Canon EOS-50D

Almost exactly a year after the arrival of the EOS 40D, Canon has announced the 50D, which we're assured will be a sister-model, rather than a replacement. Recent history has seen Canon release new models every 18 months-or-so but it's been a busy year with newcomers such as the Nikon D300 getting a lot of attention in the 40D's keen-amateur/professional segment. The 50D is essentially a 40D body wrapped around a newly-developed 15 megapixel sensor that finally rectifies the situation in which Canon's XXD range trailed the company's entry-level line, in pixel terms. Canon is claiming that the new sensor's design (new manufacturing processes, redesigned photo diodes and micro lenses) mean that despite the higher resolution image noise has improved, something we'll be putting to the test later.
The other big change is the inclusion of a new, high-resolution LCD screen. 920,000 dots mean that it can convey 640 x 480 RGB pixels, making it effectively a VGA standard monitor. Three anti-reflection layers built into the screen do their best to keep it useable in bright conditions, too.
There are various other changes and added features, with many of them stemming from the first appearance of the Canon's Digic 4 processor. The key differences between the 50D and 40D are detailed below.

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-52XBR6 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV

Product Features

1 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution (1920x1080p) LCD Panel

2 DMex compatible; allows seamless feature upgrades

3 BRAVIA Sync (Enhanced HDMI-CEC)

4 BRAVIA Engine fully digital video processor

5 Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuit (ACE)

Technical Details

Brand Name: Sony

Model: KDL-52XBR6

Display Technology: TFT active matrix

Display Size: 52 inches

Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9

is_hdtv_compatible: Y

speakers_included_description: 2 speakers, Subwoofer

Height: 34.4 inches

Width: 49.6 inches

Depth: 13.6 inches

Weight: 93.7 pounds

Refresh Rate: 120

Philips DVP3345V/17 DVD/VCR Combo

Product Features

1 Plays CD- (S)VCD- DVD- DVD+R/RW- DVD-R/RW- DVD+R DL- VHS

2 Plays MP3 and JPEG digital camera photos

3 Hi-Fi Stereo VHS plays back true stereo VHS

4 Direct Dubbing for easy transfer of videos from DVD to VCR

5 Progressive Scan component video for optimized image quality

Technical Details

Brand Name: Philips

Model: DVP3345V/17

DVD Type: DVD player

Parental Lock: Y

audio_output_mode: AC-3 (Dolby Digital)

Surround Sound Effects: Dolby Digital (Digital out only)

form_factor: Tabletop

Built In Decoder: Dolby Digital

dvd_media_load_type: Tray

Width: 17.1 inches

Depth: 9.2 inches

Height: 3.7 inches

Weight: 6 pounds

FAVI 19-inch Black 720p LCD HDTV USB/Card Reader/DVD Combo, L1918A-V-BL

Product Features

1 Made with a Samsung 1440 x 900, High Def LCD panel with a Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 3,000:1

2 Integrated HD/ATSC TV Tuner with QAM Technology

3 Response: 5 ms

4 Viewing Angle: 170°/160°

5 Built-in DVD Player, USB Port, Media Card Reader, PC Monitor Input, HDMI Input and more.

Technical Details

TV Tuner: Digital HD ATSC with QAM

Digital Support: 1080i/720p/576p/576i/480p/480i

Viewing Angle: 170°/160°

Response Time: 5 ms

Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 3,000:1

Resolution: 1440 x 900

Media Card Slot: Yes

USB Slot: Yes

HDMI Inputs: 1

Polk Audio Atrium-45 All Weather Speaker

Product Features

Pair of all weather speakers with mounting brackets

4.5-inch long-throw polymer cone driver with butyl rubber suspension

Built-in bracket allows multiple mounting options and full 90-degree rotation

Handles up to 80 watts per channel

Gold plated 5-way binding post speaker-level inputs

Technical Details

Brand Name: Polk Audio

Model: AM0748-A

Color Name: White

Speaker Type: Left / right channel speakers

Speaker Amplification Type: Passive

speakers_maximum_output_power: 160 Watts

speakers_response_bandwidth: 75 - 20000 Hz

Speaker Connectivity: Wired

Depth: 7.5 inches

Height: 9.5 inches

Width: 6.25 inches

Weight: 5 pounds

Warranty: 2 years warranty

Sony DVP-FX820 8-inch portable DVD Player

Product Features

• 8" LCD Widescreen Monitor
• High-Resolution (800 x 480 resolution)
• 180 Swivel and Flip monitor
• Up to 6 Hour of Battery Life
• Dual Sensor for Remote Control

