Benq 8MP / 3x optical zoom digital camera £140+postage

[dbilsborough]

Benq camera (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump.php?url=http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click^QS^p=18461^QA^a=60823^QA^g=447862^QA^url=http%3A//www.misco.co.uk/productinformation/~105692~WW~/index.htm)

More details here, looks like a very decent little camera :thumbs:

http://www.benq.co.uk/products/digicam/index.cfm?product=598

8 Megapixels CCD
Make spectacular pictures with this new 8 megapixel digital camera, which gives amazing performance while keeping the same dimensions as the average 4 megapixel camera.

Large 2.4” TFT LCD

The large 2.4" LCD screen is equipped with a user-friendly and intuitive interface for easy operation and a superb resolution of 112k pixels for a clearer view.

You will be able to preview all pictures you've taken on quality, and show them to your friends without the need of a computer, in full-color and with razorsharp quality.

Other features
MPEG4 for Movie Recording 640 x 480 @ 30 fps in MPEG4 (AVI format)
Printer Mode: Provide an easy way for users to directly print photos out via the compatible printer without connecting to the computer first.
Burst Mode: 4 shots per snap
32MB Built-in Memory
Dictphone
Macro Mode: 4cm Users can take pictures for static flowers and pets ect. within close distance.
Built-in microphone and speaker
AA battery

[ethanol]

How does this compare to the Casio one at eBuyer (http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=91983)

I realise its 6MP vs 8MP, but I guess the difference generated by these cameras is not hugely noticeable.

Image Sensor Type CCD
Resolution 6.37 Megapixel
Optical Zoom 3x
Camera Type Standard Point and Shoot
Interchangeable Lens Without Interchangeable Lens
Optical Zoom 3x
35mm Zoom Lens 39 - 117 mm
Digital Zoom 4x
Focus Type Autofocus & Manual Focus
Focus Range 23.62 in. to Infinity (w)
Macro Focus Range 3.94 - 27.56 in. (w)
Focal Length 8 - 24 mm
Video Speed 15 fps
Max Movie Length Without Limit (Depends on the camera free memory size)
Aperture Range f4.8/f8.4 (w/t) - f2.8/f4.9 (w/t)
Shutter Speed 4 - 1/2000 sec
Memory Type Built-in, MMC Card, SD Card
Built-in Memory Size 9.7 MB
File Size for Highest Re... 2.9 MB (44 images on 128MB card)
File Size for Lowest Res... .09 MB (about 1,422 images on 128MB card)
Flash Type Built-In
Viewfinder Optical
LCD Panel With LCD Panel
LCD Panel Size 2 in.
LCD Screen Resolution 84,960 pixels
LCD Protected Position Without LCD Protected Position
Interface USB
Battery Life 280 Images
Mp3 Built In Without MP3
Width 3.48 in.
Depth 1.31 in.
Height 2.38 in.
Weight 0.37 lb.

Anyone had BenQ cameras before? Whats the build / image quality like? It does sound like good Spec (MPEG 4 movies, 2.4" screen, 8MP...)

[mnementh]

The BenQ one sounds good but is only 8MP effective - doesn't this mean its only 4MP and then interprets up ??

[KiNG]

no it is 8mp

[mnementh]

On the specs page (http://www.benq.co.uk/products/digicam/index.cfm?product=598&page=specifications) it definately says 8MP effective.

Am I mistaken as to what effective means, as I always thought it meant that the camera adjusts the image up to the effective limit ?

Edit : Ignore me - I'm wrong - http://photonotes.org/cgi-bin/entry.pl?id=Effectivemegapixels.

Apologies

[wozwebs]

Quite like the look of both these, any good reviews about for either including sample photos?

EDIT: Found one for the Casio Steves Digicams review (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/qvr62.html)

[deanos]

That Casio one isnt very good, no audio on the video and takes an age to charge up the flash between shots

[HullJim]

Tempted by the Casio for "wor lass" for Xmas....

Deanos: Is that opinion from using it? Or reading it somewhere?

EDIT: The more I read, the more I like the BENQ.

Decisions, decisions.

[deanos]

My friends got the 4mp version , yes pictures are good but charge times take forever.

The casio Z10 is good its £129 at Jessops.com (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump.php?url=http://tracker.tradedoubler.com/click^QS^p=17211^QA^a=60823^QA^g=106115) its 5mp but stacked with features, its sorta based on the QV range but has the latest chip and is 20x better than the QV, i know as i did have one recently :)

Please affiliate those links.

[wozwebs]

deanos, got any sample pics you could upload that were taken with the Casio Z10. Like the look of it

[deanos]

deanos, got any sample pics you could upload that were taken with the Casio Z10. Like the look of it

Yeah can upload some later

[HullJim]

I'd be interested too - ta!

[Psycho]

I'm interested in these cameras as well, so would like to see some images from the Casio EX-Z10

Cheers,

Psycho :nuts:

[wozwebs]

Anyone gone for the Benq? 8mp for that price seems great but lack of reviews is putting me off. Like the look and sound of the Casio EX-Z10 though

[psychy]

BenQ are a subsidary of Samsung are they not? Therefore, they'd be better than some Ventura rubbish, no?

The BenQ looks nice....like an Exilim. But i think it's gonna be very plasticy. :shrug:

[deanos]

Just a couple of pics on the Z10, if you turn up the contrast a notch or 2 the colour gets alot better IMO, the Z10 is in a metal casing not plastic if that worries you.

http://img408.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cimg02871we.jpg
http://img408.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cimg02883vf.jpg

Isnt the Benq just a rebadged camera, same as the Toshiba, Vivitar or the Traveller ones Lidl sell ?

