Digital Camera Technology

With an expected growth in sales for digital cameras forecasted to exceed 100 million units in 2008, who is to say that it will not be the year of the digital camera? Digital cameras are fast replacing their film re-loadable counterparts (including digital cameras built into phones) and it’s just a matter of time before they take over the market completely. What can we expect from industry bigwigs when the year of the digital camera hits?

Better Performance

One of the world’s industry leaders in digital cameras and digital camera technologies, Kodak will unveil something in their digital cameras in 2008 what is set to greatly improve performance in cameras that are used in dim conditions. By creating better digital camera image sensors, Kodak will improve light sensitivity sensors in their existing models. For photographers, this means that shutter speed will be greatly improved which will help solve motion blur problems. Light sensitivity is a problem that is found in all digital cameras. With this revolutionary new technology that will be released in Kodak products by first quarter of 2008, the company hopes that they can also license the solution to other industry leaders in the same field.

Better Cameras

Resolution and the number mega pixels in cameras have started to improve with each release of camera phone. Samsung itself has even released a 10 mega pixel camera phone. However, with the popularity of slim phones rising, there is not much that can be done with the cameras that have been built into them because of the limitation of space on their motherboards. Samsung, however, is developing a solution that will hopefully break the 2 mega pixel barrier that most slim phones face. Samsung announced the world’s first 3-megapixel CMOS image sensor that is best for ultra slim phones earlier in 2007. Not all their slim products have this feature yet, but by 2008, it is expected that more phones with a slim factor will be using this improved feature. After all, camera phones are expected to account for 74 percent of the market in 2007, with higher resolution camera phones expected to reach 38 percent in 2008. What does this mean for Samsung? With the rise in demand of slim phones, Samsung has more or less made 2008 the year of the digital camera and for phones as well.

Better Memory

In an interesting development, Samsung has also made another announcement. We’re sure you have all heard of 4 to 8 gigabyte memory cards coming out soon. But can you imagine 64GB cards in your cameras? Samsung says they will be shipping them in 2008, having discovered a way to cram all that storage into the same amount of space that memory cards have today! Although this may seem a little much, it looks like the target for these storage devices are digital cameras that are available to record video as well. Of course, digital manufacturers will have to upgrade their cameras to be able to cater to such monster storage chips like these. But it’s everybody’s guess as to whether or not Samsung will be the first on that as well.

Digital cameras are all the rave these days and it’s no surprise that people go wild when the latest digital cameras are released each year.  The latest digital cameras prove that the machine can outrun the skill of the photographer; and this makes for a great opportunity to let consumers show everybody what they have an eye for in a great photograph.

Olympus

With all the competition out in the digital camera market, it’s no easy feat for any of the big brands to maintain one over the rest.  Companies like Olympus do strive to push the letter, though.  The latest digital cameras from Olympus include one called the Stylus 550UZ.  Contrary to the name that suggests the use of an actual stylus, the 550UZ features the highest optical zoom ever in the digital camera market.  Packed with an 18x optical zoom and telephoto lens, the unit promises any user to take shots with higher detail and improved precision.  Strangely enough, with mega pixels already going over 10 in the latest digital cameras, the Stylus 550UZ still packs 7.1 mega pixels which is still above the standard.  The camera also packs a built-in image stabilization feature which makes this great for outdoor usage and the perfect camera to take action shots like in soccer games.  The power source for this item will be greatly appreciated since it can run on 4 AA batteries, which can be found on almost any shelf at any department store.  Packing rechargeable batteries will most likely be a better suggestion.

Sony

There is no competition like that which comes from one of the pioneers of digital camera perfection.  In Sony’s line-up of the latest digital cameras can be found the Cybershot H9, a follow-up to the popular H5 extended zoom unit.  The H9 also pushes the optical zoom feature but only up to about 15x, just a tad lower than it’s competitor on the Olympus line.  The latest digital cameras from Sony’s assembly also promise a feature that they call Super Steady Shot image stabilization.  This, coupled with 8.1 mega pixels, will make sure that you don’t take a blurry picture again, even if you’re taking shots of moving objects.  Long distance shots will be greatly improved and there is also the promise of HDTV quality output; now that’s something to think about.  Sony had to sacrifice some screen space, however, with the H9’s LCD display screen coming in short at 2.5 inches, but that’s one feature that one can dismiss with all the other possibilities that will hopefully make this camera just as famous as its predecessor.