Technical Details

• Brand Name: Sony
• Model: DVP-FX820
• DVD Type: DVD player
• Parental Lock: Y
• audio_output_mode: Stereo
• Surround Sound Effects: Dolby Digital output, DTS digital output
• Form Factor: Portable
• Built In Decoder: Dolby Digital
• dvd_media_load_type: Top-load
• Display Size: 8 inches
• Color Name: Black
• Width: 8.9 inches
• Depth: 6.3 inches
• Height: 1.3 inches
• Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Warranty: 1 year warranty

Samsung SC-MX20 Flash Memory Camcorder

Product Features

Record high quality video images with 680K pixel CCD, plus Schneider Lens

Get close to the action with 34x optical zoom / 1,200x digital zoom

Also shoot H.264 (720x480i) - 6 hours recording with 8 GB card, or 16 hours with a 32 GB card

Designed and optimized for easy YouTube uploading

Features an advanced image stabilizer and a 2.7-inch LCD viewfinder

Technical Details

Sensor: CCD

Size: 1/6" CCD

Movie Resolution: 720 x 480

Storage Media: SD Card Slot

Optical Zoom: 34x

Digital Zoom: 1200x

LCD Monitor: 2.7 inches

LCD Pixels: 680,000 Pixels

LCD Coverage: 100%

Maximum Aperture: F 1.6 - 4.3

Shutter Speed: 1/60 - 1/10000 sec.

White Balance Control: Auto White Balance

White Balance Control: Manual Balance

Movie Audio: Yes

Computer Interface: USB 2.0 high-speed

Height: 2.6 inches

Width: 2.4 inches

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2

Announced just in time for PMA (February 2005), the Lumix DMC-LZ2 (and the 4 megapixel LZ1 launched simultaneously) is a major upgrade to the DMC-LC80 that doubles the lens reach (now a 6x optical) and throws in Panasonic's proven Mega Optical Image stabilization to boot. Other significant changes include a larger 2.0-inch (though lower resolution) screen, 14MB of internal memory and boosted burst mode and battery life. All this, and the price - at around $277 on the street - is well below its predecessor, and firmly at the 'entry-level' end of the market. Here's a quick run-down of the headline specification:
5 megapixel CCD
37-222mm equiv. (6x) Lumix DC Vario Optical Zoom
4x Digital Zoom
Advanced Mega Optical Image Stabilizer
Mega Burst Mode
2x AA batteries
14MB of internal memory
2.0-inch LCD
8 scene modes
Orientation sensor
Venus Engine Plus
5-area autofocus

Sony Cybershot H5

The Cyber-shot DSC-H1 was Sony's first foray into the increasingly crowded compact, image stabilized 'super zoom' market, and it was a very successful one too. The DSC-H5 (along with little brother the DSC-H2) arrived almost exactly a year later in February 2006. The H5 is notable as the first 'big zoom' compact camera to feature a 7 megapixel sensor (a new Sony 1/2.5" CCD), and for its huge 3.0" screen. Otherwise the specification is pretty much the same as the H2, itself a fairly subtle update to the original H1 - no bad thing given the very high standards set by that model. Let's start with the headline features:
7.2 million effective pixels
36-432mm equivalent (12x optical) F2.8-3.7 Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar zoom lens
Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization
Wide ISO 80-1000 range
Clear RAW™ noise reduction technology
3.0” LCD (230,000 pixels) & 0.2" (200,000 pixel) Electronic viewfinder
Full photographic control
Real Imaging Processor & 14-bit DXP A/D Conversion
Optional wide and tele lens converters
Scene selection (7 modes)
Histogram indication
32MB internal memory, plus a Memory Stick/PRO Duo slot

