The Cyber-shot T900 is a slim 12-megapixel point-and-shoot camera with full touchscreen interface. It’s not really fit for any under-water shooting like the Canon D10 or the Olympus Tough 8000 but take it along with the Marine Pack and you’re all set.

Optical zoom is only 2x but this camera can do video recording at 720p resolution so I took the chance and left my dSLR at home for this one.

The Marine Pack (sold separately) is an enclosure specifically made for the Cybershot DSC T900 series. This water-proof case can do down to a depth of 40 meters or 132 feet.

You can check out the sample photos here and the HD videos here.

Here are the suggested retail price:

Sony Cyber-shot T900 : Php27,999

Marine Pack THH : Php10,999

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The only other point-and-shoot camera I can think of that has almost the same features as the Olympus Tough 8000 is the Canon Powershot D10 we saw back in March.

The Tough 8000 looks practically like your regular PnS camera only that it is housed in a solid stainless steel case all around with additional screws to re-enforce the solid construction. As such, you can sit or step on this camera without worry of breaking it apart (can support 100 kilos of pressure). That, and you can actually drop it over a height of two meters (6.6 feet) and will still work fine.

The battery compartment, card slot and USB ports are sealed tight with a plastic and metal latch coupled with rubber padding to keep water out. That way, you can bring this camera to the beach and take shots underwater up to a depth of 10 meters or 33 feet.

A couple of weeks back, Olympus reps brought us to a Subic Bay trip for a media challenge using the Mju Tough 8000. Using the camera, we shot our trip over at the Tree Top Adventure Park and the Ocean Adventure. Here are some of the sample photos we took during that trip.

The lens has a 3.6x optical zoom, 288mm wide (5.0-18.2mm, f/1:3.5-5.1) and has maximum a 12MP resolution.

The Mju Tough 8000 has a built-in photo-stitching feature that allows you to compose a wide panoramic picture using a series of stitched shots, all done but the camera automatically. Unfortunately, our camera ran out of juice halfway the challenge so we had to borrow units from the other teams to complete the other shots (underwater with the dolphins).

We were able to do some drop test and bathtub test before the event, just to make sure it worked as claimed. Here are some of the short clips I uploaded on YouTube.

Was also able to borrow a review unit later so I did a lengthier underwater video to show the recording quality. This is just a shot from inside our aquarium at home with a yellow lamp for lighting. The video is only VGA resolution at 640×480 pixels but still takes some pretty decent footages.

The camera can also withstand cold temperatures so if you’re shooting in cold or icy weather (down to negative 10), it will still work. The only way we can simulate that is by dunking the camera in a bucket of ice or putting it inside the freezer. Only problem is the fog accumulating outside the lens that blurs all your shots.

The Li-Ion battery is rated at 925mAh and could get easily drained within half a day on heavy use. Storage is via an XD or microSD card (adapter included) that’s also tucked inside the battery compartment.

The Olympus Tough 8000 is not your regular point-and-shoot camera. It’s more like a specialized one for rugged and wet shooting environments — one that you cannot bring your old, trusty PnS. Suggested retail price is around Php25,000 in stores.

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It comes with all the usual bells and whistles with some improved specs.

16.1 MP sensor
45-point autofocus
ISO range: 100 – 12,800
Dual Digic 4 Processors
1080p HD video recording

Estimated price is $4,999 in the US but could swell beyond Php250,000 when it becomes official here in the Philippines. Will update this post once I get official word from Canon Philippines.

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Just like the previous models of the Olymus Mju series, the Touch-8000 is waterproof, shock proof, dust proof and freeze proof.

12.7 Megapixels
ISO 64-1600
1/2000s to 4 secs shutter speed
3.6x optical zoom
F3.5 – F5.1 aperture range

It can also record video with sound at VGA resolution (640×480 pixels).

