The Powershot G10 is the latest version of Canon's most capable, serious and expensive compact camera. The G10 has a wealth of features that will appeal to the DSLR owner looking for a backup compact, or the enthusiast who wants DSLR functionality without the added bulk. At first glance the Canon G10 looks very similar to its popular predecessor, the G9, but as with that model, there are a number of key external and internal changes underneath the serious matt black exterior. The seemingly endless megapixel race continues, with the G10 now offering a 14.7 megapixel sensor - up from the G9's 12.1 megapixels - which is coupled with Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor, promising faster operation and improved image quality. The LCD screen remains 3 inches in size, but the resolution has been doubled to 461k dots, and there's a new dedicated Exposure Compensation dial and dual ISO/shooting mode dial on top of the camera. Perhaps the most significant change is the new 5x, 28-140mm zoom lens, which provides less range and reach than the G9's 6x lens with its telephoto setting of 210mm, but offers a wider-angle of view (28mm versus 35mm on the G9). The new canon powershot g10 battery retains the same RAW shooting mode, optical image stabilizer to help combat camera-shake, optical viewfinder, flash hotshoe, ISO range of 80-3200, and 26 different shooting modes including Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority and Manual shooting modes for those who desire greater control. 640x480 pixel movies at 30fps, a new i-Contrast system which increases the dynamic range, Servo AF mode to continually adjust focus on a moving subject, a My Colors mode that allows special in-camera colour effects, 1cm macro mode, and improved Face Detection system complete the headline specification.

Ease of Use

Canon's G-series range of compact cameras have long been the preserve of the dedicated enthusiast photographer, stuffed so full of features that they're worthy of being described as a bridge camera, and just one step down from a fully fledged DSLR. The question is, why opt for the Canon Powershot G10, when for nearly the same price you could be the proud owner of an interchangeable lens EOS 1000D / Digital Rebel Xs DSLR? For starters, the G10, despite its rather boxy dimensions, slots handily into a coat pocket, therefore suggesting itself as possibly the most over-qualified spur-of-the-moment snapshot camera out there. Although there are add-on tele and wide conversion lenses available, the advantage that the G10 has over similar bridge cameras, super zooms and ultimately DSLRs is that its admittedly modest yet thankfully image stabilized 5x zoom (a still respectable 28-140mm range in 35mm terms) is stored flush to the body when not in use.

Starting at full auto setting, and moving clockwise around the dial are shooting options including pre-optimised scene modes (that feature a high speed ISO 3200-equivalent option), stitch assist for framing panoramic images, movie clip mode (an advantage over a DSLR for some users), and full Auto, followed by six 'creative zone' modes. These are the regulars of program, shutter speed priority (Tv), aperture priority (Av), manual, plus a choice of two readily accessible custom settings. The combination of exposure compensation, ISO and shooting mode dials is a winning one, providing quick access to the camera's principal controls. Located to the right of the ISO/shooting mode dials are a forward-situated zoom lever encircling a raised and very springy feeling shutter button, behind which sits a slightly recessed rectangular on/off button. It's to Canon's credit that despite all of these controls falling immediately at your fingertips, nothing feels cramped, compromised or unnecessarily miniaturized for the sake of 'fashion', which, to be frank, is a breath of fresh air for any compact camera user.

The rear of the canon nb-7l battery is dominated by a large fixed 3-inch LCD screen, the same size as the screen on the older G8, but importantly doubling the resolution from 230k to 460k dots. There's a rounded window for the slightly bigger optical viewfinder ranged immediately above the LCD screen, but to be honest, I found myself using the G10's screen for shot composition in the main. This has a couple of advantages: firstly, you can see the live on-screen histogram to check exposure as you go, and secondly, a compositional nine-area grid provides added assistance when framing landscapes and attempting to get your horizon level. Screen visibility is also universally good, in contrast to the optical viewfinder which appeared murky when used indoors under artificial light. The 3 inch LCD screen has conversely resulted in a decrease in the size of the optical viewfinder, making it more difficult to use than on the older G7 model. Also off-putting is the fact that you can see the lens in the bottom-left of the viewfinder when it's set to a wide-angle focal length, and you can only see around 80% of the scene anyway.

