Panasonic point-and-shoot cameras are the least likely to fail according to a study from independent warranty provider SquareTrade.

The findings are based on results of a study of failures covered by its warranty plans, and showed that Panasonic had a failure rate of just 5.3 per cent for cameras under US $300 (£195).

The next best camera to have in your backpack is one form Fujifilm which had a 6.1 per cent failure rate.

Olympus and Sony then fared equally well in the study with a fractionally higher failure rate of 6.2 per cent.

The two brands of lower-end cameras with the gretest chance of breaking down were Polaroid (11.9 per cent) and Casio (13 per cent).

SquareTrade did find that a camera’s failure rate will drop the more you fork out of your wallet.

A camera costing up to US $150 (£97) has about a 7.4 per cent chance of failing, compared to a 4 percent failure rate for cameras priced at over US $500 (£325).

Panasonic still topped the reliability ranks of higher-end models, with a failure rate of 1.9 per cent among models over the £325 price bracket.

Of these premium models, Canon posed the greatest risk of failure at 6.2 per cent.

Overall, SquareTrade predicts that 5.9 per cent of cameras will fail within the first year, with 2.4 per cent of those failures down to accidental damage.

By projecting the data over three years, 15.6 per cent of digital cameras will experience some sort of failure, whether it be accidental or by malfunction.

Considering the number of digital cameras out there, we’re actually quite impressed by the longevity of today’s devices, but then again these are gadgets that we tend to hold onto for a few years instead of upgrading every 24 months, as is the tendency with mobile phones.

The study concentrated on 60,000 digital cameras purchased since 2006.

Have you had to get your digital snapper fixed in the last few years? Leave us a comment and let us know.

Panasonic, Fujifilm Most Reliable Cameras Study Finds is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com

Cameras may keep on getting better on the inside, but their exteriors have remained rather staid. Before this came along.

Hailed as a “model for women” the Sony DSC-W350D is an ultra-compact camera comes in either white with stars, or a blush shade of pink with a floral pattern.

If this isn’t feminine enough, each camera further has a splattering of rhinestones on the front.

The camera also shines on the inside, with a 14 megapixel imager and a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 4x optical zoom lens, making for some crystal clear shots from a crystal crusted camera.

You can keep tabs on your handiwork on a decently sized 2.7 inch TFT LCD screen.

The W350D also records in 720p high-definition, saving in MPEG-4, and will easily connect to your PC via USB 2.0 connectivity.

There is also a few handy shooting options including self portrait, smile shutter, face detection and sweep panorama settings.

If you end up having to attend back-to-back weddings, you can expand the camera’s memory through a SD/SDHC slot.

You can even get a matching “elegant pattern” embossed case to match, which beats black neoprene.

So far, both cameras are only available in Japan, priced around the £190 mark.

Tempted by a camera with more bling than your left wrist? Leave us a comment and let us know.

Sony Cyber-Shot W350D Adds A Touch of Rhinestone is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com

Today marks the close of IFA 2009 in Berlin and what better way to reflect on the week than with a look at some of the gadgets that raised interests while touring the Sony stalls?

Details of Sony’s 3D plans had already been freely discussed across the internet, taking some of the shine from what should have been the best platform to launch it. The 3D experience offered, while full of potential for nature programmes, seemed to fall flat at its implementation into football matches- understandably, yet nonetheless disappointingly, unimpressive.

One of the redeeming, innovative products displayed by Sony was ironically not one of their own. The Xplod (pictured below) is still somewhat steeped in technological mystery.

The launch of the Sony Erricson XPeria X2 was something that was saved for IFA. The new Windows Mobile 6 device seemed a little complicated to pick up but was stylish and packed in enough features to keep anyone busy.

Sony Erricson XPeria X2 prototype

“We can’t comment on future products,” was the response when Sony Erricson’s PRs were questioned about the X3, rumoured to run with the Android OS.

Personally, my attention was grabbed more by a simple, yet relatively unrealised, product. An alarm clock with docking ports for phone charging and music playback from either phone or walkman. While connection to this dock was, in true Sony fashion, non-standardised (only other Sony products can be attached) the product is something I have not seen a competitor for.

IFA also provided an opportunity for displaying the Cybershot cameras we reported on a few weeks ago. Several cameras were set up to capture three skilled footballers performing ‘stunts’ with a ball (part of the Twilight Football campaign).

Twilight Football promotion with Cybershot cameras

Finally, perhaps leaving the best until last, the X Series notebook prototypes from Sony were mind-blowingly thin. One is left wondering where the circuitry is stored but, without shadow of a doubt, laptops of this size will gain popularity- fast.

