Sony compact Alpha Prototype

As expected, Sony has jumped into the Digital Interchangeable Lens (DIL) fray with the announcement that it is planning an “Ultra-Compact Interchangeable Lens Camera” [Sony marketing needs to get its terminology correct: an "ultra compact" digital camera should be shirt or trousers pocketable and this does not look pocketable at all, so "compact" is a better term to use here] mirrorless digital SLR camera model with interchangeable lenses [with possibly a new mount]. Part of a new “compact α (alpha) DSLR camera system,” the camera will use an Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor which provides full AVCHD video capability. Aside of these meagre details, Sony had no firm specifications to share.

Sony showed off a totally uninspiring [in fact, it looks positively awful from the back] compact alpha prototype behind glass. If this prototype is any indication, there is no built-in viewfinder, there may be a pop-up flash, there is the now obligatory dedicated movie button, and there are no mode dials on top… which leads us to believe this may be more a point-and-shoot compact digicam with large APS sensor than a mirrorless DSLR. The difference between the two may be subtle but important to photographers as to what features the camera will have and who it is targeting. Hope Sony knows the difference between the two and does not muddle the waters.

We do welcome Sony’s initiative and are sure the production compact alpha model will be everything consumers expect. [The alpha DSLR prototypes look very good and it should be pointed out to those disappointed with the Sony compact alpha prototype design that the Olympus compact digital PEN beautiful retro design also does not look anything like its prototype.]

Can Nikon and Canon [who, like Pentax and Leica, has decided not to be at PMA] be too far behind? If they don’t introduce any DIL this year, and seeing that Sony’s version is still in planning stages [though they mentioned they are targeting later in the year], Panasonic’s and Olympus’ Micro Four Thirds models may have another year free of competition all to themselves. [Sorry, Sigma who? Can't even find their press release on their site.]

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Casio EXILIM EX-S7

STYLE AND EASE POWER THE DESIGN OF CASIO’S LATEST DIGITAL CAMERAS

Casio Welcomes the EX-S7 and EX-Z35 to the EXILIM Family at PMA 2010

ANAHEIM, CA, February 21, 2010 — Adding to a rich tradition of digital cameras that balance technology and style, Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., introduced two new compact models to their popular EXILIM line. The EX-S7 and the EX-Z35 boast intelligent automated features found in a slim and stylish compact design allowing users to capture moments effortlessly. Earlier this month, Casio America, Inc. began shipping the popular EX-FC150 featuring Casio’s exclusive shutter lag eliminating High Speed BEST SHOT Continuous Modes. The new EXILIM models will be on display at Photo Marketing Association (PMA) 2010 in Anaheim, CA, Casio Booth #2241.

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SAMSUNG ANNOUNCES THE HIGH-SPEED TL350 WITH FULL HD VIDEO

TL350’s New Dual Capture Mode Allows Users To Take 10 Mega-Pixel Stills While Simultaneously Recording Full-HD Video

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award winning innovator in consumer electronics, today unveiled the TL350 – a high-speed, 10 mega pixel compact camera with 1080P, full-HD video recording. With a maximum video recording speed of 1,000 frames-per-second (fps) and a burst mode capable of capturing 10 full-size digital stills per second, the TL350 takes high-speed imaging to a new level for today’s consumer. Additionally, the TL350 enhances the digital imaging experience with Samsung’s Advanced Panorama Shot with Object Tracking as well as an innovative Dual Capture mode, which allows users to simultaneously take 10 mega-pixel still images while recording full-HD videos. The TL350 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21-23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.

“The TL350 is representative of Samsung’s strategy to lead the digital imaging industry through product innovation,” said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “Consumers have expressed frustration with having to choose between shooting video or taking digital stills with their camera. . With the TL350, Samsung has addressed this unmet consumer need, and now gives consumers the ability to do both simultaneously.”

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NEW SAMSUNG ULTRA-COMPACT CAMCORDERS MAKE IT EASY TO CAPTURE AND SHARE HIGH-DEFINITION VIDEO

HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 Offer Full HD Video, Built-in USB and HDMI Connectivity

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today extended its family of ultra-compact camcorders with the introduction of two new models, the HMX-U20 and the HMX-U15. Building on the success of the Samsung HMX-U10, the new HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 bring new features and functionality to Samsung’s ultra-compact camcorder family, such as a built-in USB connection, which now makes it easier than ever to not only record, but share full HD video with others. Adding even more, the new HMX-U20 now puts a true 3x optical zoom in the palm of consumers’ hands, allowing for additional creativity when recording life’s special memories. Both the HMX-U20 and HMX U15 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21-23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.

“Thanks to consumers’ demand for portability and ease-of-use, the ultra-compact camcorder category has exploded in growth,” said Mr. . SangRyong Kim, Senior Vice President of Camcorder Team, Samsung Electronics. “The new HMX U20 and HMX-U15 offer not only portability and ease-of-use but also a number of versatile features like time-lapse recording that allow users to easily capture and share life’s important moments the way they see them.”

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SAMSUNG LAUNCHES THE TL500 – A HIGH-END COMPACT WITH AN ULTRA WIDE AND BRIGHT F/1.8 LENS

Fast Operating Speed and Ultra-Sensitive 1/1.7” CCD Will Impress Enthusiast Photographers

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, proudly introduces the 10 mega-pixel TL500, a high-end compact digital camera designed specifically for today’s advanced and enthusiast photographers. The new flagship of the company’s compact digital camera family, the new TL500 incorporates a full-range of advanced features, including a high-performance imaging sensor and one of the brightest lenses ever featured on a compact camera – a 24mm ultra wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH, f/1.8. The TL500 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21 23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.