Canon Powershot S40

The PowerShot S30 and S40 mark a revival by Canon of the higher end 'S' series of digital cameras. Clearly since the S10 and S20 Canon have explored the ultra-compact 'pocket' type digital camera, the S30 and S40 are a little larger but more feature rich. These two new cameras (virtually identical apart from their output resolution S30 - 3mp, S40 - 4mp) now sit between the PowerShot 'G' series (G1, G2) and the IXUS / ELPH (S100 / S110 / S300) digital cameras.

Playstation 3

Edition: 80 GB

• Includes PlayStation 3 80 GB system, Dualshock 3 wireless controller, and free PlayStaion Network membership
• 
  
• Internet ready Wi-Fi
• 
  
• 80 GB of hard disk storage for all your games, music, videos, and photos
• 
  
• Built-in Blu-ray player to give you the best high-definition viewing experience and pristine picture quality
• 
  
• Play your entire catalog of CDs and DVDs

Nikon Coolpix S630

The Coolpix S630 has an average bundle. Here's what you'll find inside its box:
The 12.0 effective Megapixel Nikon Coolpix S630 digital camera
EN-EL12 lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Battery charger
Wrist strap
USB cable
A/V cable
CD-ROM featuring Nikon Software Suite
163 page camera manual (printed)
Like most cameras these days, the Coolpix S630 has built-in memory, instead of having a memory card included in the box. The S630 has 44MB of built-in memory which, while a little above average, still doesn't hold many high quality photos (seven, to be exact). That means that you'll want to buy a memory card right away. The Coolpix S630 supports SD and SDHC cards, and I recommend a 2GB card to start with. While buying a "high speed" card isn't a bad idea, you certainly don't need to go overboard.
The Coolpix S630 uses the EN-EL12 lithium-ion battery. This battery packs 3.9 Wh of energy into its plastic shell, which is average for cameras in this class

Coby DVD-224 Compact DVD Player

Product Features
Slim, compact, easily moveable DVD player
Plays DVD, DVD R/RW, CD, CD R/RW, and JPEG Compatible NTSC/PAL Compatible Picture Zoom Function, Parental Lock, Progressive Scan
Dolby Digital Decoder and surround sound through coaxial or digital output (for use with compatible receiver/speaker)
Offers universal (AC 100 to 240V) power supply; includes full-function remote control
Measures 8.8 x 2 X 9.9 (WHD)
Technical Details
Brand Name: Coby
Model: DVD-224
DVD Type: DVD player
Parental Lock: Y
audio_output_mode: Stereo
Surround Sound Effects: Dolby Digital (Digital out only)
form_factor: Tabletop
Built In Decoder: 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS decoder
dvd_media_load_type: Tray
Color Name: Silver
Width: 8.9 inches
Depth: 10.4 inches
Height: 1.8 inches
Weight: 4 pounds
Warranty: 1

Sony Bravia KDL-40V3000 40in. HDTV LCD TV

Sony delivers another outstanding television with more features than any of its competitors. The Bravia is 40 inch, flat panel LCD TV. The display resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels and it goes well with the 18,000:1 contrast ratio. The TV weighs under 50 pounds, which means it’s easy to move around your house, to find the perfect room to put it in. If you’re looking specifically for sound quality, this TV has two 11 watt speakers, to impress family and friends. Some cool and unique features include PIP, V-Chip, sleep timer, Energy Star Compliance, and advanced video technology.
You can even use the huge 40 inch display as a Computer monitor, which is really cool. The control that comes included with your TV is universal, so you can stop fumbling around with remotes. The TV has a depth of only 5 inches and has a height of 25 inches. A 1 year warranty and a TV stand comes standard with the Bravia. All these features and a stylish design are what the new Sony Bravia had to offer.a