Olympus also boasts that this model is virtually indestructible:

• Shock-proof up to a height of 6.6 feet.
• Water-proof down to a depth of 33 feet or 10 meters.
• Freeze-proof down to a cold temperature of -10 degrees centigrade or 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Crush-proof of up to 220 lbs or 100 kilos.

So they brought us here at Subic to try the Tough 8000 at Ocean Adventure and Tree Top Adventure Park yesterday for a photo challenge. Full review to follow after we take sample photos and videos.

Suggested retail price according to the distributor (Axis Global) is Php25,000.

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The Samsung IT100 is mostly made up of stainless steel with a metal plating for a solid look that’s both functional yet sturdy. It has a 28mm wide-angle lens and a 5x optical zoom to cover the needed distance when shooting.

The camera has a large 3-inch LCD screen so you can get a better preview of photos and it can also be hooked up to an external display (like an HDTV) via an HDMI port. Despite its compact size, the device is a little heavy due to the stainless steel casing.

Samsung IT100
12.2 megapixel
28mm wide angle
5x Optical Zoom Lens
Dual Image Stabilization (Optical IS + Digital IS)
3″ LCD display
lens: f = 5 ~ 25mm (35mm film equivalent : 18~140 mm)
1/2.33″ (~ 1.09cm) CCD

This camera also features an optical and digital image stabilization so shots are more stable and images are sharper. This functionality reduced blurred images resulting from shaky hands. The use of both the digital and the optical image stabilization will work great under low light conditions if the built-in flash is not used.

(Sample shots: click on thumbnail to see larger version. Photo quality is not very impressive but the HD video is really good.)

The Samsung IT100 comes with an array of automatic controls, including Smart Auto, which assesses environmental conditions and select the most appropriate mode from any one of 11 scene modes of the camera. Samsung include their own proprietary Smart Album program that organizes photos and videos. Other automatic features include Beauty Shot, Face Detection, Blink Detection, and Smile Shot.

On top of still images, the Samsung IT100 can also take high definition videos at a resolution of 720p at 30 frames per second. Storage is available via an SD card (built-in storage is just 70MB).

The 5x optical zoom and 720p high-definition video recording was put to the test this afternoon when I was shooting the flood in my area (the video here was shot in 480p only though but click on the HD control button).

It also has a nice new feature called the Recycle Bin where you can retrieve images or videos that have accidentally been deleted. The camera comes in black, blue, red and silver colors and retails for about Php18,000+ in stores.

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This one’s an Ixus 200 IS, a 12-megapixel camera with partial touch display screen, a 24mm lens, 5x zoom and optical IS. It also records video at 720p resolution. The Ixus 200 IS retails for Php27,950.

The PowerShot SX120 IS is only 10-megapixel and has 10x optical zoom with IS (image stabilizer). The SX120 IS will have a suggested retail price of Php22,950.

The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS is also at 12-megapixel as well as a 20x wide-angle (28mm) zoom lens with IS and records 720p videos. Retail price is Php31,950.

Missing in the picture is the PowerShot G11 (Php33,950), PowerShot S90 (Php31,950), Ixus 120 IS (Php24,950), the 18-megapixel EOS 7D will retail for Php99,950 for the body (Php124,950 with the 18-135mm kit lens and Php144,950 for the 15-85mm kit lens).

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The rumored 7D can shoot still photos up to 8 frames per second and will have an ISO range from 100 to 6400 and a special 12800 ISO mode. It has an 18 megapixel sensor and dual DIGIC 4 processors.

The dSLR comes with a 3-inch LCD display and will have the full 1080p HD recording inherited from the 5D, according to Engadget.

If you’re wondering that a Canon 6D should be out first before the 7D, the number 6 connotes bad luck and even if the Japenese aren’t that superstitious, most Chinese might not buy a camera that has the number 6 labeled in it.

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12.1 megapixel
5x zoom Nikkor lens
2.7 inch high-resolution LCD monitor
36MB internal memory with SD/SDHC card
ISO 80 to 6400

The projector’s brightness goes up to 10 lumens with an optimal projection distance of 2 meters and battery life of 1 hour. A digital camera with project makes sense — that means you can project your images and videos into a screen/wall on-the-go. It will retail for about $430 when it comes out.

