Despite the fact the point-and-shoot digicam market would appear to be in a tough spot with regard to stealing many headlines these days (see DSLR category), we continued to see some interesting innovation in this market at PMA.
Among several new point-and-shoot digicam announcements from Olympus comes news of a new 20X wide-angle optical zoom model (26-520mm equivalent), the SP-570 Ultra Zoom, that features 10MP resolution along with a beautifully designed outer shell. The company is also announcing a new model in the Stylus line – the 1030SW (10MP), a shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof and dustproof model that clearly builds on the Olympus Stylus SW series that speaks to the outdoor adventurer. Add the Stylus 850 SW at 8MP and the company’s “take-anywhere” Stylus line has taken center stage.
Olympus also announced a new high-speed Type M+ (plus) Series xD-Picture Card, that they tell us will offer approximately 1.5 times faster data-transfer speeds than its predecessor (Type M Series xD-Picture Card).
With regard to new in-camera technology, FotoNation showcased some really cool new technologies that center around the faces within the pictures we all take. “FaceTime,” is a new shutter trigger technology that is invoked when the photographer’s face is detected in a scene. After the photographer puts the camera in FaceTime mode and presses the shutter button, the camera waits to fire the shutter until it recognizes the addition of the face of the photographer to the scene. Once detected, a count-down timer is initiated giving photographers time to relax and compose themselves in the scene.
FotoNation’s SmileCheck enables a new type of picture taking mode called “Smile Shutter” in digital cameras. Once the camera’s trigger button is depressed, the shutter is not engaged until smiles are detected on all faces within the frame, ensuring photos with all smiles. Markets for this new technology include high volume portrait studios, school and event photographers, and identity photography, such as passports and badge ID cards for simplifying workflow.
Speaking of smiles, some of Sony’s new models include a feature dubbed “Smile Shutter”, which automatically captures an image when the subject smiles – without having to press the shutter. This function even lets you prioritize adult or child faces to capture photos only when the intended subjects smile.
Sony’s 10.1-megapixel DSC-W170 and 8.1-megapixel DSC-W150 models also feature Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom lenses with wide angles of view, 28 mm – 140 mm and 30 mm – 150 mm, respectively, and 2.7-inch LCD screens along with eye-level viewfinders. Rounding out the W series are the 8.1-megapixel DSC-W130 models and 7.2-megapixel DSC-W120 units with 4x optical zoom and 2.5 inch LCD screens.
Canon’s most recent additions to their voluminous point-and-shoot line included the new PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH camera, a model Canon refers to as being “catwalk-worthy.” The ELPH line continues its impressive run as this model features 8MP resolution and comes in a variety “fashionable” colors including red, blue and Pink. It’s about expression, of course, but it doesn’t hurt that the ELPH line have all been excellent little picture-takers too.
Nikon’s latest Coolpix offerings now include additions to their L, P and S lines including the L18, an 8MP model with a 3X zoom and a 3” LCD and the S550, a 10MP camera with a 5X optical zoom and ISO sensitivity up to 2000. Toss in the seemingly ever-present “Smile” mode here as well.
More HD camera news comes from Panasonic with the release of several new models featuring their new Venus IV image processing engine with 8, 9 and 10MP CCD sensors. The HD angle certainly makes sense (and carries some additional punch) coming from Panasonic as their line of HD television “completes the picture” for many consumers. The new line includes the 10MP FX35, FS5 and FS20. Several of the new models also feature some interesting wide-angle zoom capability, a message and the feature the company made very clear at PMA.
Kodak’s EasyShare line is clearly moving in the “digital lifestyle” lands as the models appear to be getting more compact and more fashionable all the time. Their latest additions, the M1033 and Z1085 expand the company’s line in the point-and-shoot market with a pair of very thin and colorful 10MP models that have 3 and 5X optical zooms respectively and capture HD pictures and video.
Pentax added three new models to their compact camera line with the intro of the Optio M50, S12 and E50. The company now has a 12MP model (S12) and a 5X optical zoom model (M50) in their lines as well as their all-weather W30. Pentax and Olympus remain eth only digicam manufactures with submersible point-and shoot digicams, although a couple of manufacturers hinted at entering this market at PMA.
GE continues to add to their digital camera portfolio, growing the number of cameras in the line to 15 and adding some fairly unique features into the mix as well, including smile detection, blink detection, upgraded lenses, and LCD screens that adjust to changes in ambient light. One new model, the E1050, adds HDTV, touch-screen and GPS capability.
The 1050 offers high-definition movie recording; HDTV playback capability for both movies and stills; touch-screen controls to access more features with fewer buttons and a GPS receiver that allows the user to keep track of exactly where they were when they shot a particular picture.
Fuji is making a play for today’s sense of CE style among younger consumers (who isn’t?) with their latest FinePix model – the Z100fd, an 8MP digicam that is offered up in Shell Pink, Satin Silver, Cappuccino Brown and Tuxedo Black. An illuminated front logo adds to the appeal as does the camera’s sleek, compact outer shell.
Casio also expanded their point-and-shoot line to include five new EXILIM models that feature wide-angle 28mm lenses and up to 4X optical zooms. A new ACC audio codec feature for movies enables the user to replay video on Apple’s iPod and other similar devices as well as the ability to record for playback in iTunes-compatible formats.
