Though digital cameras released this year are packed with more features including improved resolution, analysts aver that newer models are neither much sleeker nor inexpensive.
Chris Chute, of market research firm IDC, says: “The price range hasn't shifted, but the consumer still wins, because they get more camera than ever before.”
Ahead of Photo Marketing International show in Orlando this Sunday, all big players in the camera market like Sony, Nikon, Canon and Olympus will be exhibiting their latest devices.
All the big names will launch their 5 -6 megapixel models with zoom lenses. Four megapixels will become passé this year.
Some of the value-add features you can look forward to at this exposition are:
Most of the top camera companies are slated to launch models with a built-in stabilizer.
Some of these will have enhanced light sensitivity, which allow you to shoot without a flash in not too well-lit conditions.
Vibration reduction (VR) and wireless networking features are being added in Canon and Nikon offerings.
Preview screens will increase on the higher-end models. They will go up to 2.5-inch - 3-inches.
Lot of new single-lens reflex (SLR) models will also be showcased this year.
The highest-end of Canon's new models is the EOS 30D digital SLR camera. It is an 8.2-megapixel model. This can start in just 0.15 seconds and is said to have better focusing.
Nikon is coming out with its 8.1 megapixel cameras in two models namely the Coolpix P3 and P4 with vibration reduction capability. Both offer an internal memory of around 23 GB and come with 1/1.8-inch CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and 3.5x optical zoom.