 

These buttons include one for deleting images that doubles up as a means of switching between AF options (face detection, AiAF – standard auto – plus FlexiZone AF), a second for adjusting the metering mode (evaluative, centre weighted and spot), a third for switching the display on or off (including the aforementioned nine-zone grid and histogram), while the fourth is a singular menu button for calling up just that on-screen. Finally for the camera back, top right of this is a button for adding voice annotations to images in playback that doubles up as an AE and FE (Flash Exposure) lock button. On the right flank of the camera – again if viewed from the back – is a sturdy pull-out flap protecting USB, remote cable and AV out ports, above which is a handy mount for a neck or wrist strap. On the left hand side is another strap mount, below which is a speaker.

These myriad options remain for the other main shooting modes, with various features obviously subtracted when shooting video clips – although you still get white balance, My Colors, and use of the ND filter if required – which adds the options of being able to shoot at 320x240 pixels or 640x480 at 30fps or 15fps depending on end usage. Turning the mode dial again to access the scene modes, you're presented with a range of icon-illustrated options via a virtual mode dial onscreen. Among the usual suspects, these include pre-optimised settings for snow, fireworks, aquariums and underwater, plus the aforementioned ISO 3200 mode, the results from which invariably resemble more a Pointillist painting rather than a realistic photo.

Press the menu button on the G10's back and you get a choice of four familiar Canon folders. The first, illustrated with a camera icon, allows users to turn on or off the digital zoom, and additional flash settings such as flash synch, slow synchro and red eye reduction not otherwise available by pressing the dedicated flash button (why anti red-eye isn't automatically included on the latter I don't know). You can also adjust the AF mode from single to continuous (the latter being the one which hunts), and disable the bright green AF assist beam if wanted. The new i-Contrast option automatically boosts brightness and retains detail in dark areas of the image, working well if you shoot JPEGs (it's not available for RAW images).

Face Detection is a feature that's still rather buried away. You have to press the dedicated Menu button and then choose Face Detect from the AF Frame options. Rival compact cameras have a dedicated button for this feature, so it's a curious decision by Canon to bury it away within the menu system. The new face detection feature won't make a great deal of difference for the more experienced photographer, as there's the tendency for the user to pre-focus on the subject before fully pressing the shutter button. It will prove more useful for the novice point and shoot user though. I didn't notice any notable difference between the AiAF and Face Detect settings in terms of speed, so I just set the camera to the latter.

The second folder, illustrated by the familiar spanner and mallet, is the Setup menu, where operational sounds can be handily muted, LCD brightness tweaked, clock set, memory formatted, and all settings returned to default if someone else has been playing with the camera. The third folder allows you to change start up sounds and images, a feature included on all Canons but largely unnecessary I find. The fourth and final folder provides access to the My Menu, which essentially allows you to create a customised menu of your favourite settings.

The Canon Powershot G10 battery has an anti-shake system, dubbed IS Mode. Turn image stabilization on and the G10 automatically compensates for camera shake, which is a slight blurring of the image that typically occurs at slow shutter speeds. There are three different modes. Continuous is on all the time including image composition, Shooting is only on when you press the shutter button, and Panning as the name suggests is best when using the camera to track a moving subject. In practice I found that it does make a noticeable difference, as shown in the examples on the Image Quality page. You don't notice that the camera is actually doing anything different when anti-shake is turned on, just that you can use slower shutter speeds than normal and still take sharp photos. Leaving the anti-shake system on all the time didn't seem to adversely affect the battery-life, with the camera managing just over 350 shots before the Lithium-ion battery ran out of power.

Turning our attention to performance, the G10 powers up in about 1.5 seconds, the LCD bursting into life and the lens barrel simultaneously and quickly extending to maximum wide angle. A half press of the shutter button and, if AF is set to continuous mode, you immediately notice the sound of the lens hunting for critical focus. In truth it's reasonably quiet and nowhere near as distracting as the 'insect buzz' of the Nikon Coolpix range. That shutter button however is so springy that you have to be reasonably gentle with your half press, but personally I liked its more tactile nature, which, as with the camera's other features, allows the user – and not just the camera itself – to feel more in control.

Going on to take a shot, there's no discernable shutter delay, while, as long as you're not taking more than three single shots in quick succession, there's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it wait of around a second before you can take the next image – and at maximum resolution, superfine JPEG image quality setting too. The RAW mode is equally as snappy in single-shot mode, but also equally as ponderous in continuous shooting mode - just 1.3 fps with the LCD monitor turned off, and 0.7fps with it on (slightly slower than the G9). The canon nb-7l battery isn't a camera for the action shooter who wants to blast off lots of frames as quickly as possible. On the plus side, you can hold the shutter down and the camera will continue to take pictures until the memory card is full, just not very quickly. Via the LCD, the user can display the aforementioned nine zone compositional grid, shots remaining, selected shooting mode, flash setting, plus metering mode. To this is usefully added the histogram display if you move out of point-and-shoot auto mode and opt instead for program, shutter speed priority, aperture priority or manual shooting mode.

