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The article reports on the assessment by Tim Herbert, senior market research director of Consumer Electronics Association, on the digital camera market. According to Herbert, the market can endure a projected decline in sales growth by appealing to the increased number of repeat buyers and keying in on the increasing interest in do-it-yourself photo hobbiests. The growth of the digital still photography should endure during its expected 2008 downturn due to shorter replacement cycles and increasing ranks of repeat buyers. It is estimated that the digital camera market is projected to grow 16 percent in 2006 with 26 million units shipped.

The article reports that digital photo frame sales are expected to increase in 2009, compared with 2007 and 2008. According to Harry Wang, research director at Parks Associates, market penetration for photo frames is low compared to other devices and that only 18% of people with broadband have a frame while 70% of digital camera owners have them.

The article provides information on Wi-Fi enabled digital camera and other products introduced by Sony at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) show in 2007. The company's 6-megapixel Cybershot DSC-G1 camera is compatible with Digital Living Network Alliance -enabled devices and can wireless share images with up to four cameras simultaneously. It includes built-in management software for finding and organizing images stored on the camera. Sony also announced a photo printer with a high-definition output at the event.

The article reports on the market launch of the Finepix S6000fd digital camera from Fujifilm. The camera is part of the company's ultra-zoom, fixed lens category and has a 10x optical zoom wide angle lens. It is Fujifilm's first camera model with face detection which is a hardware-based solution that features a chip that aids in speed operation. The camera automatically identifies faces in a scene and adjusts exposure and focus accordingly. It will prioritize the face closest to the camera for focusing purposes.

The article reports on the launch of digital cameras at the 2006 Photo Marketing Association's trade show in Orlando, Florida. Canon will offer three 6-megapixel Elphs. The SD700 is the first Elph to feature a 4x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, a 173K pixel 2.5-inch LCD and ISO 800 sensitivity. Casio added a new Exilim to its line, the 6-megapixel EX-Z600, with a 2.7-inch LCD. It features a battery life of 550 pictures per charge and a new eBay Best Shot mode which automatically configures images for posting at the auction site. Fujifilm will offer the 6.3-megapixel FinePix F30, capable of shooting full-resolution images at ISO 3,200.

The article reports on the launch of digital cameras at the 2006 Photo Marketing Association's trade show in the U.S. Samsung announced a camera with built-in HDMI output for connecting and outputting higher-resolution JPEG to high-definition televisions. Canon and Panasonic will offer cameras capable of capturing still images and video in a wide angle ratio for display on 16:9 screens. Sony will combine digital photography and HD viewing with a new hard-drive-based photo review designed to connect to HDTV with a component output.

The article reports on the efforts of Eastman Kodak to enable seamless transmission of digital photographs, according to chairman and CEO Antonio Perez. Perez emphasized the need to redefine the functions of digital cameras. In line with its aim to allow digital cameras to transmit, organize, archive and share across every device and platform, Kodak has forged industry partnerships. The company has signed a cross-licensing and marketing deal with Motorola. It has also partnered with Skype, a personal computer/voice-over-Internet portal service.

The article features digital cameras from different manufacturers. The FinePix S9000, which ships in September for a suggested $699, features Fujifilm's 9-megapixel Super CCD HR sensor, a 10.7x optical zoom lens and the company's Real Photo Technology for reducing the effects of digital noise, improving battery life and increasing the speed of operation and start-up time. The camera can capture RAW image files and offers a super macro mode for focusing up to 0.4 inches. The LCD can tilt for various shooting angles and the camera accepts both xD and Compact-Flash memory cards. Kodak broke its self-imposed $499 price ceiling with the introduction of a new series in its EasyShare camera line, positioning the new family as a high-end alternative to a digital SLR. The 8-megapixel P880, for a suggested $599, is the company's first model to break the $499 price point since the company directed its focus to the mainstream camera buyer. The P880 will ship in September and features a 5.8x optical zoom lens, a 2.5-inch LCD screen, a manual zoom ring and a selectable 25-point hybrid Auto Focus system. Sony announced its latest T-series ultra-compact digital camera, offering improved battery life over its predecessor.

