The recently concluded International Consumer Electronics Show, CES 2011, at Las Vegas saw a slew of releases from leading camera companies. Smart Photography takes a sneak peek at the cameras launched during the event.
Canon Launches Budget Line of wallet-pleasing Compacts
Taking a detour from usually showcasing flashy new DSLRs to show off at CES, Canon opted for this year to be about Budget Compacts that feature basic options, HD video capture and art filters.
Collectively called the A-series, the list includes the Powershot A3300 IS, A2200, A1200 and A800.
All cameras except the A800 features 720p video capture, advanced Smart Auto modes with subject detection, Blur Reduction, and filters including: Toy Camera, Super Vivid, Fish-eye, Poster, Miniature and Monochrome mode. Also available is the “Discreet Mode,” that turns off the sound, auto-focus assist beam and flash so as to not disturb the subject.
The A3300 IS features a 16MP CCD sensor, 3” LCD and 5x optical zoom range (28-140mm 35mm equivalent) with optical image stabilization. It will be available from late February for $179.99.
The A2200 features a 14.1MP CCD sensor, a 2.7” LCD and 4x optical zoom range (28-112mm 35mm equivalent). It will be available from early March for $139.99.
The A1200, which is clearly directed toward those with large hands and are an older audience, features detailed buttons and a bright optical viewfinder to make shooting easier. It also features a 12.1MP CCD sensor, a 2.7” LCD and 4x optical zoom (28-112mm 35mm equivalent). It will be available in early March for $109.99.
The A800 features a 10.1MP CCD sensor, a 2.5” LCD, 19 Smart Auto scenes, and 3.3x optical zoom (26-112mm 35mm equivalent). This is the first Canon digital camera that will be sold for under $100. Available in mid-February, the A800 will cost a $89.99.
CASIO
The new Exilim EX-ZR100 was unveiled at CES2011. The model features a 12.1 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor and offers a 12.5x optical zoom.
The Casio EX-ZR100 will be available in black and will ship in March 2011 for $299.99
The H30 is a 16.1MP resolution camera with a 24mm wide-angle lens and 12.5x optical zoom. It will ship in March for $249.99 in silver, black, red, or gold colors.
The last two digital cams are the lower priced compacts EX-ZS10 and the EX-ZS5 priced at $119.99 and $99.99 respectively. Both are 14.1MP resolution cameras and have 26mm wide-angle lenses and 5x optical zoom. The cameras are expected to ship in March.
GPS-equipped digicams and FinePix models from Fujifilm
Fujifilm disclosed a total of 16 new cameras at CES 2011, including one new GPS-equipped model to let you geo-tag your snaps.
The F550 is a 16-megapixel, backlit CMOS EXR sensor camera, featuring a 15x optical zoom lens with a 24mm wide angle, equivalent to a 35mm camera and it supports both RAW and JPEG formats. This will be priced at $349, when it hits the stores in March.
Extending this line up is the new FinePix XP30 that also packs in the GPS features in an ‘extreme sports’ style toughened case. This 14.2 megapixel, 5x wide zoom (optical image stabilization) model will be available for $229.
Another addition was the F500EXR, which is a fairly reasonable camera priced at £280 and comes in five colors.
FinePix cameras
Featured in the S-series are the new FinePix S2950HD which is equipped with an 18x optical zoom lens, 28-50mmm lens, 3.0” LCD and a 14 megapixel sensor. The S3200 and S4000, both equipped with a 14 megapixel CCD and 24mm wide-angle Fujinon optics. Extending the series is the 12 Megapixel sensor with a 28mm Wide-angle lens cameras, the S1600, S1800, and S2500HD offering a powerful zoom range and cutting-edge HD capabilities.
In the H-series, Fujifilm showcased the FinePix HS20 EXR with a 16 Megapixel EXR CMOS sensor and a 3” LCD display. It offers a 30x (24-720mm) optical zoom lens and full 1080p HD video recording capabilities. The HS20 will be available in March for $499.95
The sleek & chic Fujifilm FinePix Z700EXR puts intuitive touch screen technology and EXR image quality at your fingertips. Featuring a 12 Megapixel Super CCD EXR sensor, a Fujinon 5x zoom lens (36-180mm equivalent), and 720p HD capture for stills and movies.