IFA09 Roundup: The best of the Sony stalls is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com

Even after the boom in media centre PCs, the concept of internet TV has been relatively unrealised until recently. Thankfully, the BBC released their iPlayer to huge success, opening the flood gates for 4oD and ITV’s Net Player.

At IFA Berlin 2009, Sony announced one of the latest jewels in its crown, Bravia Internet Video, that will feature support from YouTube, Wired, DailyMotion and a whole host of other sources.

Channel Five in the UK, and a host of media companies across Europe, will join the array of content providers and use the technology to stream their own programmes on demand.

With Samsung also adding YouTube capabilities to its blu-ray players, internet TV seems to be coming to fruition.

Bravia Internet Video: IFA 2009 is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com

Sony are turning the world of home cinema on its head with the release of seven new models in its most comprehensive range of Blu-ray systems. Whether you want a not-so-many-frills system that’s hassle free, or are determined to build the world’s best home cinema set up- there’s something for you.

There are three all-in-one systems to take your pick from with features ranging from full 1080p HD video to DVD upscaling, to sleek yet simple surround sound systems.

Environmentally speaking, all seven systems consume 0.3W in standy and over 85% power efficiency of the amplifier block is achieved with the full digital amplifier, S-Master.

We will be taking a closer look at three of the systems over the coming days, with a comparison on Friday, so stay tuned for more sound-tastic Sony goodness.

UPDATE:

• Sony BDV-E300
• Sony BDV-E800W

Home cinema comes alive with Sony Blu-ray and surround sound is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com

I’ll admit it. While I love getting new things- especially pretty cameras- I dread that part afterwards where you realise you’ve got wrapped up in the fanciness of a product and you suddenly realise, at least a hundred ppounds later, that it doesn’t do the thing you wanted it for in the first place.

Due to be released in September, these two new Sony compacts seem to pack a fair bit of punch- especially when it comes to low-light situations. With 10.2 effective megapixels and some neat sensor technology, the camera is said to provide superb, low-noise images, even in poor lighting conditions.

What’s more, the cameras are able to record in HD. Fantastic for  video bloggers or wannabe film makers alike.

Sony Cybershot WX1

You can also turn your camera into a personal photographer with the optional Part-shot technology. I’m not 100% sure how it works but it gives fun, happy images of you and your friends-with you in the picture. Unfortunately, I can’t see it replacing the “awkward raised arm, everyone cram in” shots currently sailing across Facebook.

In all, these cameras promise to bring together photographic perfection with sleek design and, you’ve got to hand it to Sony, they’ve done it again. The TX1, with its Carl Zeiss lens also boasts a touch screen for easy navigation.

The quality of these devices will be put to the test when they capture Sony’s Twilight Football event in September.

Sony Cybershot TX1 and WX1 is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com

Sony has taken the wraps off its new line of mini notebooks called the Vaio W series. These small 1.66GHz netbook like machines are designed to be very portable and are aimed at those looking for a second PC which they can carry about. Sony foresees a group of users who will use these new chic notebooks as they wonder around the house from room to room surfing the web, checking email and social networking.

“The W Series lets you quickly look something up online whether searching for a recipe in the kitchen or relaxing on your recliner– there’s no need to trudge upstairs to your office,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of the VAIO business group at Sony. “And it’s sturdy enough for the kids to use, making it perfect for every member of the family.”

The W series is slightly bigger than the smallest netbooks on the market (which have a 7 inch display) and comes with a high-resolution, 1366 x 768, LED backlit 10.1-inch ultra-wide display.

The Enegry Star 5.0 compliant Vaio W is cool and chic from the outset and comes in three bold colours berry pink, sugar white and cocoa brown.

However one thing to watch is that Sony are saying these notebooks will only have 2 hours of battery life which is low when compared to some of the other netbooks which are available on the market.

One interesting idea is that the Vaio W also comes with software that allows you to stream video, music and pictures to your Playstation 3 and vice-versa so you can enjoy your content anywhere in the home including on your big-screen TV.

The W has all the normal connectivity options including USB, Bluetooth and WiFi. There is also a built-in webcam and microphone.

A 160GB hard drive is included as well as Windows XP Home. The VAIO W Series mini notebook will retail for about $500 in the USA and UK prices are yet to be announced.

It is available for pre-orders today online at http://www.sonystyle.com/pr/w.

Sony’s New Mini Notebooks for Casual Computing is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com

PSP fans will be excited today. All morning the internet has been abuzz, searching for news of the second PSP device with rumours of cameras, touch screens and sliding designs.

Internal sources, it would appear, have been confirming a lot of the features we’ve all been wanting to be added since the first device was released in 2005.

