From: Market News
In years past, CES has been a secondary event for imaging products. Most imaging vendors save their major announcements for PMA Expo, traditionally held in March. But this year, PMA Expo has rebranded as Cliq, has shifted to September, and has been given a greater consumer focus. This heightens the importance of CES as a venue for photo and videography products.
So it’s not surprising that many photo vendors participated at CES 2011. In addition to companies with deep CE roots (JVC, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony), there were exhibitors with a strong imaging heritage (Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus). Nikon did not announce new models at CES, but all the others did.
Canon: Focus on Vixia
Canon has traditionally used CES as a launching pad for camcorders, and this year was no exception. Three budget-priced flash-memory camcorders that capture 1080p HD video will arrive in February. Priced at $400, the Vixia HF R200 records direct to memory cards in its dual SDXC-compatible slots. Memory card slots are also present on the Vixia HF R20 ($430) and HF R21 ($500), but those models also have built-in flash memory: 8GB and 32GB respectively. All three models have 3″ touchscreen LCDs, 28x Advanced Zoom and 3.28MP CMOS sensor.
There are three models in the step-up Vixia HF M series, which arrives in March. All feature a 3″ touchscreen, Canon 10x video lens, optical image stabilization, and an HD CMOS Pro Image sensor, which Canon says delivers excellent low-light performance. Their Touch & Track feature lets users lock focus on a subject by touching the appropriate area of the screen. The Vixia HF-M400 ($650) has dual SDXC-compatible memory card slots. The HF M40 ($700) adds 16GB of built-in memory and the HF M41 has 32GB. The top model also has a colour eye-level viewfinder.
The Vixia HF G10 is Canon’s top consumer camcorder for 2011. It has pro-oriented features like adjustable colour temperature, colour bars with test tone, manual focus ring, manual shutter-speed and aperture control and native 1080p24 recording.
Aimed at video enthusiasts, the Vixia HF S30 camcorder features a Canon 10x HD Video lens and 1/2.6″ 8.59MP Full HD CMOS sensor. In addition to 1080p HD video (with a 24fps option), the HF S30 can record 8MP stills. It has two SDXC-compatible slots, plus 32GB of internal memory. Users can compose on the 3.5″ 922,000-dot touchscreen, with Touch & Track autofocus, or on the colour viewfinder. Pro-oriented features include colour bars, selectable Zebra patterns and a LANC-compliant remote-control terminal. The HF S30 will be available in March for $1,100.
For 2011, Canon’s top consumer camcorder is the Vixia HF G10, which arrives in March for $1,500. Its 10x lens has a manual-focus ring and an eight-blade iris for smooth background blur and reduced lens diffraction. Advanced features include adjustable colour temperature, colour bars with test tone, manual shutter-speed and aperture control, LANC-compatible remote terminal, and native 24p recording. The HF G10 has both an eye-level colour viewfinder and a 3.5″ 922,000-dot touchscreen LCD, with support for Touch & Track autofocus. The HF G10 can record onto memory cards in its dual SDXC-compatible slots, or 32GB of internal memory.
At CES, Canon introduced its most compact and affordable pro camcorder to date, the XA10. Weighing 1.7 pounds, the XA10 records 1080p video in AVCHD format at various frame rates, using a 1/3″ CMOS sensor with native 1,920×1,080-pixel resolution. The 10x lens has eight-blade iris, optical image stabilization, and selectable zoom and autofocus speed. The XA10′s handle is detachable for low-angle shooting. Removing the handle uncovers XLR inputs and an external microphone holder. For extreme low-light shooting, the XA10 has an infrared emitter, and the ability to render IR images in green or white. Other pro-oriented features include adjustable white balance, focus-assist magnification, and a waveform monitor for assessing exposure and image brightness. Available in March for $2,200, the XA10 has a 3.5″ 922,000-dot LCD, eye-level viewfinder, and 64GB of internal memory plus dual SDXC-compatible card slots.
Canon’s entry-level PowerShot A-series lineup of digital cameras received a complete refresh at CES. The new series offers 720p HD video recording and a Smart Auto function with 32 predefined shooting situations. Subject detection has been added to the cameras’ Smart Auto capabilities, so that camera settings are optimized for the primary subject. The 10MP PowerShot A800 ($110) has a 3.3x zoom lens and 2.7″ LCD. The A1200 ($130) adds an optical viewfinder; and has 12.1MP sensor, 4x wide-angle zoom lens, 2.7″ LCD and Creative Filters. The PowerShot A2200 ($150) increases resolution to 14.1MP. The PowerShot A3300IS ($200) boosts resolution to 16MP, increases zoom capability to 5x, adds optical image stabilization, and has a 3″ LCD.
