Panasonic cameras at PMA
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PMA 2010 Report
One of the most striking camera manufacturers of the last few years is Panasonic. The brand once started with a number of digital cameras and then decided on a very clear, well- built-up line of LUMIX cameras. The Panasonic LUMIX compact camera has managed to conquer quite a large part of market share, which we already expected considering its specifications and performance. It's amazing to see that a giant electronics brand like Panasonic grasped the message quite a lot faster than the traditional photo manufacturers. Panasonic soon equipped its LUMIX digital cameras with a MEGA O.I.S. image stabilization system and also the wide angle zoom lens was integrated very early on.
Nikon digital cameras at PMA
If there is one brand that has been performing superbly for the last year and a half, and even more important, has succeeded in standing out, it's Nikon. With an unparalleled battle concerning market share and a succession of new product launches, one success beaten by the other, Nikon has reached an extremely comfortable position. The introductions of the Nikon D3 and D300 digital SLR cameras were the start, and if you have followed last year’s developments, you will know how many Nikon imaging products succeeded after these two. Canon had to accept a big blow, which also had its effect in the professional world.
Canon cameras at PMA
As always, Canon's presence couldn’t be missed at the PMA 2009. The brand needed a lot of space to present all its latest products. If we look at the Canon digital cameras, we find a large series of IXUS and PowerShot cameras new in the assortment. These digital cameras offer lively colors and stylish designs with the latest technologies to make digital photography even easier. Canon seems to provide a wide array of cameras; at least for the first part of this year. If we look at the entire assortment, we will find a matching camera for every type of photographer. The compact camera assortment of Canon is very well-planned, powerful and has a clear composition.
Sony digital cameras at PMA
In the spacious Sony booth, the entire assortment of digital imaging products is shown in all its aspects. The entire Sony Alpha digital SLR camera line was presented and consumers eagerly took the opportunity to try out the Alpha DSLR for themselves. Still, I have the impression that there's a vast difference in the way Sony attracted the attention with DSLR cameras exactly a year ago, compared to today. One way or another, it seems to me that the plan to position the Alpha DSLR and in particular the higher assortment (Alpha 900 and 700) in the current market as they are now, was not entirely successful.
Olympus digital cameras at PMA
The Olympus booth at the PMA 2009 show is quite well-arranged and provides a lot of space to give a complete camera overview. Striking is the fact that the Olympus E-620 is actually the only real new digital SLR camera of the entire show, which is of course very nice for Olympus. As a result, there was even more interest in the compact E-620. I myself had the opportunity to make several sample pictures in between my busy schedule, on the Strip in Las Vegas. And the first impression of this camera is a good one. It's compact and has features that are directly copied from the semiprofessional E-30 which makes it so pleasant to shoot with it.
Samsung digital cameras at PMA
Samsung promised to come with big news before the start of the PMA, and indeed, with the announcement of the Samsung NX camera, Samsung is likely to become the highlight of the event. This information reached me under NDA before I left for the PMA, and Samsung was first on my list to contact during the PMA show. It was therefore rather disappointing when I finally reached the Samsung booth only to find out I had better things to do then waste my time on a new Samsung camera of which nothing was known yet at all. Showcased behind glass, in different colors and lenses, all we could do was watch something called the Samsung NX from a distance.
Pentax cameras at PMA
Pentax also attended PMA 2009, but the booth didn’t leave much to the imagination. The compact, completely white booth looked more similar to a sales booth than one for demonstrating and showcasing products. Naturally, the digital SLR cameras of Pentax were showcased as well as a new 15mm f/4 lens, although there was hardly any news, if even any at all, about DSLR cameras. Obviously, Pentax did not consider the PMA to be the right time to make an announcement. If you have doubts about a Pentax announcement coming up, be patient... for one or two months. By that time, we will reopen the Pentax book to add a new chapter...
Fujifilm digital cameras at PMA
As always, Fujifilm had a grand presentation at the PMA with emphasis on printing and other services within the field of photography. Various photo kiosks and minilabs were showcased, and we also came across Fujifilm's 3D concept again. The Fujifilm S5 Pro, which is still very much appreciated by a large group of faithful fans, has disappeared. The fact that Fujifilm is no longer flirting with a digital SLR will not have surprised the attentive reader. The developments did not keep pace with the competition, and depending on third parties, for example for the housing, does not seem ideal. Yet, I can still imagine that Fujifilm will make themselves heard again, perhaps at Photokina 2010.