“With the TL500, Samsung further differentiates its lineup from the competition and achieves yet another milestone in the industry,” said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “With ultra-wide angle capability and unparalleled speed, the TL500’s lens offers a new level of versatility allowing the user to be more creative and take better pictures.”

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SAMSUNG ANNOUNCES PAIR OF DURABLE COMPACT CAMERAS ALLOWING USERS TO GET ADVENTUROUS WITH THEIR PHOTOS

Waterproof AQ100 and Durable SL605 Offer High-End Features in Protective Frames

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today added two 12 mega-pixel point and shoots to its digital camera lineup for 2010 – the durable SL605 and the waterproof AQ100. Thanks to their elements focused design, the AQ100 and the SL605 grant peace of mind and allow users to focus on taking the perfect shot, rather than worrying about damage to the camera. The AQ100 and the SL605 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21-23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.

“Memories can happen at any given moment and in any environment,” said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “Further diversifying and expanding the range of digital imaging solutions available from Samsung, consumers can rely on these durable compacts to perform in the most challenging of environments as they’re both built to last and feature packed for the highest-quality results.”

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Olympus E-PL1

With the E-PL1, Olympus has introduced a more affordable entry-level Micro Four Thirds Digital Interchangeable Lens (DIL) camera for those who desire a DSLR experience and quality in a compact, lightweight and more consumer-friendly body. The Olympus E-PL1 has in fact blurred the lines between the mirrorless DSLR and the compact digicam with large sensor. It is not an upgrade of the E-P1 / E-P2, but a cheaper version (albeit with more features, as is usually the case with each new version of a digital camera) with an easy-to-use Live Guide. Though full exposure flexibility is still available in the form of PASM modes, you’ll have to access them through the Menu.

All previous DIL cameras from Olympus (or Panasonic) have been categorized as DSLRs that have had their mirrors removed (hence the “mirrorless DSLR” attribution). In other words, you are still getting a DSLR-grade camera, except that it does away with the mirror (redundant because of the high resolution display screen and electronic viewfinder). The Olympus E-PL1 seems to be closer to a compact digicam that uses a large image sensor — and can therefore also produce DSLR image quality — without all the external controls that usually characterize a DSLR-grade camera.

The Olympus E-PL1 retains the Micro Four Thirds mount and therefore accepts all the interchangeable lenses its bigger brothers accept. It adds a pop-up flash, dedicated HD Movie button (while removing most of the buttons advanced photographers like to have, i.e. no control dials), and the optional electronic viewfinder VF-2 that was introduced for the E-P2. Otherwise, it basically keeps the functionality of the E-P1 and E-P2.

As we suspected, the size of the Olympus DIL camera is pretty much dictated by the requirements of the Micro Four Thirds lens mount. The E-PL1 has shaved off about 6 mm from the width, added about 2 mm in height, and as much as 5mm in depth (a deeper handgrip). It is difficult to see how much smaller still a DIL camera (whether from Olympus or from Nikon/Canon) can be.

Though the E-PL1′s body design has [unfortunately] veered away from the retro look, it’s more conventional design is nevertheless still quite attractive and comes in 3 different colors: black, blue and silver (aka “champagne gold”). It inexplicably still uses a 2.7-in. LCD at 230k-dot resolution [the LCD quality on a digital camera is the equivalent of the "door closes with a satisfying clunk" test for automobiles] and sadly loses the electronic leveling [a very practical feature to keep the horizon level in your pictures]. On the positive side (though most users targeted by this camera won’t notice), the E-PL1 can remote control up to three R-series flashes for complex lighting — which the E-P1 / E-P2 cannot — and we suspect this feature will quickly find its way into the E-P3.

At CAD $650 [US $600] (with the 14-42mm kit lens), the Olympus E-PL1 is an attractive proposition and is competitively priced against the top consumer compact digital cameras such as the Canon G11 [US $499] that uses a much smaller image sensor and does not accept interchangeable lenses. [In fact, it looks like Olympus is launching a preemptive strike against Nikon and Canon as they will undoubtedly also be introducing compact digicams with large sensors.] The relatively low price, ability to change lenses and DSLR image quality should make the E-PL1 a serious contender for consumers who want to upgrade to a DSLR but now may think twice and settle for an easier-to-use E-PL1.

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OLYMPUS INTRODUCES TWO NEW ULTRA-COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED LENSES

Designed for Any Micro Four Thirds Camera, Including the New PEN E-PL1 Announced Today

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., February 3, 2010 – Olympus today announces two new additions to its Micro Four Thirds™ System lens lineup: the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 (35mm equivalent 18–36mm) and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 (35mm equivalent 28–300mm). Designed to maximize the performance advantages of the Micro Four Thirds System, the new lenses are significantly lighter and more compact – easily fitting in a jacket pocket.

The new lenses, made with ED (extra-low dispersion) glass for superior image quality, complement the design of the PEN® cameras, including the powerfully simple E-PL1, also announced today, making it the all-in-one package for consumers with any skill level, including those who are new to photography.

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