stabilization, a face detection feature and Auto shooting mode access. Plus, I love the lens they have for this — a Leica, one of the better ones in photography.

Look for this gadget at stores in March, going between $160 to $200.

When I say Kitty Camera, I’m not referring to cameras for kittens, but this — a digital camera designed with Hello Kitty’s face!

The lens is located on Kitty’s bow and when you take photos, her cheeks will light up. This may look like a toy but pictures taken using this camera are of great quality.

The camera has the following features, good enough for regular use and even for hobbyist of photography:

• 32MB internal memory
• SD card memory slot
• 2.0″ LCD
• USB connection
• 10 second timer
• 5 Megapixel
• 4x Digital Zoom
• 2″ LCD Screen

This Kitty Cam, a fun alternative way to take pictures, runs on replaceable AAA batteries and it is available exclusively at Dynamism for $329. Warranty is also available through the site.

Personally, I don’t find anything fascinating about a bling-ed gadget. Not even when it is encrusted with expensive crystals, diamonds or gems.  Is the sparkling supposed to make the gadget more glamorous? Sometimes, even the most expensive embellishments end up making a gadget look tackier.

Take for instance this Swarovski encrusted Olympus digital camera. I don’t know about you but the design just doesn’t work. It appears to have been done by a 12 year old playing around with her gadget.

The camera though is quite full-packed with useful features, which is something wise consumers should consider more than appearance.

The Olympus 1040 Crystal Camera boasts of:

• 10 megapixels
• 3x optical zoom
• 30 fps shooting
• TruePic III image processor

The camera is a limited edition release.

Via Olympus 

If you need to stock up on Christmas Gifts, now is the best time. These adorable digital camera cases from Pottery Barn only costs about $24.00. They come in bright, trendy colors, really fashionable and really cute.

The tiny camera cases are made from faux leather with embossed detailing. Suffice to say, no animals were harmed while producing these cases. The strap is detachable so you can carry it around with or without it.

The cases come in four designs —

• Black Faux Crocodile
• Green Faux Pebbled Snake
• Turquoise Faux Crocodile
• Pink Faux Pebbled

Size:  4.5 x 2 x 5.5″ h.

Via Pottery Barn 

What is there to love about these new DSLR’s from Panasonic aside from the cool colors (it comes in Red and Blue, how cute is that?!)

These babies are now dubbed as the world’s smallest DSLR cameras.

It has the same compactness as a point and shoot camera, which most everybody owns these days. But it now has the capability to have interchangeable lenses, something only akin to professional looking DSLRs.

With its Micro Four Thirds system, the Lumix DMC G1 can operate in live view mode using the LCD viewfinder. It’s similar to an advanced version of the point and shoot. But this DSLR boasts of 12.1 megapixel imaging capacity, thus photos appear more lifelike, sharper and definitely smoother.

Look for this gear in the market come November. Suggested retail price is around $800.00

For more of its product specifications, you can read through the review on this site.

With Christmas fast approaching, we’re thinking of the best gift to give our growing tweener who has been displaying a keen interest in the arts. I’m sensing he’d be inclined to try out photography and will probably enjoy his very own digital camera. Only there are a lot to choose from and I don’t know which one to get!

Canon has recently launched a camera specifically targeting the teen (and tween) market, making our choices so much easier.

The PowerShot E1 camera for kids has the following features:

• New series with pastel colored cameras that are packed with a 10.0 Megapixel resolution, powerful 4x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer to reduce blurry images caused by camera shake.
• Stand out from the crowd with this hip new design with customized menu color, shutter sounds and welcome screen.
• DIGIC III Image Processor with Genuine Canon Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB sets the focus, exposure, flash and white balance automatically so you always capture the perfect face.
• Easy Mode and Easy Playback mode for peace of mind shooting and simplified operation.

With a suggested retail price of $199.99, look for it in gadget stores this September.

Via Cnet

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 Camcorder features stunning digital captures and allows for shooting of both still and moving images (so, yes it is a camcorder and a digital camera in one!).

And whether you’re out on a barbeque birthday party or snorkeling underwater, you can shoot at anyone, at anytime and at anywhere.

Capture and document summer good times, even when in the water with this summer must have.

The camcorder features the following:

• Waterproof digital camcorder
• 6 Megapixel still photos
• 5x Optical zoom
• 2.5-Inch LCD display
• Up to 1hr. 20min. digital video per 1GB memory card

It is also lightweight and easy to use, hence perfect as a gift or an accessory for active teens.

Price range fall around $339.95 - $562.99 and it is available at any gadget store like Best Buys, Amazon, Computer World or Circuit City.

Start them young and start them early! Even if these are just play things for your budding Gadget Chic, some of these toys actually have some working mechanisms.

This playset includes:

• # Digital camcorder - can store up to 70 photos and is also a webcam
• # Recording studio - have your little girl record and playback her own music, her own voice!
• Remote control car - it’s pink and it’s flashy!
• # Barbie Tote ‘N’ Teach - stores up to 20 activities your baby girl will enjoy
• Bracelets - what girl doesn’t love this? And it’s multi-colored with LED lights
• MP3 player - have her listen to her favorite music or store her favorite songs
• # Keyboard and Mouse - it’s durable and dust and water resistant

And for $64.50 with a one year warranty for the whole package? This is a steal!

Via Girls Just Want To Have Fun