There are cameras and there are cameras. What sets some of them apart from others are their special features and the buzz they created. While some cameras can be exciting in their own right, some are made even more so due to the rivalry they generated.
Here are my Top Seven Most Exciting Cameras released or announced so far in the year 2009, in no particular order.
Pentax K-7... All the features of a modern DSLR
1. Pentax K-7
The K-7, Pentax’s new mid-range camera is shaping up to be among the most exciting cameras this year. Those who are lucky enough to get hold of the camera’s pre-production models can attest to this.
It essentially is what a “modern” DSLR camera should be — small but durable body, dustproof, weather-and-cold-resistant, shutter speed of 1/8000 second, 100,000 shutter releases durability, 5.2 fps, dust removal mechanism, 14.6 megapixels, 23.4mm x 15.6mm CMOS sensor, ISO100 – ISO 6400, 77-segment multi-pattern metering, improved shake-reduction, Live View function, HD movie of 30 fps, 11-point wide-frame AF sensor, 920,000 dots 3.0-inch LCD monitor, high dynamic range function to create one composite image with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different exposures, 16 digital filters…
Olympus E-P1... revolutionary
2. Olympus E-P1
Why can’t compact cameras take DSLR-quality photos? Sounds familiar? I’ve been asking the same question ever since I was stung by camera bugs six years ago. I guess the answer is simple — compact cameras do not have the sensors of DSLRs.
But, why won’t camera makers install DSLR sensors on their compact cameras? I don’t know. It could be due to technical or commercial reason, or both.
Sigma is the earliest camera maker to use a DSLR sensor in its compact camera, in the form of the DP1, the first compact camera to use a DSLR-size sensor.
Then, along comes the Olympus E-P1 — the most exciting camera of 2009 in terms of innovation. It revolutionises the compact camera segment by marrying the body of a compact camera and the sensor and lens-interchangeability of a DSLR in a classic look and micro four-third format.
Here are some head-turning features of the EP-1 — DSLR image quality, 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor, Adapter for all Zuiko Digital & OM lenses, Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology, 20 shooting modes, HD Movie with stereo sound, Art Filters, Multi-Aspect ratios, HDMI TV interface, 3fps, ISO 100-6400, simultaneous writing of RAW and JPEG, 3.0 inch HyperCrystal LCD, AE/AF lock, Auto gradation adjustment, dust reduction.
Sony DSC-HX1... Panorama maker
3. Sony DSC-HX1
Of the several new features introduced in compact cameras this year — among them are the HD movie capability and fast frame-per-second continuous shooting — Sony DSC-HX1’s panorama maker stands out to be the most notable.
Sony calls the feature “sweep panorama” technology which stitches images automatically as you press the shutter and move the camera either horizontally or vertically.
The HX1 also has two other unique features namely the anti motion blur where the camera takes six images in rapid succession and combines them to create the sharpest possible photos, and the twilight shooting mode which enables the camera to shoot six images in rapid succession and combines them together to create the sharpest possible photos taken in low light.
Sweep panorama is hot technology. If only Sony can consider including the feature in its upcoming DSLRs…
Olympus E-620... artistic
4. Olympus E-620
This camera is exciting as it offers features not available in other cameras — art filters and multiple exposure shooting capabilities. Coupled with the tilt-and-swivel screen, the camera offers wide-ranging possibilities for creative photographers.
Among the major features are 12.3 megapixels live MOS sensor, 4 fps continuous shooting, dust reduction system, art filters (Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film and Pin Hole), multiple exposure and aspect ratio, Live view with contrast detect AF, face detection, Illuminated buttons.
Panasonic DMC GH1... this is how video should be shot
5. Panasonic DMC-GH1
Perhaps Panasonic DMC-GH1’s strongest point is its ability to autofocus when shooting videos, something which DSLR cameras with HD videos cannot do.
In a way, Panasonic is showing the way how video should be shot with still cameras. Coupled with the GH1’s 10x optical zoom lens (28mm – 280mm), the camera has all the right balance between shooting stills and videos.
Canon EOS 500D... super-duper entry level DSLR camera
6. Canon EOS 500D
Words cannot describe the intensity of the competition and excitement generated by Canon EOS 500D and its arch-rival Nikon D5000. The less said here, the better. When was the last time you seen two cameras slugged it out as intense as these two? If there had been such a time, I was not aware of it.
Nikon D5000... super-duper entry level camera
7. Nikon D5000
Words cannot describe the intensity of the competition and excitement generated by Nikon D5000 and its arch-rival Canon EOS 500D. The less said here, the better. When was the last time you seen two cameras slugged it out as intense as these two? If there had been such a time, I was not aware of it.
Technorati Tags: Pentax K-7, Olympus E-P1, compact camera, micro four-third, Olympus Art Filters