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Over the years, I’ve noticed some specks of dust and fiber inside my camera’s sensor. It affected most of my shots as they become apparent in every photo I take but some careful cleaning with an air-blower helped.

The one I got is the SensorKlear Loupe and SensorKlear II Combo by Lenspen. I’ve seen this one used by professionals in the Canon booth during the last PhotoWorld Expo.

I thought I’d give it a try and finally get those nagging dust completely out of the sensor.

Must have spent over two grand for this set but it’s well worth it.

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This 10 megapixel camera takes two images using the two lenses built in to the camera. That way, it is able to perceive and develop a 3D image (much like the human eye). Of course, it will also come with a special 3D printing service from Fujifilm.

This should be out before end of the year for $600 pop.

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How small or light? Just 335 grams for the body and 35mm in thickness — that’s like half the thickness of the Canon 450D and 40% lighter.

Specs of Olympus Pen E-P1
12.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor
3″ display screen
3fps sequential shooting
6400 ISO max
60 – 1/4000 sec. shutter speed
LiveView Autofocus
14-42mm M.Zuiko and 17mm F2.8 pancake (kit lenses)

Olympus uses the micro four-thirds technology with this model. Unlike other dSLR from Canon or Nikon, the Image Stabilizer of the Olympus E-P1 is built in the camera, not the lens. It also does 720p HD video recording (1280×720). One obvious drawback is that this camera does not have a built-in flash and no built-in viewfinder (sold separately).

Suggested price is $800 with the kit lens.

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The camera is a bit thick and bulky and easily lands in the “large compact” category of digital cameras. The body is curved outward a little on the right end and has a small patch of rubber up front so you get a good grip while shooting. The almost all-metal body and black, matte finish gives it a pretty slick look and professional appeal.

The most prominent feature is the extra-large lens barrel that seem to take almost half the size of the entire camera. Despite the 10x optical and 5x digital zoom, the lens barrel doesn’t extend much (about 2x thicker when fully extended). It has a focal length of 4.2-42 mm which translates to a range of 24-240 mm (on an equivalent 35mm focal length). Lens aperture is pegged at F/3.3-5.8 which is not too bad but would have been nice it were as wide as 2.0 like the LX3.

The camera controls are pretty standard and the layout is comfortably positioned at the back  and top for easy access. There’s a lever on the top right corner to provide quick control for exposure compensation. The circular 4-way controller allows access to most common functions like macro, flash, timer and display settings. The LCD display screen is only 2.7″ across and doesn’t maximize the available space at the back. There’s only 30MB internal storage so you’ll need to buy an SD card separately.

Took sample shots above (click on the thumbnail to see full raw 1.6MB file). Photo quality ranges from good to great, depending on lighting conditions although objects are a little smoothed out especially in macro mode. You can switch to manual so you have full control of settings. And though you can crank up ISO from 80 to 1600 (3200 at up to 3MP), the higher you go the more noise is introduced to the photos.

In the 3rd sample shot (cityscape, wide-angle shot), you will already notice some distortion near the edges of the photo. The dual IS (image stabilisation) works really nice on night shots or low light conditions without the aid of a flash. Photos turn out much less blurry although its got that smoothed-out effect. The built-in flash feels inadequate though and doesn’t have enough power to give it some range.

The WB500 can also capture videos at 720p resolution (see sample shot above on YouTube HD). Though not very crisp, the quality is good enough. I’d give the Samsung WB500 an 8.5 out of 10 on still and 8 out of 10 on motion capture. In comparison, I’d give my Canon Ixus 80IS an 8 on photo and 6 on video.