Hit the menu button in playback and you're offered a choice of four folders – two for variously tweaking set up and camera sounds and images as before, plus an initial review folder containing options for slideshows, erasing or protecting images or adding sound, plus a second folder of print settings, particularly useful if you're hooking the camera up to one of Canon's PictBridge-enabled standalone printer ranges. Despite the chunky range of options that matches its equally chunky yet still compact frame, everything here seems logically placed, with controls falling easily under the finger or thumb, and the menus being bright, clear, thoughtfully laid out and easy to navigate once you get used to the scroll wheel.

Over the past number of years, digital cameras have gained a lot of fans in the market. Most people are choosing the filmless, lightweight, small-size, slick-looking digital cameras over the old school, bulky optical counterparts. Realizing this trend, manufacturers, like Fujifilm, have spent more money and resources on the research and development of the digital imaging technology. And recently Fujifilm has released a new product, and we are lucky to get a unit for testing.

FinePix 6900 Zoom is Fujifilm’s newest digital camera production. While sharing the same stylish look and control layout with its predecessor (the FinePix 4900 Zoom), the 6900 Zoom has improved on some critical features and specifications. Let’s take a look at its impressive specs:

Features

• Stylish metallic body with shutter trigger on hand grip
• 6.0 Million Pixel File (2832 x 2128) using Fujifilm 3.3 Million Octagonal Sensor Super CCD System
• New Super CCD Technology with Fujifilm High Definition Color Technology
• Newly designed 6X Aspherical Zoom Captures Images with Astonishing Clarity, f/2.8-f/11; 13 steps. (35 — 210mm, 35mm camera equivalent zoom).
• Additional 3.7 X Digital Zoom in VGA mode (22.5X Total).
• Manual Focus Control Ring on Lens
• 5 Frame Burst Mode at 2832*2128 Resolution
• Built-in Miniature LCD Through-the- Lens Viewfinder and 2" Color LCD Playback Monitor.
• Full Exposure override, Shutter and Aperture Priority with Manual Focus Control & Hot shoe mount.
• Optional Lens Mounting Ring for use with 55mm Filters, 1.5x Telephoto lens or 0.79x wide angle lens.
• AVI Video Capture Mode; Record and Playback.
• Convenient USB port for Fast Computer File Transfers
  

The FinePix 6900's photos look good both printed and onscreen, with true, vivid colors and sharp detail. Only the colors in our flash-disabled shot looked a little oversaturated. The fujifilm finepix 6900 zoom battery offers complete control over exposure and comes packed with extras. It has a 3.3-megapixel charge-coupled device, but you can take interpolated 6-megapixel pictures at the highest-resolution setting of 2832 by 2128 pixels. You can zoom in on your subject up to 6 times optically and another 4.4 times digitally. The camera has numerous dedicated shortcut buttons for accessing functions quickly, including one that locks exposure separately from focus and another that magnifies the center of the picture to help you determine whether the shot is focused. Other buttons activate the camera's manual focusing ring or put it in continuous shooting mode, so you can take up to five pictures in one second.

A simple control dial sets the camera to aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, a preset scene (such as action or landscape), or movie mode. With the standard 16MB SmartMedia card, you can shoot silent movies of about 90 seconds each. If you upgrade to a 32MB card, you can extend your digital movies up to about 160 seconds. It's easy to flip through precise settings for each mode by using a wheel stacked beneath the mode dial.

Thoroughly versatile thanks to full manual control. Top-notch image quality ensures the 6900 Zoom wins the main award.

Based on the same chassis design as last year's 4900 Zoom, the FinePix 6900 Zoom battery sports a black finish and a 3.3 megapixel CCD. Because of the SuperCCD's honeycomb layout - the same design as the 4800 Zoom - a six-megapixel image is produced. Although this involves interpolation, the quality loss is negligible, as proved by the high overall score awarded by our judges.

Our outdoor shots displayed excellent focus together with superb detail capture, colour balance and exposure. Skin tones were spot on, and the 6900 Zoom excelled in the indoor test shots as well. Although a touch underexposed, noise was kept to a minimum and the auto white balance worked a treat. Macro ability was commendable, with focus being achieved at slightly less than the stated 10cm. Again, the auto white balance worked well, and the manual setting allows you to store two of your own presets.

