Panasonic GF1

Announced in September 2009, Panasonic’s new Lumix DMC-GF1 is a small compact camera that features a DSLR-sized sensor and removeable Micro Four Thirds lenses. It has its similarities with the Olympus E-P1, it’s main rival, we’ll discuss the several main differences below.

To go over the specs in brief, the GF1 comes with a 12 megapixel sensor and a 3in screen. It is a capable camera, featuring 3fps continuous shooting, 720p HD video and full manual modes. The body is quite light and compact (119×71x36mm.) In fact, it’s the design where the Panasonic GF1 shines - it is a simple compact retro-styled body housing high quality electronics. It is not cheap - at over £500 - but it makes a perfect second camera for professionals or the one to slip into your pocket when on holiday.

Comparing the Panasonic GF1 to main rival Olympus E-P1 can seem like a hard task initially as they look quite similar and are of about the same size and weight. The main differences between the GF1 and E-P1 are mainly the higher screen resolution on the Panasonic, together with it’s faster autofocusing, and a built-in flash which the Olympus lacks. The main strength of the E-P1 is the built-in image stabilisation which means that any lens that you put on it will be stabilised, while you need to buy special lenses for the Panasonic if you’re after anti-shake. Overall, the ch oice between the GF1 and the E-1P is really down to styling and which one appeals more to you.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is available from Warehouse Express.

Twiggy: A Life in Photographs

Twiggy’s 60th birthday is celebrated by the National Portrait Gallery with the launch of a new exhibition and the publication of a photographic biography of her life. One of the best-known models of all time and arguably the first supermodel, Twiggy has worked with the world’s leading photographers and a some of the most iconic images will be on show at the Gallery.

Twiggy says, ‘Over my career I’ve had the privilege of working with many great photographers. I’m very excited to see so many of these portraits coming together at the National Portrait Gallery and in my new book. It’s really interesting to see how fashion photography and portraiture have evolved throughout my career. I hope that this display and book will give people the opportunity to see these pictures that have captured definitive moments in my career. ‘

Twiggy: A Life in Photographs is now on at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Olympus Pen

The famous Olympus Pen trade name is brought back to life with this smart-looking camera that combines the ease of use and portability of a digital compact with the interchangeable lens facility found on a digital SLR. Olympus seem to have cracked it - it’s a camera we’d all want in our shirt pockets. It has formidable resolution, good ISO performance and tons of controls, all housed in a high-quality retro camera body. Add to that a range of superb Olympus Micro Four Thirds lenses and you have a winner.

The downside? Well, the Olympus Pen is not cheap, although we all know that in the world of photography quality always comes at a price. So no surprises there. Apart from that, the camera strikes me as a little slow compared to the ultra-responsive kit you can buy for the money, and this makes for a different, slower kind of shooting experience. The screen is also not very high resolution, so you’re best browsing through the photos on your computer. Lastly, and I am really nit picking here, sometimes you do get highlight clipping when shooting in high contrast conditions with the sun in the frame.

All in all, however, the Olympus Pen is a real gem, as are the new lenses. It makes for a great shooting experience that those who can afford it won’t regret. I wouldn’t sell my DSLR kit for it, but the Pen is definitely on my “when I find some spare cash” list. Available to buy at Warehouse Express.

The Gorilla Pod

The Gorilla Pod is the ultimate easy-to-carry travel tripod complete with super flexible legs that will clamp it securely to almost any surface. Yes, we know it won’t replace your sturdy “proper” tripod, but then this one stands a better chance of actually making it out of the car boot. As far as compact tripods go then, this one is the one to have.

It’s so good, we were even generous enough to give one Gorilla Pod away to a lucky reader. The competition is now closed, but don’t dispair, you can easily buy yourself one online.

Samsung ST550 Puts A Smile On Your Face

Samsung’s latest compact camera is more gimmicky than ever making it very fun to use. And it may just improve your photography too.