Fujifilm announced the introduction of two new A series compacts with HD. The AV100 and AX280 offer point and shoot simplicity for first time buyers. The specifications depending on model are the AX280 – 14 megapixels and 5x Fujinon wide-angle zoom lens, and the AV100 – 12 megapixels and Fujinon 3x zoom lens.
JV, JX, FinePix Z90– While FinePix Z90 Digital Camera arrives with a 14-Megapixel Image Sensor, 5X Optical Zoom, and also have the ability to Record HD Video, and the FujiFilm FinePix Z90 Camera is aimed Social Media fans with included Facebook & Youtube Web Upload direct facility. It is featured with a 5X wide-angle lens, that is a 28 – 140mm equivalent unit.
JV series – JV200 comes with 14-Megapixel resolution, with 3X-Optical Zoom, while the JV250 comes with 16-megapixel with 3X Optical Zoom.
JX series– JX300 is a 14-Megapixel Camera with 5X-Optical Zoom capability, and the JX350 is with 16-Megapixel resolution with 5X-Optical Zoom.
Compact and rugged pocket cameras from Kodak
Kodak launched its latest range of affordable digital cameras and pocket camcorders at CES 2011.
The Kodak Easyshare Touch, featuring a 3-inch capacitive touchscreen display, a dedicated video recording button, 14-megapixel image sensor, 5x optical zoom and HDMI input.
The Easyshare Mini is equipped with a 10-megapixel image sensor, 2.5-inch LCD display, a 3x optical zoom lens and a front mirror. Finally, the Kodak Easyshare Sport is a 12 megapixel waterproof camera, with a 2.4 inch LCD display and is tough enough to cope with dirt and dust The second generation Kodak Playsport is joined by the new tiny-sized Kodak Playfull.
UK pricing for the products is such :the Kodak Easyshare Touchy Camera costing £129.99 RRP, the Kodak EasyshareMini Camera costing £79.99 RRP and the Kodak Playfull Video Camera costing £129.99 RRP.
Olympus Showcases E-PL2 , XZ-1, SP-610UZ and Four Other Compact Cameras
In its new line-up for 2011, Olympus focused on the Olympus E-PL2 and the Olympus XZ-1. The other four cameras featured were the new superzoom SP-610, a budget compact VG-120 and two new ‘Tough’ cameras – TG-610 and TG-310.
Olympus E-PL2
The Olympus E-PL2, an upgrade form the E-PL1, is the entry-level Micro-Four-Thirds camera. The body and control buttons have been improved. The new kit lens comes with the same focal length ( 28-84 mm in 35mm parlance), but it offers a quieter MSC ( Move and Still Compatible) focus motor. Bluetooth connectivity is also featured. Available in four colors the Olympus E-PL2 will hit US market at $599.99 this month.
Olympus XZ-1
This camera is for photo enthusiast who is looking for the high image quality and performance advance compact camera. This 10 megapixel on a 1/1.63-inch sensor, features the 4x optical Zuiko lens that offers a focal length of 28mm to 112mm and wide aperture from F1.8-2.5. The camera will be available abroad from January, and will cost $499.99.
Olympus SP610UZ
This new superzoom camera with an optical zoom lens of 22x (28 -616mm) offers TruePic III + image processor, 3D photo mode, a 14 megapixel sensor, Dual Image Stabilization, 720p HD video recording, 3-inch LCD and many intelligent shooting /scene modes. The camera will be available for €229.
The four other cameras announced by Olympus are the 3D enabled TG-61, TG-310 , VG-130 and the VG-120. The pricing for these two cameras are expected to be $299.99 for the TG-610 and $199.99 for the TG-310.
The VG-130 and 120 are entry level compact cameras which come with a 14MP sensor, 5x optical zoom lens (26-130mm), 3-inch LCD, HD video recording, i-Auto. The Olympus VG-130 is available in silver, black, red or pink for €99, and the VG-120 will be available in silver, black, red or blue for €89, from mid-January 2011.
