29 January, 2010
Smart snappers: 5 of the best next-gen digital cams
The newest compact cameras and camcorders have it all, including GPS, geotracking, 30x zoom and slick stlye
Barely a month into 2010 and the new decade is already shaping up to be a bonanza for gadget fans, nowhere more so than in the ever-evolving arena of consumer-level compact digital cameras and camcorders.
1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ11
The Japanese maker claims the 12.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-TZ11 is the world’s smallest with its own GPS chip onboard. We’re not going to argue with that.
Perhaps more significant than the ability to automatically geotag each and every photograph are the 12x optical zoom and high-definition video mode. The latter uses a software trick called AVCHD Lite to keep file sizes down, but it’s the 1280x720-pixel output that equates to pin-sharp movies. Available worldwide (called the DMC-ZS7 in the United States) from March 9 for around $450.
2. Sanyo Xacti DMX-CG11
Sanyo’s pistol-grip camcorders are very much like-em-or-loathe-em affairs but the qualities of the latest Xacti models are undeniable.
Based on the notion of bundling two gadgets into one, the DMX-CG10 is both a high-def camcorder, shooting in 1920x1080 full HD, and a 14-megapixel still camera.
On top of that, Sanyo has added a ‘double-range’ zoom button that mimics switching lenses at higher zoom levels. Impressive stuff and on sale in Japan first from the end of next month for ¥50,000 ($555).
3. Sanyo Xacti DMX-SH11
Also from the Osaka-based electronics company, comes a more traditional-looking hybrid camcorder/camera model called the DMX-SH11.
With the same all-in-one ethos of its smaller brother, the SH11 does full HD video and takes stills at 10 megapixels. Throw in a ridiculous 30x zoom and a 35mm wide-angle lens and there's very little to complain about if this one doesn’t satisfy on all fronts. Available in Japan first in late February for ¥60,000 ($666).
4. Sony bloggie series
Sony is targeting the blogging community with its new lineup of camcorders, the MHS-CM5 and PM5. These cameras attempt to provide something for everyone with a choice of a standard shape with a flip-out side screen (CM5) or a 270-degree swivel lens with the screen on the back of the body (PM5). Both models take 1920x1080 high-def video and can grab 5-megapixel still shots, which is increasingly par for the compact camera course these days.
Sony figures the in-camera software providing direct uploads to video hosting sites when it is connected to a computer will appeal to bloggers and the tech savvy. There's also the promise of a bloggie tie-up with Facebook, due to be announced this spring. Both machines are already available worldwide, with the CM5 costing $200 and the dinkier PM5 going for $170.
5. Ricoh GR DIGITAL III × STUSSY
Finally, for those that have more money than photographic talent, the Ricoh’s special edition GR Digital III is worth a look. The slick looking black and blue camera has a 10-megapixel sensor, a 28mm lens and a fairly weak 4x optical zoom, although it does enjoy a reputation for producing high-quality images.
That aside, the only thing special about the device is the price -– a staggering ¥99,750 ($1,105). It goes on sale in Japan only on February 5, and with a limited run of just 500.
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