Compact Camera News

Notes On Our Tests
This month-long test was not intended as a scientific experiment for drawing definitive conclusions about all of the technical aspects involved. That would require testing numerous cameras--of all brands--under strictly controlled conditions and using high-tech equipment for image-quality analyses.

Because we were...

Remember when Paul Simon crooned, “Mama, don’t take my Kodachrome away”? That classic film may have given you nice bright colors, but only on sunny days. In its early incarnations, Kodachrome’s film speed—its sensitivity—was 10, or slower than Homer Simpson.

Most photographers think of “golden hour” as prime time for capturing stunning sunrises and sunsets, and know it’s important to get there early to set up their shot. But as you’ll see in the video below, the sweet early morning and late day light also provides a great opportunity for portraits.

Once photographers set up a new camera, they tend to use the same functions over and over again, without investigating other capabilities that can really make a difference. In the quick tutorial below you’ll be encouraged to give an overlooked feature a try, and we’re convinced that better images will be the result.

Instant photography is enjoying a resurgence among both young snapshooters and even some pros, with several makers — from established brands to startups — offering cameras and films to scratch that instant itch. Most photo buffs know the Polaroid story; how the company went bankrupt and is now operating as essentially a brand licensing company putting the Polaroid name on everything from TVs to Blu-Ray players to tablets to, yes, cameras and film. 

Back in 2005, before Sony launched their Alpha line of interchangeable-lens digital cameras, they introduced the very unusual DSC-R1 “bridge” camera, which offered a highly regarded zoom lens, a wide ISO range of 160-3200, and an APS-C 10.3 MP CMOS sensor. The camera even featured a two-inch swiveling and rotating LCD, which was a pretty big deal in 2005.

Designed to appeal to serious photographers and informal snapshooters alike, the family-friendly Leica C-Lux takes its place in the highly acclaimed Leica lineup.