I've completed my review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V1. I must admit that this camera didn't completely live up to my expectations. I enjoyed using it, but there were many things about it that annoyed me.

Review updated 5pm: I've added a few more samples and comments about color saturation. Your feedback on these additions are appreciated!

Three new cameras to talk about today:

First, Nikon has introduced a brand new Coolpix model, replacing the 5000. Here you go:

Coolpix 5400

• 5.1 effective Megapixel CCD
• F2.8 - F4.6, 4X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28 - 116 mm
• Full manual controls
• Shutter speed range of 1/4000 sec to 10 minutes (!)
• Macro mode allows you to get as close as 1 cm (0.4") to your subject (!)
• Hot shoe for external flash
• Support for wide-angle, telephoto, and new fisheye conversion lenses
• Rotating 1.5" LCD display, now with improved viewing angle and outdoor visibility
• Improved burst mode allows you to take up to 7 shots at 3 frames/sec, or save the last five photos taken with the shutter release button held down
• New Auto Exposure AE-BSS: Depending on whether you want the best Highlight, Shadow or Histogram detail, users can choose one using the appropriate AE-BSS setting. The camera will automatically select the best relative exposure from a series of shots based on user-selected choice. (Guess I'll have to try it to figure that one out)
• 7 Mode Flash, including: Rear Curtain Sync and Repeating Flash Modes
• Movie mode lets you record up to 70 seconds of 640 x 480 video, or 3 minutes of 320 x 240 video.
• CompactFlash Type II slot, Microdrive supported
• Ships with a 16MB CompactFlash card this summer for $800

Once again, we've been shafted by Nikon when it comes to getting a review unit. So until then, you'll have to check out a detailed preview at Steve's Digicams.

Next we have two new additions to Sony's Cyber-shot U line of ultra-compact cameras.

Cyber-shot DSC-U60

• 2.0 Megapixel CCD
• Unique one-handed design
• 33 mm lens (no optical zoom)
• Waterproof for up to 5 feet underwater
• 0.9 second startup time
• Memory Stick Pro support
• 1" Hybrid LCD monitor
• Up to 15 seconds of silent 160 x 112 video
• 6 scene modes
• Uses two NiMH AAA batteries (included)
• Ships in July for $250

Cyber-shot DSC-U30 - updated version of U20

• 2.0 Megapixel CCD
• 33 mm lens (no optical zoom)
• Integrated convex mirror on the front door for self-portrait shots (is that bizarre, or what?)
• 5 scene modes
• Other items same as above: lens, startup time, Memory Stick Pro support, LCD, and movie mode
• Ships in July for $200

I've posted my review of the Kodak EasyShare LS633, which is famous mostly for its incredible OLED display (and deservedly so). It's not a bad camera, either. The LS633 is currently not sold in the U.S.

Updated 3pm: After a week of fog, the clouds parted today and I finally was able to take my traditional photos at Crissy Field. So combined with Saturday's pictures from Stanford, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V1 gallery is now complete.

Added 8pm: I've finally posted my review of the Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom. Sorry for dragging this one out for so long!

Here's something I know many of you will like. Almost as soon I had it out of the box, I was out taking pictures with a production model of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V1. And here are the results: the DSC-V1 photo gallery! Unfortunately my usual Crissy Field location was fogged in, so I'll add those shots in a few days -- but I think this is a good start. Look for the final review of this camera later this month.

Added 3pm: Another new photo gallery for today is from the Minolta DiMAGE Xt.

I've posted my long-awaited review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1. This is a very fun-to-use camera with an amazing 12X Leica zoom lens with optical image stabilization. It's not a perfect camera by any means, but I enjoyed using it, and hope that Panasonic continues to develop it (4 Megapixel version with manual controls, please).