LUMIX series from Panasonic
The New S-Series
An addition to the award winning LUMIX digital compact camera range, the new S-series features the 14.1-megapixel DMC-S3 and 12.1-megapixel DMC-S1. S-series is new not only in the design, but also in the concept, exclusively developed for users with limited experience of digital photography or looking for their first digital camera. Pursuing ultimate ease of operation, functions are simplified in the S3 and S1 but still perform to the high standards expected from a LUMIX.
LUMIX DMC-FS37 and DMC-FS35
Two new stylish 16.1-megapixel camera models were added to the FS series that allow the shooting of clear images with a high quality 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens and powerful 8x optical zoom. With a redesigned easy-to-hold grip and a slim and stylish profile, both models offer convenience and comfort in any shooting situations.
DMC-FS18 and DMC-FS16
Expanding the line of the award winning FS series, is the new 16.1 megapixel DMC-FS18 and 14.1 megapixel DMC-FS16 with a slimmer, more compact, stylish profile. Featuring new 28mm Wide Angle High Quality LEICA DC Lens in a sleek, slim compact body.
D-Cams Presented By Samsung
The newly launched Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n enabled SH100 comes with an account that gives Wi-Fi access to more than 200,000 hotspots around the world. This latest launch by Samsung will cost nearly $200 and will be available starting March 2011. The model has a 14.2 mega pixel sensor, f4.7-23.5 mm lens and digital image stabilization technology. The camera has a 5x zoom lens and a 3-inch LCD screen.
The WB210 and PL210 are two high zoom, wide angle cameras which boast intuitive features were unveiled at CES2011. Both cameras feature Smart Filter 2.0 – the next generation in Samsung’s special effect filter technology.
The WB210 boasts of a long 12x optical super zoom lens set in a slim-line 22.4mm body. It also includes 14 Megapixel photo quality and a large 3.5” touch screen with Samsung’s new Smart Access UI system to deliver unprecedented usability.
The PL210 features a 14 megapixel sensor, a 10x optical zoom with 27mm wide angle lens in a body measuring just 19.7mm, and a large 3.0 LCD screen for an enjoyable photographic experience every time.
ST700, PL170 and PL120 DualView cameras- All three cameras come with 5x optical zoom lenses starting at 26mm equivalent and are designed around touch-screen interfaces. The 16Mp ST700 offers a 1.8” front LCD first seen in the ST600 and ST100 cameras released last year. The PL170 and PL120 with 16MP and 14MP sensors come with slighter smaller 1.5” front LCDs. The cameras will be available from September at retail prices of $279.99, $199.99 and $149.99 respectively.
A standard point and shoot WB700– The slim camera has 24x optical zoom and promises impressive image quality. The lens is a 24mm ultra-wide Schneider Kreuznach unit with an optical zoom is 18x. The camera uses a 16MP image sensor. The WB700 can record HD resolution video at 720p and it has optical and digital image stabilization. The WB700 will ship in April for $299.99.
Sony exhibits 11 new cyber-shot models
As expected, the focus of Sony was on the compact end of the spectrum, with its 11 new Cyber-Shot models all on display. These range from the 16.2 Megapixel, back-lit CMOS-powered TX10 and the Wi-Fi enabled HX7V, up to the more modest 12 Megapixel W510 which still offers Sony’s sweep panorama function and a 26mm equiv. wide-angle lens. All but the two most basic models feature optical image stabilization, and 3D sweep panorama mode features on the 5 CMOS models.
The Cyber-shot DSC-TX100V, DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX9 use a new 16.2 megapixel Exmor R CMOS chip to create 3D (and 2D) still images and videos with just one lens.
All of the models listed above will be available in March. The Sony Cyber-shot TX100V will be offered in silver, black and red for $399.99 and the rugged TX10 will be offered in silver, black, green, blue and pink for $329.99. The Cyber-shot HX7V will feature black, white, red and blue color options and sell for $299.99. The WX9 will be sold in black, silver and red for $219.99, and the WX10 will be offered only in black for $279.99.