Canon and the DSLR

Moving up a notch, let’s take a look at the latest offering from Canon for professional photographers.  The latest digital cameras from Canon have proven to be very successful, especially those in the DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) category.  The Canon Digital Rebel XTi (more commonly known as the D400) is definitely the product to upgrade to, especially if you have had the experience with its popular predecessor the D350.  With a whopping 10.1 mega pixel offering and 9-point CMOS sensor with auto focus, it promises faster photo captures that are even more accurate.  This camera is still great for the starting professional photographer and a great upgrade for those who have been warming up to the D350.

As one of the most popular products in the market right now, the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS digital camera is a 7.1 mega pixel, user and fashion friendly camera that promises faster response time.  It sports a new auto focus system that allows for face detection and no matter where those faces appear in a single frame.

Improvements

For a camera that is almost about a year old, the Canon PowerShot Sd800 IS is only the second and one of the newest cameras to boast the Optical Image Stabilization that the PowerShot series is known for.  Unlike other cameras, the Canon’s lens offers maximum optical quality and provides shake correction.  These means even better and clearer shots for the photographer.  This model in the PowerShot series also improves on loe light performance, which is something that almost all cameras have a problem with.  Until Kodak introduces their solution for low-light conditions, Canon’s optical and speed combination should promise to be a great alternative.  However, this may not be the biggest development consumers will see in the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS; what they should look out for is the optical 3.8x wide range zoom lens which allows for a longer zoom in a smaller amount of space.

Performance

The Canon PowerShot SD800 IS has been fitted with an improved image processor, in the guise of the DIGIC III.  It’s the newest processor and so far the only other model to have this processor is Canon’s PowerShot G7 model.  The chip promises user better startup, auto focus, and shutter response times; overall, it improves the performance of the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS.  Aside from the enhanced quality of pictures taken, it is also said that this chip promises lower power consumption which results in longer battery life.  The DIGIC III chip is also much better to have in terms of noise reduction, reducing camera shakes and improving photography in low light conditions.  Like all of Canons new models, the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS offers a widescreen 16:9 ratio which is a typical HDTV resolution which allows for panoramic style prints.  It also has an improved direct printing function that includes face brightening features.

Compatibility

When it comes to printing, the PowerShot (like all in its line) can still be used with the SELPHY compact photo printers.  These accessories have become more like essentials for Canon users.  These photo printers are also PictBridge compatible and with cameras that are equally PictBridge-enabled (the Canon PoweShot SD800 IS included), one can be assured of ease-of-use and quality images.

Physically, the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS is durable and is quite solid; the same can be said for most of Canon’s products.  This is an ultra-compact camera with a body made of stainless steel, has a focus-assist lamp, a built-in microphone and speaker, USB 2.0 connectivity for PC and Mac, and storage capabilities for SD/MMC cards.  The unit itself is shipped with a lithium rechargeable battery and charger and a 16MB SD card but the printer is sold separately.  Currently, one can pick this up for bout $400 dollars, a price well-worth the performance that is expected from this monster of compact cameras.

Consumers are becoming more brand conscious even when it comes to purchasing gadgets. This is not far from the truth either when dealing with digital cameras. With most people leaning towards brands like Nikon and Canon when it comes to their DSLR needs (this is partly because of the units are much more affordable than other brands), Sony has cornered a market all for its own customers with the Cybershot.

What It Is

Cybershot is a line of digital cameras developed by Sony for the consumer on the go. Well known for it’s point and shoot capability, the Cybershot stands out as one of the most popular lines of digital camera’s ever made. Sony’s latest digital cameras prove that the Cybershot line is here to stay. With the latest DSC-H7 and DSC-H9, Sony aims to continue the success that was given them with the release of the previous DSC-H5.