[HullJim]

Might wade in and get one(Z10) me thinks.

[dbilsborough]

BenQ are a subsidary of Samsung are they not? Therefore, they'd be better than some Ventura rubbish, no?

The BenQ looks nice....like an Exilim. But i think it's gonna be very plasticy. :shrug:


maybe, but if it was exactly the same camera in every way but had a Canon or Nikon sticker on it people would dive in :lol:

[psychy]

maybe, but if it was exactly the same camera in every way but had a Canon or Nikon sticker on it people would dive in :lol:

Mate, if it was, i'd have dived in, head first....with no care for health or limb(s).

[deanos]

Im no expert but dosent craming more pixels on small sensors make picture quality worse?

[lewie]

Both 'look' pretty simular to the F455 i just purchased.

[HullJim]

Balls, now I'm confused!

This is a stocking filler for the missus - someone just tell me which one to buy!!

[mnementh]

I'm tempted by the BenQ just as a point and click to carry around with me. Handy thing with it is it just takes 2 AA batteries rather than having a rechargable battery.

[deanos]

Just to confuse you folks further the Z10 takes AA batteries :nuts:

[HullJim]

Double balls!!

[stormywhether]

That Benq camera looks superb - fully manual if required, and at 8Mp, great for printing HUGE pics if required.

Top spot op!

[ethanol]

am very tempted by the BenQ for my sis for chrimbo. Just would like to see a review / hear from someone who has tried it.

[mnementh]

oops - just ordered the BenQ one. £145.87 inc p&p (3 day delivery option)

[HullJim]

/ awaits review next week /

[stormywhether]

Four things are swaying me towards the Casio:

1. It has image stabilisation
2. I think on a sensor this size 8 Mp would give you more aggro than it's worth. It's like squeezing an elephant into a ciggie packet.
3. It's nearly 20 quid cheaper
4. It's for the folks, so 1 and 3 are invaluable!

[HullJim]

I feel your pain Stormy - I'm falling towards the Casio too.

[mnementh]

Will let you know whats like when I get it.

Wasn't to bothered about IS as this is going to be a secondary camera to my fz-20. Just something to keep in my jacket pocket to try and stop those 'why haven't I got a camera with me ?" moments :)

EDIT: Damn, that was quick - despatched in just under an hour

[S1515]

My missus is getting me one (Benq) for Xmas so hopefully it dont suck!!

[mnementh]

Initial thoughts - nice and tiny, light, bit plasticy but pretty solid. Startup is about 3 secs, focus is pretty fast as is optical zoom - pretty noisy though. Not 'full manual' as can't change shutter speed or apature, but scene settings are easily accessible, as are ISO, WB and exposure.

Shutter lag is noticable, but thats probably because I'm used to my FZ20.

Will try and get some shots at lunchtime and post them up

[wozwebs]

Be great if you can Rob, nice one

[mnementh]

Couple of test shots - resized to 800x600 otherwise straight from camera.

http://www.robgallop.com/test1.jpg
http://www.robgallop.com/test2.jpg
http://www.robgallop.com/test3.jpg

For a sub £150 camera I'm quite impressed. Button positioning is a bit annoying as I keep pressing the play button just as I'm lining up for a shot.

[samani]

How is the camera taking pictures in dull light/night without the flash, can it be set up to avoid blur when hand shakes?

[mnementh]

All of those were without flash - even the macro under flouresent light. Its got a blur detector so just stop breathing when that shows :)

[stormywhether]

fact it doesn't let you change shutter speed/aperture makes the casio a no-brainer for me.

Cheers for posting the pix fella!

[wozwebs]

Yeah, thanks for the pics. The Casio Z10 has vanished from Jessops site now. I am also considering the Panasonic DMC-LZ2BB (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump.php?url=http%3A//www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000A1EI4I/thedvdforums-21) as it has a 6x Optical zoom which many cameras don't have, although I like the sleekness of the Casio. 6x zoom would be great though.

Any opinions on either?

[HullJim]

Anyone find the Casio Z10 online to buy anywhere?!?

[wozwebs]

Cameras 2U - Cameras2U.com (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump.php?url=http://tracker.tradedoubler.com/click^QS^p=20266^QA^a=60823^QA^g=634508^QA^url=http%3A//www.cameras2u.com/products/details.cfm%3FPRODUCT%3DEX-Z10DDA)

Please don't post link that are affiliated to other sites.

[HullJim]

Well, Jessops in Hull have the Z10 in. Have reserved one to go look at.

[RPC2]

I've seen that the Exilim Z110 is available for a similar price, cheaper in some places and has 6mp. Anyone know if it is a higher model than the Z10?

Cheers

[deanos]

Its the same camera apart from the extra pixels

[ethanol]

I've seen that the Exilim Z110 is available for a similar price, cheaper in some places and has 6mp. Anyone know if it is a higher model than the Z10?

Cheers

Can you confirm where is the cheapest place?

[HullJim]

I've seen that the Exilim Z110 is available for a similar price, cheaper in some places and has 6mp. Anyone know if it is a higher model than the Z10?

Cheers

Any chance of a link to where the Z110 is £129?

:)

[RPC2]

Apologies chaps, I was at work when I posted about the price.

This was the site offering it for £119.99

http://www.digitalrev.com/en/product_details.php?rnd=10235&cart=ADD&item_id=891&rp=product_details.php%3Fitem_id%3D891

However, just checked on getting home at it appears to be an overseas company so prices are ex duty etc

[wozwebs]

Apologies for the link I didn't realise it was an affiliate link at all, just trying to do someone a favour :( clicked affiliate to see if the Forums had a link to it and they didn't