Spring preview: Cameras and camcorders
Most of the spring cameras and camcorders are already available--though we're still awaiting some significant dSLR announcements--but a few interesting new models are still slated for April and May shipment. Long zoom lenses in both categories seem to dominate, but with interchangeable lens models and no-compromise flash-based HD camcorders, there's a lot this year to appeal to enthusiasts.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1
Price: TBD
Availability: TBD
The outlook: Panasonic adds HD video capture to the repertoire of its so-called "hybrid" cameras--point-and-shoot bodies with interchangeable lenses--looks like it'll whet the creative juices of enthusiasts the way the EOS 5D Mark II's did for professionals.
Olympus E-620
Price: body-only, $699.99; with 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens, $799.99.
Availability: May 2009
The outlook: The E-620 offers an attractive price for its feature set, which includes a flip-out LCD and in-body image stabilization.
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS
Price: $599.99
Availability: April 2009
The outlook: Though new to the U.S., the camera's been shipping overseas for several months, and was picked as an Editors' Choice by CNET Australia. The CMOS sensor, which promises better photo quality, is its big attraction over the SX10 IS.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1
Price: $499.99
Availability: April 2009
The outlook: With its Dynamic Wide Panorama mode and 1080p video capture, the HX1 was one of the buzziest cameras at PMA.
Samsung TL320
Price: $379.99
Availability: May 2009
The outlook: It's got an AMOLED display and cool retro dials, plus a wide-angle (24mm-equivalent) 5x zoom lens and some manual controls. All of that adds up to a potentially interesting compact point-and-shoot.
Panasonic SDR-H80
Price: $449.99
Availability: April 2009
The outlook: Ridiculously long 70x zoom lens notwithstanding, the Panasonic HDC-H80/H90 standard-def hard-disk camcorders replace the seriously popular H40.
Kodak Zx1
Price: $149.95.
Availability: April 2009
Kodak slims down its Zi6 HD mini camcorder and outfits it in bright hues, taking a stop to ruggedize it along the way. The resulting Zx1 looks like it'll be a more serious Flip MinoHD contender than its older sibling.