Fujifilm FinePix HS10
Super Zoom Options Keep Expanding
Last year, Olympus introduced the 14MP CCD SP-800UZ, the first 30x mega-zoom digicam with a range of 28-840mm; it even grabs 720p video. Fujifilm just topped this effort with the new FinePix HS10 ($499, due April). It has a wider-angle 30x lens (24-720mm), captures Full HD movies, and even grabs 10 fps thanks to its BSI 10MP CMOS chip. Beyond these models, there’s no shortage of potent zoom cameras ranging from 7x-10x with slim form factors to DSLR-like cameras with 15x, 20x and 24x zooms. Every manufacturer has them. Have fun finding your pick.
HP V1020H1
Flash Memory Takes Over
Between the two shows, we’ve seen practically every new breed of camcorder out three—including fully featured models as well as Flip-type pocket cams. No shocks here: Flash memory rules as tape- and DVD-based camcorders have gone the way of the CD. Although there are still HDD models, their number is shrinking as card- and imbedded Flash-based editions take over. The good news here being that the costs on Full HD AVCHD camcorders have dropped below $499 SRP. Although sub-$199 Flips remain wildly popular, we’ll take a real camcorder with a true optical zoom and a quality lens anytime. The big news out of PMA was HP re-entering the business with low-priced ($199) camcorders and digicams.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2
Rugged Gear Reigns
Whether it’s the endless winter or the coming approach of summer prompting the uptick, almost every camera manufacturer now has a “rugged” digicam in its product lineup. Here you have a choice of simply waterproof options to others that can be dropped, frozen and submerged. Olympus popularized these digicams with its TOUGH series, but now there’s strong competition from Canon, Pentax, Fujifilm, Panasonic and Sony. Panasonic’s just-announced Lumix DMC-TS2 ($399) can go 10 feet underwater, be dropped from 6.6 feet, and handle cold to 14 degrees F, plus the 14MP digicam takes AVCHD Lite videos.
HP Photosmart Premium
Touchscreens Triumph
We’re not seeing a tsunami of new releases here yet, but more and more cameras, camcorders and printers have touchscreens so you can tap and swipe your way through menu systems. HP’s new Photosmart Premium Web All-In-One printer has a really nice touch interface, making it a breeze to operate, for example. Card slots on the front let you quickly pick a shot or 12 then crank out nice prints. It’s indicative of the fact that we’ll all soon be poking and prodding our way to the perfect picture.
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