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When Bill Sparkman told retired trooper Gilbert Acciardo that he was going door-to-door collecting census data in rural Kentucky, the former cop drawing on years of experience warned: “Be careful.”

The 51-year-old Sparkman was found hanged from a tree near a Kentucky cemetery and had the word “fed” scrawled on his chest, a law enforcement official said Wednesday, and the FBI is investigating whether he was a victim of anti-government sentiment.

“Even though he was with the Census Bureau, sometimes people can view someone with any government agency as ‘the government.’ I just was afraid that he might meet the wrong character along the way up there,” said Acciardo, who directs an after-school program at an elementary school where Sparkman was a frequent substitute teacher.

The Census Bureau has suspended door-to-door interviews in rural Clay County, where the body was found, until the investigation is complete, an official said.

The law enforcement official, who was not authorized to discuss the case and requested anonymity, did not say what type of instrument was used to write the word on the chest of Sparkman, who was supplementing his income doing Census field work. He was found Sept. 12 in a remote patch of Daniel Boone National Forest and an autopsy report is pending.

Up next we have the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZR1 digital camera that boasts a first in the world – it will feature the world’s first 0.3mm thin aspherical lens, ensuring even a compact body such as this is able to cram in a powerful, 25…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 digital camera features a 27mm wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with an 18x optical zoom. Panasonic FP8 also boasts 10.1-megapixel resolution and adds a number of enhanced features that boost user fun…

Panasonic’s latest digital camera, the LUMIX DMC-FZ35 is one power-packed device as it helps up the ante for ordinary consumer level digital cameras to step slightly into the world of DSLRs. This shooter will come with AVCHD Lite, …

Nikon’s Coolpix S1000pj project-o-camera may be the big rumor du jour, but the company’s also got plenty of other cameras slipping through the cracks these days, like this trio of new compact shooters. Leading off the lot is the 12.2-megapixel Coolpix S640 (pictured above), which is said to pack a 5x, 28mm equivalent wide-angle lens, a 2.7-inch display, an “ultra-fast autofocus system,” a start-up time of just 0.7 seconds, built-in quick retouch features, and your choice of three different colors for $499. Joining it are the 12-megapixel Coolpix S570, which replaces the 10-megepixel S560 and will set you back $349, and the all new 12.1-megapixel Coolpix S70 (check it out after the break), which runs a hefty $599 and includes 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen, a 5x optical zoom, sensitivity setting up to ISO 6400, and your choice of red, black, or champagne colors. No word on a release date for any of them just yet, but it sure seems like they’re about to burst out of the gate.

Pentax just announced two compact cameras, the Optio P80 and E80. Both come with a 2.7″ LCD display, up to 6400 ISO sensor sensitivity and face/smile detection, but here are the differences.

The P80 has a 12 Megapixel sensor, a 4X optical zoom, some image stabilization mojo and can record 720p movies at 30fps. The E80 captures photos at 10 Megapixel, has a 3X optical zoom but captures video at only 15fps.

Of course, both are priced accordingly: $200 for the P80 and $130 for the E80. Both cameras will be available in September.

More : Optio WS80 / Optio P80 / Optio E80

Sony has introduced two new slim Cyber-shot W-series cameras dubbed the DSC-W180 and DSC-W190. These easy to use cameras are just 18.7mm thin and are said to be ideal for consumers who dislike bulky gadgets with complicated functionality. The W-series includes a wide range of functionalities like Face Detection, Smile Shutter and Digital SteadyShot technologies, automatically optimizing image settings.

Designed to provide comfort, these devices allow users to capture detailed and vivid images. The 1/2.33-type Super HAD CCD sensor, up to 12.1 megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom and up to 18x Smart Zoom facilitate the printing of images in large high resolution format. The Face Detection technology is capable of recognizing up to 8 faces while the Digital SteadyShot feature reduces the blur caused due to camera shake. The feature ensures blur free images by recording two images in rapid succession and then superimposing the images to reduce the blur.

To further reduce the blur when shooting in dimly lit environments or when capturing fast-moving subjects, these cameras incorporate a high sensitivity mode of up to ISO 3200. The Smile Shutter feature automatically clicks when the subject in focus smiles. To adjust to the ambient light when shooting, the W-series includes various scene selection modes like High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Snow, and Beach.

Users can easily transfer images to their computers via the USB port. These cameras also incorporate Picture Motion Browser ver. 4.2.01 software to simplify the photo and video management. Apart from this, the W-series also includes eDeco, which allows users to easily add unique, mood-enhancing elements to their photos and videos. The Movie Tracer function of these cameras allows users to construct breathtaking panoramic images using a combination of movie frames.

The Sony DSC-W180 and DSC-W190 Cyber-shot cameras will be made available in red, black and silver color options at all Sony authorized dealers and national retail partners. The DSC-W180 will be priced at Rs. 8,990 while the DSC-W190 will cost Rs. 9,990.

More Sony Model : Cybershot DSC-TX1 / Cybershot DSC-WX1 / Cybershot DSC-W180 / Cybershot DSC-W190

Olympus has announced the latest additions to its FE range of budget compact cameras. The FE-5020, FE-4000, Stylus 7010 all include 12 Megapixel CCDs, 2.7 inch LCDs, but vary in lenses. They all include a ‘One button, one Function’ design principle, AF tracking and an Intelligent Auto mode. The FE-5020 and FE-4000 also include a set of Magic Filters. The new cameras will start shipping next month.

FE-5020
Leading the FE series is the new FE-5020. Featuring an incredible 5x super wide optical zoom (24-120mm**), it also includes a range of exciting Magic Filters to give pictures a whole new artistic feel. Your latest party will look even more chock full of colour when you apply Pop Art to your shots, for example. The other filters – Fish-Eye, Sketch, and Pin Hole – create a special atmosphere of their own. Meanwhile, framing compositions and reviewing images and video on the 6.9cm/2.7” LCD is also a breeze.

AF tracking, i-Auto mode, and Advanced Face Detection Technology, which can detect up to 16 faces, complete the technical treasure box. With its Double-Layered Crystal Shell finish, the FE-5020 is sure to turn heads. Available in Pure White, Dark Grey, Mocca Brown and Ocean Blue, it is the ideal hybrid of high-tech and user-friendliness.

FE-4000
Tucked away in a pocket or purse, the extra slim 12 Megapixel FE-4000 is always there when you need it. A 4x wide optical zoom (26-105mm**) makes taking group portraits easy. This attractive model offers AF tracking and i-Auto mode for sharp and crisp photos every time.

A range of four Magic Filters is also on hand to give images an extra creative edge. Its vibrant choice of Pure White, Dark Grey, Metal Magenta, Arctic Blue, and Tangerine Orange for the body make it a stylish eye catcher any time you start shooting.

A Double-Layered Crystal Shell finish adds to its chic look. With other great features ranging from Advanced Face Detection Technology to Digital Image Stabilisation, getting great shots and viewing or framing them on its 6.9cm/2.7” LCD is a cinch.

Olympus has released the Stylus 7010 ultra-compact camera. It is built around a 7x optical zoom lens starting at 28mm equivalent and a 12 megapixel image stabilized sensor. It has a 2.7 inch LCD and offers features such as AF tracking and an Intelligent Auto mode. It also includes a set of ‘magic filters’ including Pop Art, Pin Hole, Sketch and Fish-Eye filters.