Photojournalist Ashley Gilbertson puts the 10 megapixel Leica M8 to test in one of the most demanding of all environments, the Iraq battlefield. “In my opinion, Leica has created a perfect transition digital from its M series film cameras. They’re just as small, almost as durable, and as easy to use as their film predecessors, and they yield an incredible file in both size and sharpness. As someone who has hated the transition from my old Leica kit to digital, the M8 is my ideal camera to marry the elegance and robustness of the M series with cutting edge digital technology.”

Leica M8 Features:

• ISO 2500
• Microprocessor-controlled metal blade slot shutter with vertical action
• Shutter speed 4 to 1/8000
• 2.5 inch TFT LCD
• Continuous (2 frames per second up to 10 frames)

Read Our Leica M8 Review Roundup & View Sample Photos

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DigiCamReview has reviewed the 8.3 megapixel Fujifilm FinePix F40fd and commented that purple fringing was quite high. they continue to write, “I have been recommending the Fujifilm FinePix F series to friends ever since the F10, and they have all been happy with their purchase - If you want a budget digital camera then the FinePix F20 makes an excellent choice, being much more responsive than the majority of other budget cameras - If you want manual controls and a high ISO range then the FinePix F30 or F31fd make an excellent choice, with ISO upto 3200 - and if you want a high resolution point and shoot then the F40fd makes an excellent choice, with the highest resolution of the series. Whichever one you decide upon, they all offer excellent low light, low noise performance, great image quality, and very good responsiveness, especially with the High Speed mode activated.”

Features Include:

• 3.0x optical zoom
• ISO 2000 maximum sensitivity
• Face Detection system
• dual memory card slots (xD and SD)
• VGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with sound

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CNET reviews the 10.2 megapixel Nikon D40x and thought it was occasionally slow to focus. They continue to write, “Nikon’s D40x is a very impressive camera. While not quite as fast as the Canon Rebel XT, it does offer a higher resolution, though the Rebel is less expensive. If you’re considering the D40x with the 18mm-135mm kit lens, and you’ve shot with an SLR before, you’ll probably prefer the control system of the D80, which also includes a coupling pin, so you can use it with older Nikon AF lenses and retain the autofocus capability. If you’re stepping up to your first dSLR and don’t have a stash of old lenses, the D40x is a good choice.”

Nikon D40x Features Include:

• 2.5-inch LCD
• 0.18-sec. power-up
• 3D Colour Matrix Metering II

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TrustedReviews has reviewed the 7.2 megapixel Samsung S730 and they write, “When used in good light and at low ISO settings, the Samsung S730 is a decent snapshot camera with good handling and performance, and a wider range of features than many budget compacts, but its very poor low light focusing means it will be of limited use in many social occasions. Build quality could also be better, but all in all not bad value for money.”

Samsung S730 Features Include:

• 3x optical zoom
• 2.5-inch LCD
• ASR stabilization
• Built-in microphone allows 10-second voice memos to be attached to images

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CNET has reviewed the Olympus E410 and writes, “Olympus’ compact dSLR for newbies, the Evolt E-410, is a decent choice if you’re looking to save space in your bag, but issues with its automatic exposure and white balance make it an unsatisfactory option as a first dSLR.”

Olympus E-410 Features Include:

• 2.5-inch Live View LCD
• TruePic III
• Dust-free technology

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GearDigest has reviewed the 5.0 megapixel HP Photosmart M537 entry level digital camera and they write, “The M427 is targeted at the novice photographer who really only wants a point and shoot camera with virtually no manual controls. It would be a good choice for a kid’s first camera. The Auto mode plus the eight additional shooting modes do an excellent job of producing acceptable results, but if you’re looking to digital photography as a hobby you can grow with, you may quickly outgrow this camera.”

HP Photosmart M437 Features Include:

• 3x zoom
• HP Steady Photo Anti Shake (ISO based)
• 2-inch LCD
• In-camera red-eye removal

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Photoxels reviews the 7.1 megapixel Olympus SP-550 UZ and writes, “My personal take is that the Olympus SP-550 UZ is a well designed and very good ultra zoom digital camera, is enjoyable to use, and the 18x wide-angle optical zoom blows past all its ultra zoom competitors. If you must have that much zoom power (and the wonderful wide-angle), no other ultra zoom can match it. Just don’t expect to be able to track and follow fast moving action at that long focal length. The SP-550 UZ is full-featured but it might take a knowledgeable photographer (or a beginner willing to learn) to make the most out of it.”

Read our Olympus SP-550 UZ Review Roundup and View Sample Photos

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Steve’s Digicams has reviewed the 7.1 megapixel Canon PowerShot (IXUS 75) SD750 and they write, “Canon has added another appealing Digital ELPH model to its “ultra-compact” model line. With a street price of US$299 or less, I feel the Canon Powershot SD750 offers a great value for a rugged, 7- megapixel “ultra-compact” digicam. It is easy to use, has great speed, and except for a little noise on higher ISOs, takes excellent photos and surprisingly, allows for some very creative movies.”

Canon SD750 Features Include:

• 3x zoom
• 3.0-inch LCD
• ISO 1600
• 30fps VGA Movies
• Face Detection AF/AE/FE
• Noise Reduction Technology
• Red-Eye Correction

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