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS3

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 has an average bundle. Inside the box, you'll find:

• The 10.1 effective Megapixel Lumix DMC-ZS3 camera
• DMW-BCG10 lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• Battery charger
• Wrist strap
• USB cable
• A/V cable
• CD-ROM featuring PhotoFunStudio 3.0 HD, ArcSoft Media Impression and Panorama Maker
• 137 page camera manual (printed)

Panasonic has been doing the built-in memory thing for a few years now. The DMC-ZS3 comes with less memory than its predecessor (40MB vs 50MB on the TZ5), but it's still enough to get you started. Even so, you'll want to buy a large memory card right away. The ZS3 supports SD, SDHC, and MMC memory card formats, though I'd stick with the first two. I recommend a 2GB card if you won't be doing a lot of movie recording, and a 4GB or even 8GB card if you will be. It's definitely worth spending a little extra on "high speed" cards, though there's no need to go overboard.

The DMC-ZS3 uses the new DMW-BCG10 lithium-ion battery. This battery packs just 3.2 Wh of energy, which is actually less than the battery used on the TZ5. Despite that, Panasonic managed to get exactly the same battery life numbers on the ZS3 as they did on its predecessor

Sony BRAVIA V-Series

Product Features

40-inch 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel provides optimum resolution from any HDTV source that delivers 1080p content

Dynamic contrast works in real time to produce deep blacks in darker scenes, as well as fine details in shadows and other dark areas

Engineered for fast-action sports, movies and games, Motionflow 120Hz technology further reduces blurriness

Seven HD inputs, including four HDMI inputs (up to 1080/60p capable), HD component and combo inputs (1080/60i capable), and a PC input

BRAVIA Link compatibility lets you expand your HDTV's capabilities with BRAVIA Link modules, such as BRAVIA DVD Link, BRAVIA Wireless Link

Technical Details

Dimensions (Approx.) : 38 7/8 x 27 x 10 3/4 in (987 x 684 x 271mm) with pedestal; 38 7/8 x 25 1/8 x 3 3/4 in (987 x 638 x 93mm) without pedestal

Weight (Approx.) : 41 lbs. (18.6kg) with pedestal; 37.3 lbs. (16.9kg) without pedestal

Panasonic VIERA

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 44.6 x 28.5 inches ; 64 pounds

Shipping Weight: 81 pounds

Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.

Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item.

ASIN: B001UAB40E

Item model number: TC-P46G10

Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)

Panasonic VIERA

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 44.6 x 28.5 inches ; 64 pounds

Shipping Weight: 81 pounds

Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.

Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item.

ASIN: B001UAB40E

Item model number: TC-P46G10

Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)

ViewSonic VT2430

Product Features

Enjoy a 32-inch flatscreen with vibrant 720p resolution from any HD source, including movies, sports, and HD television programming

Advanced Contrast Enhancer with Dynamic Backlight Control Dynamic Backlight Control creates a dynamic contrast ratio of 13,000:1

Three HDMI inputs (up to 1080/60p input capable) , two Component YPbPr (1080/60i capable), and one PC input (HD-15 pin)

Expand your HDTV's capabilities with BRAVIA Link modules, such as BRAVIA DVD Link, BRAVIA Wireless Link, and BRAVIA Input Link (sold separately)

BRAVIA Sync gives you one-touch access and control of all your compatible home theatre devices, as well as select Sony Handycam camcorders

Technical Details

Display Area: 32"

Display Type: LCD

Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Contrast Ratio: 13000:1 Dynamic

Resolution: 1366 x 768

Signal Compatibility: 720p

Input Video Signal: ATSC

Input Video Signal: QAM

Input Video Signal: NTSC

Screen Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Condition: New

Speakers: 2

Inputs: USB

Inputs: S-Video

Inputs: PC

Inputs: Composite

Inputs: HDMI In

Inputs: Component

Inputs: RF Input

Outputs: Analog Audio

Outputs: Digital Audio Out

HDMI Ports: 3

Power Consumption: 99.3W

Height (inches): 20

Height with Stand (inches): 22