2009's top 10 camera technologies
Here, we present to you 10 of the year's most interesting milestone features and the cameras sporting them. Responses from consumers were also drawn. We will be rolling out our predictions for 2010 soon, so keep a lookout for that.
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1. | Olympus E-P1: Retro-looking Micro Four Thirds camera
Wow factor: The company's first Micro Four Thirds camera is a blast from the past, taking a leaf out of its Pen SLR book for this retro, feature-packed shooter. A complementing version, the E-P2, was announced recently. CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: Refreshing retro and petite design; incorporates Art Filters in HD video mode; good picture and video quality; wide range of adapters for other lenses available.
The bad: No onboard flash; writing time can be faster; confusing menu interface.
The bottom line: The E-P1's good looks and large sensor will appeal to enthusiasts, but general consumers may find some features lacking in this camera.
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2. | Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR: Super CCD EXR
 Wow factor: This shooter adjusts the way its sensor works to take better night shots and higher dynamic range (HDR) pictures. CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: Good quality images even at high ISO; reliable automatic EXR mode switches between different settings accurately; wide dynamic range.
The bad: Boring design; limited manual exposure function; no HD video-recording feature.
The bottom line: Despite minor flaws, we were captivated by the incredible image quality from the F200EXR, considering it is just a point-and-shoot. By far one of the best midrange compacts we've tested.
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3. | Canon PowerShot S90: dSLR-like functions in a small form factor
Wow factor: The S90 is a compact powerhouse which rivals that of the popular Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. With a 28mm F2.0 optics, wide range of exposure options and RAW image capture, this Canon is set to be a favorite among enthusiasts. CNET Asia rating: 7.2 out of 10 The good: Compact and light; useful features such as time-lapse mode; options for choosing AF frame size; quick to focus; fast performance.
The bad: Picture quality starts to deterioriate from ISO 400; control ring operation can be cumbersome; no multi-aspect mode.
The bottom line: This advanced compact has a good range of shooting options to keep most shutterbugs occupied, but we think there is still room for improvement in some areas.
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4. | Ricoh GXR: Modular system with lens and sensor as a single unit
Wow factor: This system may look proprietary, but from what we know it's quite open source. This means other manufacturers can make their own blocks with suitable lens mounts to accommodate their own optics. See full specs | Rate this | |||
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5. | Samsung ST550: Dual LCDs on back and front
Wow factor: Users who like to take self-portraits will be drawn to the ST550. It has a front LCD to let you see where the lens is pointing at, and has a plethora of features such as a high-resolution LCD and haptic feedback. CNET Asia rating: 7.8 out of 10 The good: Front LCD well-implemented for self-portraits and more; classy-looking; fast performance.
The bad: Battery life could be better; front LCD unresponsive at times; picture quality deteriorates at ISO 400.
The bottom line: The ST550 is a breath of fresh air to the otherwise stagnant compact camera segment, and the unique front LCD serves a greater function than just for self-portraits.
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6. | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1: Micro Four Thirds camera with electronic view finder
Wow factor: This is the electronics giant's answer to the Olympus E-P1 which addressed several features such as onboard flash and electronic viewfinder which its rival lacks. CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: Onboard flash; compact size; good picture quality; optional electronic viewfinder helps conserve battery life; solid build.
The bad: Mono microphone tends to pick up too much ambient noise; My Color feature can be improved; slow shutdown time.
The bottom line: The GF1 is a very appealing choice for enthusiasts and users who wish to upgrade from a point-and-shoot.
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7. | Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1: Compact that snaps 3D pictures
Wow factor: This dual-lens camera snaps 3D pictures and is the only compact shooter on the market now to do so. Pity there aren't many accessories to support it. First take Apart from announcing the Super CCD EXR technology at the Cologne-based Photokina imaging tradeshow last year, Fujifilm also showcased a prototype of a 3D digital camera. In the past, you would have need stereoscopic shooters which are typically film-based. Digital versions of such snappers require you to fix two similar cameras side-by-side and press the shutter at the same time. You then need to print the pictures and use special accessories such as 3D glasses or dedicated computer programs to view the images in 3D. All that is about to change with the FinePix Real 3D W1, possibly the world's first consumer 3D digicam. First take | See full specs | Rate this | |||
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8. | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1: Exmor R CMOS sensor
Wow factor: Within the slim chassis of this snapper hides a sensor which behaves similar to Fujifilm's EXR, but the TX1 has other interesting features such as Sweep Panorama which captures wide expanses of landscapes with ease. CNET Asia rating: 7.6 out of 10 The good: Stylish design; slim body; packed with useful functions like Hand-held Twilight and Sweep Panorama modes; quick performance.
The bad: Average picture quality with noise showing at ISO 200; inconsistent white balance.
The bottom line: The TX1's slim body and design will appeal to the fashion-conscious crowd, but some users may not like the photo quality.
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9. | Nikon Coolpix S1000pj: Onboard projector
Wow factor: Possibly the only snapper in the market now with an onboard projector. Much as this sounds gimmicky, it's actually quite functional. CNET Asia rating: 7.4 out of 10 The good: Onboard projector is useful (in dimly lit places); easy operation; 28mm wide-angle lens with 5x optical zoom; bundled remote control and projector stand.
The bad: Picture quality can be improved; slight bulk may not appeal to all users; burst mode can be faster.
The bottom line: Some may balk at the S1000pj's gimmicky projector function, but we found it useful and we're sure there will be users who appreciate such a feature.
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10. | Leica X1: Point-and-shoot with APS-C-sized sensor
Wow factor: This camera had photographers all buzzed up when it was announced because it houses an APS-C-sized sensor in a compact body--just what every professional has been wishing for.
The Leica X1 is fitted with an APS-C-sized sensor and the legendary 24mm F2.8 Elmarit lens which gives the camera an effective focal length of 35mm. Controls are kept to a minimum so shutterbugs can focus more on the shot than tinkering with the buttons. It has also a hotshoe for accessories such as an optical viewfinder or external flash. Read more about it here and here. | |||
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