Casio: Pulling Tryx Out of its Hat
The most unusual camera introduced at CES, and in many ways the coolest, was Casio’s Tryx, a super-thin (1.5cm), incredibly versatile design. The outer frame rotates 360° relative to the body, allowing users to shoot from almost any angle. The frame can be adjusted to act as a tabletop support for the camera, or to hang it from a hook or doorknob. In addition, the 3″ 460,000-dot touchscreen rotates 270°, allowing self-portraits or group photos that include the shooter. Users can set focus by touching the appropriate area of the screen; and even set the camera to activate the self-timer when someone enters a specified area of the scene. The Tryx employs a 21mm (equivalent) f/2.8 wide-angle lens and 12.1MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor. It can shoot 1080i or 720p HD video at 30fps, and has a wide range of special effects, including in-camera HDR and Slide Panorama. The Tryx will be available in Canada in March for $300.
The new Casio Tryx has a highly versatile design with an outer frame that rotates 360° relative to the camera body, allowing users to shoot from almost any angle. And the screen rotates 270°, making it easier to shoot self-portraits or group photos that include the photographer.
The same month, Casio Canada will introduce several more conventional digital cameras under its Exilim sub-brand, starting with the entry-level EX-ZS5 ($110) and EX-ZS10 ($130), with 14.1MP sensor, 5x wide-angle zoom lens and 2.7″ LCD. Both models have 23 scene modes, each with a detailed explanation of what it’s for and how to use it. The EX-ZS5 can shoot VGA video, while EX-ZS10 can capture HD video at 720p.
Priced at $280, the EX-H30 compact ultra-zoom features a 12.5x wide-angle zoom lens, 16.1MP CCD with sensor-shift image stabilization, 720p HD video capability, and 3″ 460,000-dot LCD. Casio says the EX-H30′s high-capacity lithium-ion battery is good for 1,000 shots on a full charge.
The top-of-the-line EX-ZR100 ($330) combines a 12.5x wide-angle zoom lens with a 12MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor with sensor-shift image stabilization. It boasts a very fast shot-to-shot time of .37 second (the industry’s fastest, Casio says), burst shooting at up to 40fps, and 1080p HD video capture at 30fps.
Fujifilm: Retro, HD Video, & Adventure Cams
At CES, Fujifilm showed the X100, the gorgeous retro-looking rangefinder-like camera announced last fall at Photokina. The large-sensor camera has a unique hybrid viewfinder that lets users switch between optical and electronic modes; it can even project shooting information onto the viewfinder in optical mode. The X100 employs a 12.3MP sensor and 35mm (equivalent) f/2 lens, and can shoot 720p HD video. It will be officially announced in February, and is expected to retail for around $1,200.
Fujfilm’s eagerly awaited rangefinder-like X100 will ship this spring. The retro-looking camera has a DSLR-sized 12.3MP sensor, 35mm (equivalent) f/2 lens, and unique hybrid viewfinder with optical and electronic modes.
Fujifilm Canada has announced a broad refresh of its digicam lineup. For 2011, all models can shoot HD video.
The HS20EXR ($500) and F550EXR ($350) employ a new 16MP EXR-CMOS sensor and EXR processor. Like previous EXR models, the new cameras have a Wide Dynamic Range mode for contrasty lighting and a High Sensitivity mode for low-light shooting. Both cameras also offer RAW capture and motion panorama mode.
The FinePix H20EXR is a DSLR-style camera with 30x wide-angle manual zoom lens. This is the first Fujifilm digicam to include a tilting LCD and hot shoe with TTL flash metering; two matching electronic flash units will be available. The FinePix F550EXR is a compact model with 15x wide-angle zoom lens, and built-in GPS with a database of 500,000 locations and points of interest.
Fujifilm has two new 14MP super-zooms” the FinePix S3400 ($280), with a 28x zoom lens and the S2950 ($230) with 18x lens.
There are two new adventure cameras. The FinePix XP20 ($200) is shockproof to 1.5 metres, waterproof to 5 metres, freeze-proof to -10°C and dust/sand-proof. It employs a 14MP sensor, 5x wide-angle zoom lens and 2.7″ scratchproof LCD. Other features include quick uploading to Facebook and YouTube, built-in movie editing, motion panorama, intelligent scene recognition, tracking autofocus and sensor-shift image stabilization. The FinePix XP30 ($230) adds built-in GPS for geo-tagging photos.