The most obvious feature of the ST550 digital compact is the dual LCD system - one on the back as usual and one on the front near the lens. The frontal LCD display can do a lot of nifty tasks. If you’re shooting a portrait, for example, it can do a countdown to let your subject prepare for the photo. It also displays a smiley face to save you shouting ‘cheese’ all the time. Or, if you’re shooting a self portrait, the frontal LCD can help you compose yourself perfectly in front of the lens.

But this is not all. There are no buttons on the Samsung ST550’s back at all as the large LCD display there is actually a touch screen. You can navigate through all settings using the interactive display menus. The camera also has an Acceleration Sensor that lets you playback your shots without even touching the screen - a tilt or twist of the camera body is enough to go through your pictures.

Beneath it all, the Samsung ST550 is a tiny 12MP compact camera with a generous 27-124mm (equiv) Schneider lens, ISO sensitivity of up to 3200 and HD movie capability. Samsung is releasing two versions of this camera with the main difference between the Samsung ST550 and ST500 is that the latter employs a smaller LCD display and is slightly lighter.

Both cameras are available to buy at Warehouse Express.

Nikon Unveils Projector Camera Coolpix S1000pj

The rumours turned out to be true as Nikon have just announced the Coolpix S1000pj - the first ever compact digital camera with a built-in projector. Brilliant! Now you can share your photos easily with friends by projecting 40 inch wide images on the wall in just a click. The camera is also not bad either, featuring a 12MP sensor, 5x zoom lens with VR and ISO range of 80-6400.

The camera costs just under £350 and is available to buy from Warehouse Express.

Ricoh GR Digital 3

Ricoh unveils the GR Digital III

Having been in love with Ricoh’s GR-range since the Film Age, I was excited to hear the company announcing its latest premium compact additiion to the range. The GR III’s top feature is its super fast f1.9 28mm equivalent prime lens. Successor to the GR Digital II, it uses a new 10MP sensor with larger pixel pitch. Sensitivity, speed and continuous shoting are also improved. The GR III continues the Ricoh tradition of high resolution screens, becoming one of the first compact to offer a 920,000 dots VGA panel. All in all, this should be one great little camera to keep in your pocket.

André Kertész On Reading

André Kertész is known for his groundbreaking contributions to photographic composition and by his efforts in establishing and developing the photo essay. In the early years of his lengthy career, his then-unorthodox camera angles, and his unwillingness to compromise his personal photographic style, prevented his work from gaining wider recognition. He is recognized today as one of the seminal figures of photojournalism.

Over the course of his career, Kertész captured readers of all ages in various locations – on rooftops and balconies, in parks, on crowded streets, at train stations, in libraries – creating a poetic study of the act of reading. The photographs range from abstract formal compositions to playful, often humorous observations, a signature style of Kertész’s work.

On Reading remained a constant fascination. At this moment when digital technologies might render the printed page obsolete, On Reading is a timely, humorous and nostalgic reminder of the importance of the book and the culture of reading.

Exhibition At London’s Photographers Gallery

Canon PowerShot D10

Canon PowerShot D10 - Durable & Rugged

Waterproof and shockproof, this cute 12-megapixel Canon PowerShot will take a lot more punishment than your ordinary digital camera. It will also withstand temperatures down to -10C and quite a bit of dust and dirt thrown at it. Inside its rugged protective shell, the PowerShot D10 features clever technology that will help you get a better shot - including image stabilisation, and motion, scene and face detection. The Canon’s built-in lens offers 3x Zoom which is adequate, although main rival Pentax Optio W80 has the edge when it comes to optics with its 4x zoom, allowing for both wider landscapes and close-up action shots.

Buy now from Warehouse Express.

Pentax Optio W80

Oh, it’s Shockproof and Dustproof as well! Pentax have announced their latest compact for the more adventurous amongst us, and it looks like a great little camera. A nice clear screen and simple control layout make it an easy camera to use even in challenging conditions. The quality 12mp sensor and generous zoom lens (equivalent to 28-140mm) makes it ideal for landscape and action photography, and everything in between. The camera is built to withstand temperatures down to -10C and is waterproof to 16 feet.