Digital Shot

Usually when manufacturers unleash several new cameras upon us, it takes awhile to weed through the specs in order to spot their differences and identify the features that consumers will find most compelling, but as luck would have it, Rollei’s da-series of unremarkable shooters tend to completely lack innovation from generation to generation. Such is the case with three new so-called “Prego” models from the once-esteemed brand — the 10 megapixel da1325, 7 megapixel da7325, and 5 megapixel da5325 — which besides sporting different resolutions, are exactly the same in every single way (making our job a lot easier). When it comes to Rollei these days, when you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all, so these 128-gram ultracompacts’ features should come as no surprise whatsoever: you’re getting a 2.5-inch LCD (no viewfinder, of course), 3x optical zoom, maximum ISO of 400, 30fps VGA video with sound, maximum shutter speed of 1/2000 of a second, and video out for showing off your imaging skillz on a bigger screen. We have a feeling that the interest in these cams is slim to none, but just in case this write-up has somehow piqued your interest, all three will be available next month for €149 ($189), €199 ($252), and €249 ($315), depending on resolution. Keep reading to peep the two lower end models — though once again, there’s nothing here that you haven’t seen before…

Tsk, tsk, BenQ. You know how we like to round up all your cookie-cutter cameras into one post, so we’re a little disappointed that you didn’t tell us about your new DC E720 at the same time you announced the other three new members of your consumer lineup yesterday. No matter, we’re still committed to bringing our readers all that is new and exciting in the world of digital photography, even if the 7 megapixel E720 doesn’t really stand out from the crowd in any discernible manner. With this model, you’re basically getting a slimmed down version of the C740 — they both sport a 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD, 30fps VGA video mode, and SD card support — but at only 130 grams and 19.5 millimeters thick, the E720 definitely takes home the “most pocketable” award. No word so far on pricing and availability for this model, but judging from the sparse, negative reaction that yesterday’s releases got, we highly doubt that many of you will be seeking this one out, anyway.

BenQ’s ultraportable, 7 megapixel DC E720 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Sep 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.