The style-oriented FinePix Z90 ($170) has a 3″ touchscreen LCD with tap-and-shoot feature, a 5x wide-angle non-protruding zoom lens, 14MP sensor, movie editing, tracking autofocus and intelligent scene recognition.
JVC: 4K2K & 3D Recording on the Horizon
At CES 2011, JVC’s showed two groundbreaking camcorders: a 3D model and an HD cam with 4K2K (3,840×2,160-pixel) resolution. While the 4K2K cam was billed as a concept piece, JVC President Yuta Ito has stated that a 4K2K consumer camcorder from JVC is “just around the corner.” However, JVC has not released price or specifications.
Mario Anzini, Marketing and Sales Manager for Video Products at JVC Canada Inc., poses with his company’s new 3D camcorder. The GS-TD1 employs two 5x zoom lenses and two 3.32MP sensors, producing a single file in the new “LR Independent Format,” with full 1,920×1,080 HD resolution for both the left and right eyes.
The 3D cam will launch in Canada this April, for $2,200 retail. The GS-TD1 employs two 5x zoom lenses and two 3.32MP CMOS sensors. It stores the two Full HD (1080i) images in a single file. JVC says this new “LR Independent Format” makes the GS-TD1 the first consumer camcorder that can shoot 3D at Full HD, as opposed to models that shoot in side-by-side format, where resolution is 960×1,020. (But Sony has also announced a 3D Full HD camcorder, covered in this report.) The GS-TD1 also has a side-by-side AVCHD 3D option, as well as conventional AVCHD 2D capability. Users can preview scenes on the 3.5″ LCD touchscreen, which produces 3D images without glasses.
JVC Canada will introduce five new Everio HD camcorders in April. The new line starts with the GZ-HM30 ($270), which can record AVCHD Lite (720p) and standard-definition video. The GZ-HM30 has a single SDXC-compatible slot, 40x lens, 1.5MP CMOS sensor, and face-detection autofocus. The GZ-HM440 ($350) has dual SDXC-compatible slots, and can record AVCHD (1080i) and standard-definition video. Other step-up features include touchscreen LCD, 24Mbps high-bit-rate recording, and smile shot. The GZ-HM650 ($450) adds 8GB of internal flash memory, and has a single slot. It employs a 3.3MP backlit CMOS sensor for enhanced low-light capability.
There are two premium Everio cams for 2011. Both the GZ-HM860 ($850) and GZ-HM960 ($950) employ a fast JVC GT f/1.2 10x wide-angle zoom lens and a 10.6MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor. They have 16GB of internal flash memory plus an SDXC-compatible memory-card slot. Both cameras can capture 11MP stills as well as HD video. They have Bluetooth, for audio monitoring on a Bluetooth headset and geo-tagging of video and image files. The GZ-HM860 has a 3.5″ LCD touchscreen. The GZ-HM960 adds a 2D-to-3D output feature, and has a 3.5″ LCD touchscreen that can display 3D images without glasses.
Olympus: Hangin’ Tough; Affordable Micro Four Thirds
At CES, Olympus showed its eagerly anticipated flagship ultra-compact. The XZ-1 employs a fast iZuiko f/1.8-2.5 4x zoom lens and 10MP 1/1.63″ CCD sensor. While the sensor is smaller than those used in Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras, it’s larger than sensors in conventional fixed-lens cameras. The wide maximum aperture of the lens, combined with the high-sensitivity sensor and sensor-shift image stabilization, results in excellent low-light performance, Olympus says. In addition to the built-in flash, the camera has a hot shoe, and allows TTL flash-exposure control with optional Olympus external flash units. The XZ-1 can record 720p HD video at 30fps; and has separate buttons for capturing stills and video.
On the back is a three-inch OLED monitor with 610,000-dot resolution. Users who want to shoot with an eye-level viewfinder can connect the optional VF-2 electronic viewfinder to the accessory port, which can also accept an external microphone adapter, macro light or electronic flash. The XZ-1 will be available in black or white finish in late January for $500.
The PEN E-PL2 is Olympus’ most affordable Micro Four Thirds interchangeable-lens camera to date. The E-PL2 can capture 720p video, and the standard-zoom kit lens employs a silent autofocus system that’s suitable for both stills and video.