I posted two new photo galleries yesterday, and updated another. Photos are from Sunday's "Bay to Breakers" race/spectacle in San Francisco. I don't think I've ever seen so many Canon Digital ELPHs in one place before (not to mention naked men jogging). The galleries are:

Kodak EasyShare LS633
Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom
Olympus Stylus 400

Did anyone have any luck taking pictures of the lunar eclipse last night? I took over 60 pictures and never got any great shots. It was hard to focus on the moon (until the shadow was departing) and the 40 mph winds didn't help either. I only have one picture worth keeping and it's just okay.

I've posted my review of the Sony Mavica MVC-CD500. This is the latest CD Mavica, sporting a 5 Megapixel CCD, 3X optical zoom, plus all the bells and whistles that Sony is known for.

It always gives me that warm fuzzy feeling when I go to a public event and see lots of digital cameras. Saturday night I was taking pictures of the big Kaboom fireworks show in SF and saw quite a few digicams. If you were there too, I'd love to see your pictures -- here's mine.

Minolta today announced the DiMAGE Xt in the U.S. (it was originally announced elsewhere back in March). Here is what's new compared to the DiMAGE Xi:

• Smaller body: 5% smaller, 8% lighter. Dimensions are 3.4 x 2.6 x 0.8 inches (W x H x D). and 120 g
• New "vertically-oriented design" - I prefer the old style myself
• Redesigned controls: power button moved, new Quick Review button for easy access to playback mode
• Can be used for videoconferencing
• Optional underwater case
• Ships this month for $499

I have a DiMAGE Xt in the house and will be getting to it next month.

I'm starting to get back into the swing of things, which should make everybody happy.

Added 7pm: I have posted a preview of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V1. This is the baby brother of the DSC-F717, with the same features in a smaller body, with a smaller lens. No sample photos are included in this preview -- and before you ask: the final review will be completed next month.

Also, check out three totally new photo galleries:

Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1
Sony Mavica MVC-CD500

Things may be a little slow for the next few days, as I'm recovering from a pretty nasty car accident that occurred last Friday. All things considered, I'm in pretty good shape, with a concussion (I don't remember the hour following the accident), sore muscles, and some bruises. My friend, who was the driver, did even better. The car was totaled by a delivery truck (around that size, as least) on the freeway -- we both walked out of the car ourselves. So I'm going to take it easy for a while, but will probably be back in action in a few days.

Quick Wednesday update: I want to thank everyone who wrote in with their kind wishes for my speedy recovery. I'm feeling quite a bit better -- I'm exhausted, but much less sore. I am also getting tired of laying around, and am anxious to get back to work. During this downtime, I've also lined up quite a few interesting cameras to review -- check the Upcoming Reviews link above to see what they are.

Canon today introduced one new digital camera and two new photo printers. One important thing to note: these products will be available in Europe and Japan in the next month or so, but pricing and availability for those of us here in the U.S. has not been announced. These products will be sold in the States, but Canon isn't saying when.

PowerShot SD100 Digital ELPH - updated version of the S230. Have to say, this one caught me by surprise. Known as the Digital IXUS II in Europe.

• 3.2 Megapixel CCD, 2X optical zoom
• 15% smaller in volume and 8% lighter than the PowerShot S230
• New "white platinum" finish
• New optical lens design so small it can "literally hide under a U.S. dime"
• Uses Secure Digital (and MultiMediaCard) memory cards -- a first for Canon
• Optional underwater housing lets you take SD100 up to 120 feet underwater
• Everything else the same as the S230
• Pricing and availability not announced in the U.S.

I cannot do a review of this camera until it's officially headed to U.S. shores. In the meantime, Digital Photography Review has a review that should tide you over until then.

Now for the new Canon printers, which are very similar to each other. They both replace the CP-100 photo printer (see our review).

CP-200

• Smaller/lighter than CP-100 (uses same media)
• Prints as large as 4 x 6 inches (bordered or borderless) using dye sublimation technology
• Can print directly from most Canon cameras and camcorders
• First printer to support PictBridge (formerly Direct Print System). No cameras support this, but when they do, any camera that supports PictBridge can print to the CP-200.
• Again, U.S. pricing/availability not announced

CP-300 - same as above, except:

• Supports lithium-ion rechargeable battery, for printing on the go