At a suggested retail price of Php24,990 (it’s a bit odd though since in the US, it’s under $250), the Samsung WB500 is reasonably priced for the features it provide. There might be cheaper competing models out there that’s similarly spec’d but I personally prefer the design and construction of this one. The Samsung WB500 gives you a good mix of form and function but on the higher end of the price spectrum (the wider angle and manual mode could have bumped it up).

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The 10.2 megapixel WB500 reminds me of the Lumix LX3 and those big bold lenses you seldom see in compact cameras.

The WB500 can also capture HD movie at 720p resolution at 30fps. It will retail for Php24,990.

This other one is the Samsung ST50, a 12.2MP slim camera (16.6mm) with a large 2.7″ display screen at the back. Suggested retail price is Php15,490.

Will add more details and sample shots in the full review.

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Canon EOS 450D
12.2 megapixel
3″ LCD screen with Live View
3.5fps continuous shooting
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
Kit Price: Php34,000

Olympus e-420
Zuiko 14-42mm ED lens
10 megapixel
2.7″ LCD screen with Live View
3.5fps continuous shooting
Kit Price: Php33,000

Update: the Olympus E520 kit w/ 14-42mm lens is Php 30,800 at jdGoneMad

Canon EOS 1000D
10.1 megapixel
2.5″ LCD
3fps continues shooting
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
Kit Price: Php29,500

Nikon D60
10.2 megapixel
2.5″ LCD screen
3fps continuous shooting
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens
Kit Price: Php26,500

My money goes to Canon 450D.

If you have the time, you can check out Hidalgo in Quiapo in the hopes of getting a bargain (if you’re good at price haggling). Mayer’s and Henry’s store are among the most visited there. If you’re busy and don’t want to be bothered for a trip, you can check out several online stores like Gadget Grocery and Kim’s Store in Multiply.

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Video capture using dSLR seems to be the in thing now — the Canon Rebel T1i features 16:9 720p HD video capture at 30 fps as well as a Full HD 1080p video capture at 20 fps, and a third option to record 4:3 standard TV quality (SD) video capture at 640 x 480 pixels and 30 fps. If you have a full set of lenses in your camera bag, you can do a lot of nice video effects with them.

On top of that, the LCD screen is 3″ with Live View functionalities. Add to that the 15.1MP capacity and you’ve got yourself a deal for under $1,000. The kit will sell for $900 while the body at $800. Expect something in the vicinity of Php45,000 when it reaches the Philippines.

{via PTB}

Update: Canon Philippines reps don’t have final figure on the price but says it will be available locally by May 2009.

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I originally thought it was just a single photo to be printed in a sidebar or a small section so I didn’t expect it will more than half a dozen and used in the centerfold.

Here’s one of the original shot I took at Lago de Oro, Calatagan, Batangas.

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Actually, the Canon Powershot D10 can be considered as a submersible since you can bring it on a diving trip up to a depth of 10 meters (33 ft). =)

This 12.1 megapixel camera is waterproof, freeze-proof and shock-proof. It’s cold-resistant between 14-104°F and can survive a 4 feet drop (not too high but a reasonable height). The lens is re-enforced with a steel/aluminum alloy to protect it from shattering during a fall.

There’s a large high-tension cord that crews into the sides of the camera. Canon also included a number of face-plates you canchoose from.

We challenged the Product Manager to a drop test which he willingly obliged.

They did not give any price for this but it’s already listed in Canon USA for $330.

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Canon will be selling a number of items in their eShop which includes digital cameras and lenses, printers, inks, videocams and scanners.

While there are a lot of stores in Metro Manila that carries their products, Canon promises that the eShop will feature the rare and hard to find items (including the popular EOS Crumpler Strap) you won’t normally find in the stores.

At the moment, there are very few items available on the store and most of the catalog pages are basically empty.

My issue though is that Canon is padding an additional charge on top of the shipping costs. I don’t get what that “Convenience Charge” is all about. For example, if you order the Crumpler Strap which costs Php1,200, you will also be charged Php200 for shipping and Php97 for “convenience”. Now that’s a bummer.

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