Coming in February for $200 is the SP-610UZ, a lightweight ultra-zoom with 14MP sensor and 22x wide-angle zoom lens. The SP-610UZ can shoot HD 720p video; it has an HDMI output, and playback can be controlled with the TV’s remote. It has several Magic Filters (e.g. Pop Art, Watercolour, Punk) that can be applied to stills or movies during capture. With the 3D photo mode, the camera captures two images while you slowly pan it, then combines them into an .MPO file that can be displayed on 3D HDTVs and PCs. Other features include tracking autofocus for tracking moving subjects, and Eye-Fi card compatibility for instant uploads via WiFi to networked computers.
Two new models are being added to Olympus’ Tough series of water-, shock- and freeze-proof cameras. Arriving in Canada in February, the TG-310 and TG-610 have 14MP sensors, 720p HD video capability, HDMI connectors, Eye-Fi card compatibility, sensor-shift image stabilization, Magic Filters, and 3D mode. Priced at $200, the TG-310 has a 3x wide-angle zoom lens and 2.7″ LCD; it’s waterproof to 3-metres. Priced at $300, the TG610 has a 5x wide-angle zoom lens and 3″ 920,000-dot LCD; it’s waterproof to 5-metres. The new cameras are shockproof (they can withstand a 1.5 metre drop) and freeze-proof to -10°C.
Arriving last month, the PEN E-PL2 is Olympus’ most affordable Micro Four Thirds interchangeable-lens camera yet; retail price is $600, for a kit that includes a new 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 (28-84mm equivalent) lens. The MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) lens employs a new silent autofocus system that’s suitable for both still and movie recording.
Fish-eye, wide-angle and macro add-on converters are available for the MSC kit lens. Other accessories include the MAL-1 Macro Arm LED light for illuminating nearby subjects, and the PENPal Bluetooth adapter for sending images to compatible devices like smartphones.
Panasonic: Social Uploads, Intelligent Auto, & 3D Conversion Lens
Panasonic Canada Inc. will introduce a new line of Lumix digicams this spring. Canadian release dates and pricing will be announced later.
The new models can shoot 720p HD video at 30fps, and have a Lumix Image Uploader feature, so that users can tag still photos to be uploaded to Facebook and videos to be uploaded to YouTube. They also feature Intelligent LCDs that adjust brightness to suit lighting conditions. Panasonic’s new Venus Engine VI processor helps all the new cameras achieve shutter lag of well under 0.01 second.
Like earlier Lumix cameras, the new models feature Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) mode: a suite of technologies that includes Mega OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) to counteract camera shake at slow shutter speeds; Intelligent ISO, which detects subject motion and sets sensitivity and shutter speed accordingly; face-detection autofocus; and Intelligent Scene Selector, which chooses the best scene mode for the subject. New iA features have been added to the five new cameras described below. AF tracking locks focus onto a moving subject, while Intelligent Exposure optimizes exposure for each part of the image.
Panasonic’s HDC-TM900 camcorder can record HD video onto its 32 GB of internal flash memory or a memory card in its SDXC-compatible slot. It features a 12x Leica Dicomar zoom lens and employs three 3.32MP MOS sensors. The three-sensor design delivers superior tonal and colour gradation compares to conventional single-sensor designs, Panasonic says. It is one of five Panasonic camcorders that will accept an optional 3D conversion lens.
The 14.1MP Lumix DMC-FH2 and 16.1MP DMC-FH5 feature a 4x wide-angle zoom lens. The retractable lens design makes the new cameras 20% slimmer than their predecessors. Encased in a brushed-metal panel, the compact Lumix DMC-FH25 employs an 8x Leica DC zoom lens, 16.1MP sensor and 2.7″ LCD. Its new Sonic Speed Autofocus system improves camera response.
The style-oriented Lumix DMC-FP5 and DMC-FP7 achieve an ultra-slim profile through the use of a 4x internal zoom lens with folded optics. The 14.1MP FP5 and 16.1MP FP7 both have touchscreen LCDs: a 3″ screen with 3:2 aspect ratio on the FP5, and a 3.5″ 16:9 screen on the FP7. Both models have 70MB of built-in memory.
In March, Panasonic Canada will introduce eight new HD camcorders. The HDC-HS900, HDC-TM900 and HDC-SD800 feature a 12x Leica Dicomar zoom lens and three 1/4.1″ 3.32MP MOS sensors. The three-sensor design delivers superior gradation of tones and colour compared to conventional single-sensor camcorders, Panasonic says. The three cams can shoot AVCHD and MP4 video at 1080p or 1080i, as well as 14MP stills.