Why It’s a Hit

The Cybershot is so popular mostly because of its portability and its power. Think about all the great things a camera can do and you are probably thinking about a Cybershot. Even with the Son’y latest digital cameras in the Cybershot line out in the market (H7 and H9, which are not exactly pocket-friendly), there’s no telling what the digital camera leader will come up with to top those. The Cybershot is also a very affordable camera, something that can be used by just about anybody but with professional results.

The H7 and H9

With the release of the H2 and the H5, nobody expected that the Cybershot would take a step into the professional realm with a set of super-zoom lenses. Each of these cameras has a 12x zoom capability and their only real difference is in LCD size and number of pixels. The H5 was a huge success which led to the release of Sony’s latest digital cameras, the H7 and H9. The H7 is a welcome upgrade to the H2 and boasts of a 15x optical zoom, 30x digital zoom, and an 8.1 mega pixel sensor. With shot stabilization and HDTV output, this makes the H7 one of the hardest products to beat. Save for the small 2.5 inch LCD, the H7 takes the place of previous models as one of the most popular in its Cybershot line. The H9, however, has a 3.0 inch LCD screen. Slightly more expensive than the H7, the H9 also has a 15x zoom, a special 25x Precision Digital zoom and also has a double anti-blur feature. The new model also has one of Sony’s newest technologies, the BIONZ processor. The image processor optimizes data from the 8.1 mega pixel images it captures and then reduces noise levels which means better production of photographs and more vivid colors.

Sony is definitely doing it again. With Sony’s latest digital cameras, the only thing left to tackle is the price tag. Some of their cameras range in price from about $600 to $1000, depending on the model. But in any case, a single purchase of one of Sony’s latest digital cameras will be one of the best investments you’ll make for the next couple of years or more. Still not convinced? Try it out at a store near you.

Picking out the best digital camera is one of the hardest things to do. This is because there are so many to choose from. However, for most people, the best choice of digital camera all depends on the budget that they have set for themselves. Buying digital cameras on a budget actually can make it easier for you as you can narrow down your choices to just a handful of available and known brands in the digital camera market.

Below $150

Believe it or not but you can actually get a very good camera for less than $150. There are a few brands that you can choose from, and each of these digital cameras on a budget is competitive on a global scale. You can pick a fine camera from brands like Canon, Fuji, Sony, Nikon, and Olympus. For an average of about $120, some (if not all) of these cameras even have outputs of anywhere between 5 mega pixels and over 8 mega pixels. And if it’s the number of mega pixels that make sense to you, then cameras like the Canon PowerShot A460 (5 mega pixels) or the Fuji FinePix A820 (8.3 mega pixels) should suit you fine.

$200 to $300 Choices

For those with a little more money to spend, your choices are broadened as well. For digital cameras on a budget from $200 to $300 you can buy yourself a Panasonic Lumix with 12x optical zoom and over 7 mega pixels. The popular Canon PowerShot SD800 IS is also available in this price range alongside competitive products from Casio, Pentax, Fuji, and Sony. With your options broadened, the features of these cameras are also much more varied than those that cost below $150. Research on what cameras you think might suit your lifestyle and taste. If you can’t find what you like, you can wait a little longer for more models to appear in this budget category as time goes by.

$350 to $600 Options

For digital cameras on a budget that nears $600, you will find that some of the best cameras can be found. You can opt for the Sony Cybershot H7, which is the successor to the popular H5. The Sony Cybershot H7 is known for its 15x optical zoom, 8.1 mega pixels and its output which promises HDTV quality. Other brands that comoete with this product and are slightly more expensive include the Canon PowerShot G7, the Nikon D40, and the Pentax K100D. Depending on what features you want or require as a photographer, you can choose among these winning products; rest assured, you won’t regret any of the purchases you make with this range of budget.

Digital cameras on a budget really depend on what you want out of a camera. There are some cameras that even go well over the $1000 mark (which includes lenses and other accessories that you will need to maintain the camera) and these are well suited for professionals who can make the money back if photography is how they make a living. Whatever your choice may be, make sure it stays within a reasonable budget.