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Compact system camera- here and how, Day three – FujiFilm FinePix Real 3D W3 User Manual

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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 first 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

definitely 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 first day of Photokina 2010,

Panasonic released its DMC- GH2, the world’s

first 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