The HDC-HS900 has an internal 220GB hard drive, as well as an SDXC-compatible card slot; while the HDC-TM900 has 32GB of internal flash memory and memory-card slot. Both models can record five-channel surround sound. The HDC-SD800 has an SDXC-compatible slot only, and records two-channel audio.
All three models accept an optional 3D conversion lens that provides a 58mm view, slightly longer than a “normal” lens. When the 3D lens is attached, the camcorders record 960×1080-pixel 3D video in side-by-side format.
The 3D lens will also work with Panasonic’s top two single-sensor HD cams: the HDC-TM90 (which has 16GB of internal memory, plus a card slot), and the HDC-SD90 (SDXC-compatible slot only). Both models have a single 1/4.1″ MOS sensor and Panasonic 21x zoom lens. They can record HD video at 1080p and 1080i, as well as 5MP stills.
Rounding out Panasonic Canada’s HD camcorder lineup for 2011 are the HDC-HS80 (120GB hard drive plus card slot) and HDC-SD40 (SDXC-compatible card slot only). Both models can shoot 1080i HD video and employ a 1/5.8″ 1.5MP CCD sensor. The HDC-HS80 has a 34x zoom lens, while the HDC-SD40 has 16.8x zoom capability.
Samsung: A View From Two
One of Samsung’s unique digicam features is 2View: a secondary LCD on the front to make it easier to take self-portraits or group pictures that include the shooter. At CES, the company introduced three new models with 2View.
Priced at $180, the PL120 has a 5x wide-angle zoom lens, 14.2MP sensor, 2.7″ main display, 1.5″ front display, HD video capture at 720p, face recognition, and Smart Filters. It will be available in February.
The ST700 is one of Samsung’s new digicams with 2View, which adds a front-mounted LCD that makes it easier to shoot self-portraits and group photos that include the user. It has a 1.8″ front LCD, plus a 3″ touchscreen on the back, with a smartphone-like user interface.
Arriving in March, the PL170 ($230) increases resolution to 16.1MP and boosts the main LCD size to 3″. It also adds optical image stabilization, and HDMI CEC support, so that playback through an HDTV can be controlled by the TV’s remote. The ST700 ($270, coming in March) has a 1.8″ front LCD and 3″ touchscreen on the back, with a new smartphone-inspired user interface, plus face-detect and tracking autofocus.
Samsung has two new compact super-zooms, both with 14MP sensors, 720p HD video capability, and Smart Filters. Arriving in February for $200, the PL210 has a 10x lens and 3″ LCD. Coming in March for $300, the WB210 has a 3.5″ touchscreen LCD with a smartphone-like interface; and 12x zoom lens, plus a Super Wide option that delivers a 21mm (equivalent) angle of view.
Following CES, Samsung announced four additional digicams. Priced at $230, the ST6500 has 16MP sensor, 5x wide-angle zoom lens and 3″ touchscreen with smartphone-like UI. The 14MP ST90 ($140) and 16MP ST95 ($200) both have 5x zoom wide-angle zoom lenses. The former has a 2.7″ LCD, while the latter has a 3″ touchscreen. Both can record 720p video, with the ST95 adding support for the efficient H.264 codec.
The super-thin (17mm) ST30 ($110) is about the size of a mobile phone, but has a 3x wide-angle zoom lens and 10MP sensor. According to Samsung, it’s the world’s smallest digital camera with a zoom lens.
Samsung also announced new flash memory camcorders at CES. Coming in February is the SMX-F50, with Schneider Kreuznach 52x zoom lens, 680K-pixel CCD and 2.7″ LCD. Priced at $200, the SMX-F50 records 720p H.264 video onto SD memory cards; it can also capture 1.9MP stills.
In March, Samsung Canada will launch the HMX-H300 camcorder ($400), which features a Schneider Kreuznach 30x zoom lens, 1/4.1″ 5.1MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor (for better low-light performance), 32GB of internal flash memory, and HDMI output. A record pause function lets users pause and then resume recording without a break, so that the camera records everything as a single clip. The HMX-H300 can record HD video at 1080i60 or 720p60, or SD video at 720×480 60i. Features include face-detection autofocus (up to six people), and optical image stabilization.
Sony: Handy Pico Projo
Sony is billing its HDR-TD10 as the world’s first “Double Full HD” 3D camcorder (although JVC’s GS-TD1 seems to share that billing). Arriving in April for about $1,500, the HDR-TD10 has dual 10x zoom lenses with optical image stabilization, dual Exmor R CMOS sensors, and dual BIONZ video processors. The HDR-TD10 captures separate left- and right-eye streams at 1080p24 or 1080p60, along with five-channel audio. 3D footage can be watched on a 3D-capable TV with appropriate glasses, or without glasses on the HDR-TD10′s 3.5-inch 3D touchscreen. The HDR-TD10 can also capture 7MP 2D stills.