Full manual control is available from the main dial, as are program auto, auto, shutter and aperture priority modes, while a manual focus ring offers true unstepped focus control. Continuous shooting allows you to take up to six frames - at 5fps - even at full resolution. The 2in LCD has 130,000 pixels for a sharp image, and there's an electronic viewfinder that uses a tiny 14mm, 110,000-pixel LCD to replicate what's seen on the main LCD. It only has around 90 per cent coverage, though, which should be remembered when framing shots.

One of this camera's main benefits is its Super-EBC Fujinon 6x optical zoom lens. Not only does this enable you to get close to your subject, but it also plays a crucial part in delivering excellent image quality. With the supplied 16Mb SmartMedia card, it's possible to take six images at the highest quality, and over 160 at the lowest setting.

Build quality is superior to the 4800 Zoom; once you start using the Fujifilm FinePix 6900 Zoom battery you'll appreciate the finer details such as the rubberised hand grip and the spring-loaded door of the SmartMedia compartment.

Ultimately, it was a photo finish for the Labs Winner this month. Nikon's 995 is packed with features, offers better image quality, but costs almost £200 more. At a shade over £500, the FinePix 6900 Zoom pushes ahead of the Nikon and Sony DSC-S85.

Stylishly finished in silver and black, with apparently good build quality, the XPS M1210 looks unlike any other Dell laptop currently available, certainly not as brash as its big brother, the XPS M1730. In keeping with the XPS range, you just have to have some funky lights; in this case the media buttons along the front of the chassis are back-lit blue, as is the power button.

Dell inspiron 6400 e1505 Replacement Battery Pack is a 9-cell, rechargeable, removable Lithium Ion battery pack designed to work with Dell Inspiron 6400 E1505 computers. If you are on the road or in meetings frequently and require non-interrupted computing time, keep an extra dell inspiron 6400 battery pack handy and enjoy the true portability of your PC.

The 9-Cell Smart Lithium-Ion Primary Battery for Dell is the same on the original Dell battery as it was also rechargeable and removable battery works with your Dell computers. This brand new Inspiron 6400 battery will provide mobility and peace of mind with the high capacity of 7200mah. It was tested and validated product that will give non-interrupted computing time even you’re in the frequent meeting, vacations or business trip. Keep an extra Easy-To-Carry handy battery and enjoy the true portability of your laptop computers

Product Specifications:

• Voltage: 11.1V
• Capacity: 7200mAh
• Dimension: 205*72*22.7mm
• Color: Black
• Technology: Lithium-Ion
• Net Weight: 542g
• Condition: Brand New, Highest quality Japan battery cell

Compatible Notebook Models:
DELL Inspiron 6400 E1505

Dell Part Numbers:
DELL D6400 , DELL GD761 , DELL KD476

• 6.3 million pixel 5th Generation Super CCD HR sensor
• 3x optical zoom lens (36-108mm equiv)
• Compact and stylish metal alloy body
• Movie Mode; 640x480 30fps w/sound AVI format
• Program AE and 5 Scene modes: Sports, Night, Portrait, Landscape, Natural Light
• Large 2.5" LCD color monitor with Gain-up
• Real Photo Technology for low noise at ISOs as high as 1600; fast shutter speeds prevent blur in low or natural light scenes
• 1.3-second boot-up time; shutter lag down to 1/100th second after AE/AF locked
• High-Speed Shooting mode provides quicker auto exposure and focus lock for even faster operation
• Uses removable xD-Picture cards (16MB included)
• Powered by rechargeable Li-ion battery
• USB 2.0 connectivity and PictBridge direct-prin
  
  
  Fujifilm FinePix F10 - NP-120 Lithium-Ion battery
  
  The Lithium-Ion Fujifilm NP-120 battery is standard delivered with the camera. Fujifilm has developed a new adaptor that connects three different connections: power supply, USB and video. Connecting the adapter to the camera, the cable for the power supply onto the adapter and inserting the battery in the battery compartment, the battery will be charged. The Fujifilm NP-120 features 1950mAh of power. If you prefer to charge the battery externally you can purchase the optional Fujifilm BC-65 charger. It takes approximately 225 minutes to charge a completely empty battery through the external battery charger. And approximately 4 hours to charge an empty battery via the camera. The Real Photo Technology applied to the Fujifilm F10 is really showing to full advantage here. The amount of pictures that can be made with a fully charged battery reaches the astonishing number of approximately 500 images, extremely remarkable!