The PMA show (Photo Marketing Show 2005) is one of the biggest events of the year for announcements of new photography equipment. So far, however, no news of a successor to the Canon Powershot S1is.
Some of the headlines from Canon include:
* Updated Rebel digital SLR - EOS Digital Rebel XT (US$900 body-only; $1,000 with EF-S 18-55mm lens) with new DIGIC II image processor for faster speed and lower power consumption. Startup time is 0.2 seconds (10x faster than the previous model), and it can take RAW and large JPEG photos simulataneously.
*Updated ELPH compact cameras - SD400 ($400) and SD500 ($500). Both have one feature of questionable value: movie mode runs at 60 frames per second, but at a poor 320 x 240 resolution and just for one minute. I find 15fps adequate on my S1is; it's the resolution that matters more.
* Three updated camcorders - Optura 50 (US800) and Optura 60 ($900) miniature camcorders, and ZR400 ($550) compact model. My ZR25MC isn't working properly anymore, so I'm considering a new one. I like the ZR series.
* Dye sublimation printer - SELPHY CP600 ($250) makes borderless postcard-size prints in just over one minute. This kind of printer makes the best looking prints, better than the highest-resolution inkjet. Only problem is that the ink sheets can be expensive.
* All-in-one printer - PIXMA MP760 Photo All-in-One ($300) photo printer, scanner, and memory card reader with USB 2.0 High-Speed connector. I wonder how much USB2 would improve print speeds? Perhaps not much, if the printer holds no buffer memory. I am guessing the USB2 is helpful mostly for scanning and memory card reading -- that is, sending data to the computer.
* 35mm Film Camera -- Sure Shot 130u II (US$110) 35mm film camera with 3.4x zoom, auto-everything, and date imprinting.
Fascinating how Canon's vp spins it:"Canon continues to show its commitment to the film market and its consumers by providing imaging solutions for all users. By listening to the requests of our customers, we can now offer a stylish and full-featured point and shoot camera at a very attractive price."
Uh huh. The reason for the "attractive price" is that nobody buys film cameras anymore. It's not a result of "listening to consumers"; it's a result of market dynamics.
It's curious that Canon listens only to the customers who want stylish cameras at attractive prices. It would be nice if Canon also listened to customers who want cameras that work correctly.
Expect more announcements as the days progress!
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