So far, the following features have supposedly been confirmed:

• Slide design- controls slide out from underneath the screen. We think this will look a little like the QWERTY on the HTC Hermes maybe?
• Dual analogue is out. There’ll be just one analogue nub and a D-Pad.
• Internal storage. Your choice of 8 or 16GB
• UMD is gone. All content downloadable?

There has also been talks of a camera, touch screen features and an autumn release date.

None of the above are official but, as rumours go, a lot of fan websites seem to be getting excited.

Touch screen PS2 in time for Christmas? is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com

September 2008 will see the release of the ‘thinnest camera in the world’ and the ‘photo album in your pocket’ with Sony’s T-Series Cyber-shot siblings.

Bursting out in vibrant colours (black, silver, pink, green, brown, gold and red) these super slim and stylish cameras are packed full of the Sony technology that we all know and love.

Their sleek and chic design features no buttons, giving a smooth finish and a wide-screen view of images. The full touch screen allows for easy navigation through the camera’s functions, modes and settings.

Both cameras allow the user to take amazingly crisp, clear photos. They feature 10.1 effective megapixels, a Vario-Tessar lens by the award winning Carl Zeiss and a 4x optical zoom for detailed close-ups.

Catch everybody smiling with the Smile Shutter mode. Aim the camera and when somebody smiles, the camera automatically takes the picture. Clever! Minimise the risk of those darn ‘closed eye’ shots with Face Detection and Anti-blink technology.

The Intelligent Scene Recognition automatically adjusts its settings for portrait, landscape and close-up shots. Take great, natural looking photos at low light without the need for flash, with the Clear RAW Noise Reduction and powerful BIONZ processor. The Dynamic Range Optimiser ensures a greater contrast between light and shade and the Image stabilisation System minimises the risk of blurry images.

Bring all of your memories back to life in a musical slideshow, or have fun re-touching photos on the camera’s touch screen. Even better, connect your camera to your HD TV (or your non-HD TV) and be amazed by the results!

The T-77 features a stunning 3” LCD touch screen and measures a tiny 15mm (13.9 at its thinnest point). Its Photo Album mode allows easy image management, viewing photos by date, event views or your favourite pictures. It’s internal memory is 15mb and gives the option of adding external memory via Sony’s Pro Stick Duos.

The T-77 retails for £248.99 and can be pre-ordered at the Sony Online Store now.

For a further £50 (and an extra millimetre!) the T-700 is also available for pre-order at the Sony Online Store for £299.00.

Measuring 16.44mm (15.2 at its thinnest point) the T-700 is packed with a whopping 4GB internal memory. Thus allowing you to store up to 40,000 photos (in VGA mode).

Its intellectual photo album lets you store and manage your photos with ease. The camera recognises when your photos were taken, indexing them making them easier to find and the Album Mode will organise your photos into your chosen category. It also features an easy web upload option for uploading photos to your PC and sharing them with friends or on social networking websites.

From keen photographers, to those who just love to capture every little thing they do, the T-700 and T-77 are promised to take vibrant, clear and stunning photos. These Cyber-shot beauties are packed with the finest features and let’s face it; we wouldn’t expect anything less from Sony.

Preview: Sony T-Series Cyber-shot T700 and T77 is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com

Find the cheapest Sony Camcorder on Kelkoo*
Find the cheapest Sony Camcorder on PriceRunner*

Attention all globetrotters who like travelling light! There’s no need to give yourself back strain by lugging around travel essentials like your bulky camera, because weighing in at an anorexic 10 ounces Sony have created the ultimate travel essential, the HDR-TG1 HandyCam. Dubbed as ‘the smallest camcorder yet’, it can be ready in a snap to capture those amazing candid moments on camera.

Measuring at just 1.3-inches wide by 4.7-inches tall by 2.5-inches deep it is certainly living up to its expectations. This camcorder has features galore! It can record 1920 x 1080 HD video and 4 megapixel digital photos directly to Sony’s memory sticks and media cards.

This camera may be small in size but if you’re on an action packed adventure then there’s no need to wrap it in cotton wool as its durable titanium body and premium hard coating, makes it resistant to those pesky scratches.

Video wise this camera delivers, and with its 4GB memory capacity this camera is able to record hours of video pleasure. Also because it’s HD compatible, your videos can really come to life when combined with a HD television. As well as this, it comes with a 10 x Optical zoom lens and technology to reduce picture noise, perfect for those Safari adventures…that’s if you dare!

You’d think that as things get smaller and the price tag would follow suit, but this is definitely not the case for this little number in the world of Gadgets, as it will set you back £460. Price aside, if you’re looking for something for those action packed adventures and require a ‘travel light’ companion then this is definitely one to invest.

Due to be release later this year so keep your eyes peeled when it comes out!

Sony HDR-TG1 Camcorder – A Super Small ‘Travel Light’ Companion is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com