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This story was printed from CNET Asia.
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Compact shooters may not have the flexible shooting options of dSLRs, nor the zoom range of megazoom prosumer models. However, these days, they come packed with almost everything but the kitchen sink to help make you a better photographer. Admittedly, not all the features are useful. In fact, some are downright gimmicky. But for the many cameras on display at the PMA tradeshow in Las Vegas, we saw lots of promising features such as intelligent sensors, improved face detection algorithms, ultra-wide-angle lens, HD video recording as well as tougher bodies. Having seen what the latest cameras have to offer, we've rounded up five of the most outstanding compact models on display. Here they are, in no particular order.
Sony may just have a winning combination of intelligent features and stylish slim design with this latest Cyber-shot, which will succeed the popular T200. Aside from its onboard Bionz processing engine and Super SteadyShot image stabilizer, the T300 is equipped with the company's newest smart features. Notable ones are the intelligent scene recognition (iSCN), updated face detection and smile shutter with child and adult priority, as well as an improved filtering and image viewing system. An upgraded D-Range Optimizer Plus mode can also be found onboard the T300 for enhancing picture details in high-contrast images.
Other noteworthy features:
Semi-manual focus
Slideshow with music playback
5x optical zoom lens
Wide 3.5-inch touchscreen display
Expected: March 2008 (US)
Successor to the Cyber-shot DSC-T200
The newest face in the Japanese company's popular FX-series brings slim compact cameras to the next level with the introduction of a 25mm ultra-wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens (with F2.8 brightness). Thanks to a new lens technology developed by Panasonic, this gives the FX36 almost two times the capture viewing range compared to conventional 35mm lens cameras. What's equally impressive is the Lumix's ability to record video in 720p High Definition resolution (or 1,280 x 720) at 30fps and output the signal to a compatible TV through an optional component cable. Panasonic has also incorporated on the FX36 two new shooting-assist features--Intelligent Exposure and Digital Red-Eye Correction--in addition to its Intelligent Auto mode. The latter promises to further improve the quality of images captured in the automatic point-and-shot mode.
Other noteworthy features:
Slideshow with music playback
Venus Engine IV
Intelligent LCD
Expected: February to April 2008 (Asia)
Latest addition to the Lumix FX-series
With the success of the F31fd and F50fd, the new F100fd has big shoes to fill. Fortunately, Fujifilm has incorporated quite a fair bit of enhancements in this latest F-series offering, including a 28mm wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens and a wide dynamic range that's comparable to the S5 Pro dSLR. While the resolution and LCD size remained the same (as the F50fd), the F100fd sports a new Super CCD HR VIII and RE (Real Photo) Processor III engine as well as improved ISO settings (ISO 3,200 at full resolution and ISO 12,800 at 3 megapixels). The Face Detection feature has also been pushed up one notch with faster tracking and side profile recognition.
Other noteworthy features:
High-speed image viewing (10fps)
Dual image stabilization
Accepts both SD/SDHC and xD-Picture cards
Expected: First half of 2008 (Asia)
Successor to the FinePix F50fd
Olympus produces one of the most rugged digital cameras in the market today with its Mju SW-series offerings. Its latest addition, the Mju 1030SW, pushes the envelope even further with the ability to withstand more abuse. It is now rated shockproof from a height of 2m, waterproof up to a depth of 10m, and will remain functional at temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. In other words, aside from extreme weather or environment, the camera's almost indestructible during normal usage. Did we also mention that the 10-megapixel Mju comes with built-in altimeter and depth gauge? An upcoming underwater case, which will be sold separately, will allow the camera' to dive up to a 40m depth.
Other noteworthy features:
Pre-capture movie function
28mm wide-angle lens
Dedicated underwater-shooting modes
Olympus TruePic III image processor
Expected: February 2008 (Singapore)
Successor to the Mju 795SW
This Samsung compact camera may have been announced during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) tradeshow in January, but it remains one of the most feature-packed shooters on display at PMA. Interestingly, the NV24 HD seems to be a direct competitor to Panasonic's FX36 in terms of features. Besides offering 720p HD video recording in H.264 format, it sports a 24mm ultra-wide-angle Schneider lens with 3.6x optical zoom. It also comes with a 2.5-inch AMOLED display which, according to a Samsung rep, produces a brighter, more natural display. An optional cradle offers HDMI connectivity from the camera to an HDTV for viewing images and movies.
Other noteworthy features:
Smart Touch user interface
Dual Image Stabilization (optical and digital)
Face, smile and blink detection
Self-portrait mode
Expected: June/July 2008 (US)
Latest addition to the Samsung NV-series