Affordable stylish products from Vivitar
Vivitar returns to CES with exciting new features such as 3D viewing and Wi-Fi capabilities with the following additions: The ViviCam T132 is a high definition, 12.1 Megapixel camera with Wi-Fi capability to upload your photos and videos to Facebook, YouTube and Twitter directly and immediately from your digital camera. The camera equipped with a 2.4” screen and a 4x zoom, uses a lithium-Ion battery and at an SRP of $129.95.
Vivitar’s ViviCam VT135 is a high definition, 3D digital camera. The 12.1 megapixel, sleek and compact camera allows you to shoot and view your photographs in 3D. The high definition camera is also SD card supported. The camera uses a lithium-ion battery and is available at an SRP of $129.95.
The ViviCam iTwistT028 features a convenient swivel screen, allowing the user to both be in the picture and take the picture. The HD camera has a resolution of 12.1 Megapixel and a 4x zoom . It operates with 2 AA batteries and is offered at an SRP of $79.95.
Vivitar’s 2011 models are offered in a decadent array of colors – butterscotch, root beer, licorice, red-hot, cotton candy, grape, blueberry, spearmint and sugar free. Additional new models unveiled at the show range from 5 to 14 Megapixels. They are the ViviCam V5118, iTwist V7028, V9112, V9124, iTwist X114, VX029, iTwistT126, VT127, VT324, VT325, VT125, iTwistF536, iTwist F129, VF529 and VF332.
ILCC Display SAMSUNG unveils NX11
The NX11 – A large-sensor mirrorless interchangeable lens camera bundled with an updated version of the company’s 18-55mm kit lens, now featuring an i-Fn button, as well as two new i-Function lenses, a 20mm pancake and a 20-50mm zoom silver color lens.The NX11 has a 3.0” AMOLED LCD screen and uses the best in class APS-C sensor for better image quality.
On display were the fairly advanced-looking mock ups of four of the forthcoming lenses in the NX range. The revised version of the 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 kit lens with iFn button compatible with the NX100 and NX11 were featured, along with that models of the 85mm F1.4 portrait lens, the 60mm F2.8 OIS Macro, the 18-200mm OIS superzoom and 16mm F2.4 pancake were showcased. These four lenses will become available over the coming months.
Storage Devices
128GB, 100MB/s Compact Flash Card by SanDisk
SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card, features 128 gigabytes (GB) of storage and up to 100 megabyte per second (MB/sec) write speeds, which should make it quite interesting for the owners of high-end, video-capable DSLRs. According to SanDisk, the card is well-suited for imaging applications requiring Full HD, 1920×1080 resolution (including 3D content), up to 50Mbps bit rate and 4:2:2 color sampling.
SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card will be available in Q1 of 2011 for SRP $1,499.99.
LEXAR Announces class 10 SDXC cards
Launched at CES 2011 for the first time, the high-capacity Class 10 Lexar Professional 133x SDXC cards enables the capture, storage, and transfer of extended lengths of 1080p high-definition (HD) video and continuous, rapid-fire image capture in a single, high-performance solution. The first card to be available in a 128GB capacity, and is also offered in a 64GB capacity. Both cards are speed rated at 133x, providing a minimum guaranteed transfer speed of 20MB per second. The new 64GB and 128GB Lexar Professional SDXC memory cards will be available in the first quarter of 2011 at leading retailers with MSRPs of $399.99 and $699.99, respectively.
UltimateXX storage devices From kingston
Shipping later this month, and unveiled at CES2011 is Kingston’s high speed 233x SDHC UHS-I UltimateXX memory cards. A boon to photographers and videographers, the UltimateXX also makes HD video capture easy. The performance of SDHC UHS-I memory card is optimized when paired with a UHS-I device, although the card is backwards compatible with Class 4, 6 and 10 equipment. Available in capacities of 8,16 and 32 GB at MSRPs of $69.99, $179.99 and $349.99 respectively.
