Innovation
Emerging Technologies
A LOOKAT NEWINNOVATIONS OVERTHE LAST SIXMONTHS
Without attempting to reinvent the wheel,manufacturers seem to have spent the first half of 2009 refining their flagship products and making every penny of consumer and investment spend work for features and functionality.
Innovations in the not-quite-a-
compact, not-quite-a-DSLR market have turned up some of the most interesting camera models this year. Hybrid and bridge models demonstrated a definite audience for small but high-function cameras for the enthusiastic amateur, and several key manufacturers worked on condensing their technology. Superzoom entered the compact market and quickly became a best- selling feature, which we’re bound to see more of. Micro Four Thirds has also opened
up the potential for smaller cameras with DSLR functionality, crucially, in this case, referring to interchangeable
lenses.Micro Four Thirds cameras have been introduced with their own range of lenses, plus adaptors so that Four Thirds lenses can be used too. Various forms of digital media
continue to step on one another’s toes,most notably with DSLRs acquiring high-definition video and mobile phones acquiring 12 megapixel cameras.Manufacturers seemed to stop trying to expand megapixel count for consumer cameras and instead looked at innovating in image capture: the launch of Fujifilm’s Super CCD EXR, which adjusts according to light for the best image, added a new element to the sensor debate. User interface has been an area of
much experimentation this year, with “intuitive” the buzzword that brands are working towards. The idea behind this is that consumers should be able to use their gadgets without ever picking up the instruction manual. In
cameras in particular this is thought to enable more creative freedom and it’s certainly a great selling point. Shake-through menus, touch screens and automatic rotation are all likely to become standard features for compacts in the next year or so. (More on this subject on page 21). The emergence of digital 3D almost
came as a surprise to the industry, having been the subject of rumour and speculation for years. The announcement and launch of Fujifilm’s pioneering digital 3D system paves the way for a whole new branch of imaging, which will be hugely determined by take-up. If the indications are right and
the market warrants the resources to make the cameras cheaper, thereby increasing consumer uptake, the ramifications on the trade and photofinishing in particular will be enormous.Whole ranges of cameras and accessories could stem from a successful beginning for digital 3D, moving digital imaging into a whole new era.
The popularity of photos for social
networking and users’ enthusiasm for sharing their photos inspired Samsung to bring out two world firsts this year, already the subject of a huge marketing campaign to show their capabilities to consumers. Making the most of new technologies, Samsung’s compact range now boasts the first dual LCD screen compact, ideal for self and group portraits, and the first compact with the onboard ability to wirelessly email photos. Image sharing is a major emphasis for consumers at the moment so we expect further innovation in this market.
“User interface has been an area ofmuch experimentation this year,with “intuitive” the buzzword that brands are working towards.”
18 Pixel Imaging Guide
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