Two new 2D Handycams feature a built-in LED projector, so that users can conduct impromptu screenings. Priced at $1,000 and arriving in April, the HDR-PJ50V records onto an internal 220GB hard drive. It features a 3″ LCD touchscreen, Exmor-R CMOS sensor, 12x wide-angle zoom lens, and GPS receiver for geo-tagging image and video files. The HDR-PJ10 ($750, available in March) records onto 16GB of flash memory, and employs a 30x zoom lens.
Priced at $1,000 and arriving in April, Sony’s HDR-PJ50V camcorder boasts a built-in LED pico projector so users can conduct impromptu screenings.
Aimed at video enthusiasts, the HDR-CX700V features a Sony G wide-angle 10x zoom lens with optical image stabilization, a newly developed Exmor-R CMOS sensor with 16:9 native aspect ratio, 96GB of internal flash memory, and built-in GPS receiver with Navteq map database. The HDR-CX700V has a wide range of features for videophiles, such as support for 1080p recording at 60 and 24fps; expanded focus, zebra and peak settings, and an assignable dial for manual controls. It will be available in March for $1,300.
Arriving in April for $1,100, the HDR-XR560V has 64GB of internal flash memory, and can record HD video at 1080p60 and 1080p24, with presets for gamma and colour. It features a new 1/2.88″ Exmor-R 16:9 CMOS sensor, 10x wide-angle zoom lens, and GPS receiver with Navteq map database.
There are two entry-level HD Handycams: the HDR-XR160 with 160GB hard drive ($650, arriving in April) and the HDR-CX130 with SDXC-compatible and MemoryStick Duo slots ($500, March). Both models have 30x wide-angle zoom lens with optical image stabilization, Exmor-R sensor and 3″ LCD with touch panel.
For 2011, Sony’s step-up and premium Cyber-shot digital cameras can record HD video at 1080i in AVCHD format, and feature dual video/still image recording, which allows them to capture 3MP stills while simultaneously recording HD video. They employ 16.2MP Exmor-R CMOS sensors. The backlit sensors offer excellent low-light performance, Sony notes.
Several models allow the capture of 3D images. The 3D Sweep Panorama mode creates 3D panoramic images from images captured with a press-and-pan motion. With the new 3D Still Image mode, the camera records two shots with different focus positions to calculate the depth of objects in the scene, and uses that information to generate separate left- and right-eye images. Pictures taken in either mode can be viewed on a 3D TV with suitable glasses. Users can also use the Sweep Multi-Angle mode, and view the results in simulated 3D on the camera’s built-in screen.
The Cyber-shot DSC-WX7 ($250) features a 5x wide-angle zoom lens and 2.8″ LCD. The DSC-WX9 ($270) is similar, but has a 3″ 921,000-dot LCD. Both models feature a fast 10fps burst rate at 16.2MP, backlight correction HDR mode, sweep panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama, and 3D still image mode.
The Cyber-shot DSC-HX7V ($350) is a compact super-zoom camera, employing a 10x Sony G lens. Other features include maximum 10fps burst rate on 16.2MP stills, 3D Sweep Panorama and 3D Still Image.
The Cyber-shot DSC-TX10 ($360) is waterproof to 16 feet, shockproof to five feet, dustproof, and freeze-proof to -10°C. It features a 3″ LCD touchscreen with touch autofocus control.
The Cyber-shot DSC-TX100V ($430) features a 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen with autofocus selection, 3D Sweep Panorama and 3D Still Image modes, and a GPS receiver for recording shot location. In addition to 1080i video in AVCHD format, the DSC-TX100V can record 1080p60 (but dual record does not work in 1080p mode).
Wrapping Up
It would be a mistake to characterize CES as a replacement for a dedicated photography show like PMA. While the major camera vendors were all there, there was little participation from accessory suppliers.
While there were some very interesting digicams and camcorders unveiled at CES, there were some notable gaps. Not one new DSLR was introduced; and only one mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera was announced. We can expect some major announcements in these areas as the year progresses.
We’ll cover all these developments as soon as they occur. So stay tuned; CES is just the beginning of what’s ahead in the imaging category for 2011.
Visit the Digital Imaging News Category on this Website for up-to-date information on cameras, DSLRs, and camcorders revealed since the 2011 CES.
