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17
23
rd
SEPTEMBER 2010 Day Three
world of imaging
2010
Compact System Camera-
Here and How!
M
irrorless, interchangeable lens cameras
have entered the market and created
waves in the last 12 months. From
Sony’s NEX-5 and 3 to Panasonic’s Lumix
GH2 and the FinePix X100 prototype with
its vintage style and design, this segment has
taken the world by storm and created a huge
niche for itself. With Photokina 2010 seeing
new announcements in this category, it is
evident that the growth in this segment is in
fact, an excellent example of how innovation
has created consumer demand.
Mirrorless cameras or interchangeable lens
cameras as they are called, create an option
for the advanced amateur to explore skills in
photography. The interchangeable lens camera
or the CSC (Compact System Camera) is not
constrained by the comparative price, design
and technology limitations of compacts and
not burdened by the DSLRs which seem
intimidating to the uninitiated.
CSCs can be combined with their own,
dedicated line of lenses. This means that when
you buy one, you are essentially buying into
a ‘camera system’ of a body, lenses and other
accessories, similar to an experience with a
DSLR.
At Photokina 2010, all the major
manufacturers have featured their CSC models.
Samsung’s NX100 has a completely new
top panel design for its category and sticks
to simplicity, while allowing smart use of
technology to solve the consumer’s needs. Its
toggle i-Funtion button, a rst in any camera
seen yet, allows you to control essential
camera functions such as shutter speed and
aperture settings by using the focusing ring,
which can at any point of time switch between
its twin functions.
If these innovations aren’t enough, switch
over to the Olympus PEN E-PL1, this year’s
TIPA awardee in this category. Simple, cost
effective and smart, this baby can have you
clicking brilliant pictures with its easy-to-use
interface that makes it effortless for compact
camera users to get going.
Sony’s NEX-5 and 3 users marvel at how
other manufacturers’ lenses are compatible
with their camera, through adapters that are
manufactured for the same purpose, in spite
of having their own E-mount lenses. Both
cameras are thinner than any others in the
category and Sony is bullish on innovation
and market expansion- a sign that more will
denitely follow!
For the purist, the CSC segment might
seem like further and unnecessary market
differentiation. Yet, the statistics are quite
clear; consumers want and in fact need
these products as they are a seamless and
easy transition into the world of advanced
digital photography. With APS-C censors and
dedicated lens systems, they are the closest yet
to DSLR-quality photography.
On the rst day of Photokina 2010,
Panasonic released its DMC- GH2, the world’s
rst CSC with a 3D lens. Yes, you read right.
Make it a point to visit Panasonic’s stands at
Photokina and you’d probably be quite thrilled
about what this 16.5 megapixel camera can
do. Also included is an intuitive touch-screen
control. You can simply touch your subject
on the LCD screen to focus on it. It is being
marketed as a hybrid camera - representing
the slow and steady integration of HD video
recording capabilities and superior image
quality in still photography.
This new segment brings together the
best from the worlds of compact companions
for DSLRs, complementing it in quality and
portability. CSC’s lens systems mean that you
can explore photography perhaps as well as
you can with a DSLR, ignoring the bother of a
tedious learning phase.
A lot remains to be seen. Biggies Nikon
and Canon are yet to come out with their
own line of CSCs and one can be sure that
this is a market segment no manufacturer
will ignore. While smaller, smarter and
more advanced models will continue to be
announced, get set to experience the models
which are creating waves the world over,
right here at Photokina 2010.
Arindam Mohanty