PMA07 Roundup: Products that caught our eye

In this final report from PMA07, here are some briefs on a few notable products that caught the attention of our market analysts. While none of these are revolutionary, they do illustrate continuing trends and new directions in digital imaging products. 

Canon PowerShot TX1 - High definition video 

This 7-megapixel camera looks more like a camcorder than a digital camcorder. That’s appropriate, because it is the first digital camera we’ve seen that can record high-definition video (1280 x 720 at 30 frames per second). A component output lets you play videos directly to an HDTV. You can use its 10x zoom and optical image stabilizer while recording video (as well as while shooting stills). The 1.8-inch LCD flips out and tilts at various angles. A Canon representative told me that it can shoot video segments up to about 13 or 14 minutes each; the specs say it can record video files up to 4 GB in size. 

Fujifilm FinePix A900 – More megapixels for less 

At $199, this is the cheapest 9-megapixel point-and-shoot we’ve seen. Why you’d want that much resolution in a camera this size (it can’t have as large an image sensor as SLRs do) is not immediately obvious. But if you want it, you got it. A graphical user interface helps explain shooting modes and settings. The A900 should be available in late April. 

Olympus and Nikon - Smaller, lighter SLRs 

Cameras makers have begun catering to people who want and SLR, but don’t want something big and heavy. The Canon Rebel XTi and Nikon D40 had already established this market. 

At PMA07, we saw a new entrant from Nikon, the D40x, which is identical to the D40, but costing $799 and offering 10-megapixels instead of 6. 

We also saw the Olympus Evolt E-410, shown above on the right (with its larger sibling, the E-510): 

The E-410, which will be available in May, costs $699 and offers 10-megapixels. The E-510 has the same resolution, but offers sensor-shift image stabilization. It costs $799 and will be available in June. Both offer a live-view LCD.

 

Panasonic Lumix LS70 – Image stabilization for less 

At $149, this 7-megapixel camera is probably the cheapest model we’ve seen with optical image stabilization. 

Another feature, which Panasonic calls “intelligent ISO control” detects a subject’s motion and automatically adjusts ISO and shutter speed to reduce motion. The zoom is 3x and the LCD is 2 inches. We noticed that the Panasonic cameras we saw at the show did not have face detection; a Panasonic rep I spoke with shrugged a question about that off as if such a feature wasn’t needed.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1 – The first 3.5-inch LCD 

Sony calls the 6 megapixel DSC-G1 a “portable photo album.” We call it the first camera with a 3.5-inch LCD we’ve seen. It also comes with a whopping 2 GB of built-in memory, enough for hundreds of shots. It can transfer pictures wirelessly to compatible cameras, computers, and TVs. The DSC-G1 will ship in April for about $600.

Here’s what it looks like with all of its controls showing (they slide out from behind the LCD) , sitting next to a Sony camera with an LCD that’s now a has-been at 3 inches.

— Jeff Fox, Technology Editor

Comments

[George]

I have been shooting with nikon and cannon low end cameras
for about 30 years. I am looking to buy my first digital
camera. What do you recommend 300-1000 dollars. Of course
I am looking to get the best bang for the buck. I love
portraits, sports, family shots, weddings, concerts. My
other concern is a powerful flash,battery life,memory,
durability,quality of pictures.

Thanks for your help,

Old print film dude,

George

[steven]

when comparing the nikon d40x with the olympus e-410 which wins in this duel of the digital SLR cameras?

[Jeffrey Fox]

It's supposed to list for $499 and be available at the end of March.

[sam]

PowerShot TX1 looks good, how much does it costs? 4G file size need to go.