This article offers a look at the slate of new digital cameras unveiled by Samsung during the third week of June 2005. The new introductions include the eight-megapixel Digimax Pro815, the first digital camera to sport a 15x optical zoom and a 3.5-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, and the L55W, a digital camera with a 2.8-inch widescreen LCD for framing images in the 16:9 aspect ratio. Pro815, which ships in August 2005 for a suggested $849, features both manual and automatic exposure controls, manual focus ring, selectable International Organization for Standardization settings, five flash options and custom white balance. It also features a 1.44-inch status LCD that can double as a viewfinder. The 5-megapixel L55W features a 4.8x optical zoom with a 2.8-inch wide LCD screen for viewing images in either 16:9 or 4:3. It powers up in one second and features a one-second shot-to-shot time. It offers continuous shooting at 2.5 frames per second. The company also added an ultra-slim model to its lineup using a non-protruding 3x optical zoom lens. Its five-megapixel Digimax i5 features automatic macro focusing to five centimeters and a super macro mode for focusing to one centimeter. A safety flash mode can deliver an image that looks like it has been taken with the flash without causing red eye, the company claims.

This article reports on the introduction of several new models of digital cameras in the U.S. as of February 7, 2005. Seeking to draw an early spotlight, digital camera makers introduced several new 2005 models, principally courting the entry and mid-level consumer. Adesso announced its first slate of Umax-branded digital still and video cameras, aimed at the sub-$400 end of the market. The accessories manufacturer agreed to distribute, service and support Umax branded cameras in July 2004. The first fruits of that agreement ship in February 2005 in two lines. The AstraCani family will target more novice users while the PowerCam product line will offer more advanced features. Canon's latest PowerShot claims to live up to its namesake, consuming less power than its predecessor for an equal number than its predecessor for an equal number of shots. The 3.2-megapixel PowerShot A510 serves to replace the A75. The camera can take 300 photos with the LCD on, on a pair of AA batteries. Casio announced a new member in its Exilim Pro line, emphasizing a series of enhanced movie recording features that complement its still photo features. To complement the video recording, Casio incorporated several movie shooting modes and in-camera movie editing in the P505.

This article features several digital cameras. In addition to concrete specs, higher resolutions, larger liquid crystal display screens, and faster performance, vendors are allegedly offering thin, colorful and artistically shaped designs that defy the usual specsmenship. Casio introduced three new models in its Exilim line of ultra-compact digital cameras. Allegedly, the company hailed its new flagship, the Exilim Card EX-SlOO, as the thinnest camera on the market with an optical lens. The 3.2-megapixel EX-SlOO features a 2.8x optical zoom using Casio's new ceramic lens design, which employs the transparent ceramic Lumerica developed by Murata Manufacturing. On the other hand, Canon made replacements across its line, swapping out models in its G-series and A-series and adding a model to its S-series. PowerShot G6 replaces the G5 model, adding a 30 percent faster zoom and a 55 percent faster autofocus, while losing 10 percent of its predecessor's size. The G6 features a 270 degree vari-angled 2.0-inch liquid crystal display and a 4x optical/4.1x digital zoom lens with macro focusing down to 2 inches, simultaneous RAW/Joint Photographic Experts Group image capture, 12 shooting modes and an Intelligent Orientation Sensor that automatically rotates vertical shots during playback. Meanwhile, Canon will swap out the A70 with the 4-megapixel A85. Featuring a 3.2x optical zoom lens, 1.8-inch liquid crystal display and 13 scene modes, the A85 is shipping for an estimated street price of $299.99.

U.S. camera manufacturer Fujifilm introduced five new digital cameras in August 2004, including a new product series aimed at repeat buyers looking to upgrade their older cameras. The new E-series models will fit between the company's A-series entry-level models and slim form factor F-series. The new cameras include the FinePix E500, E510 and E550. All three cameras feature a two-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, PictBridge compatibility and a 3.2x optical Fujinon wide-angle zoom lens. The company also added two models to its existing S-series of traditionally styled, ultra-zoom models. The S3100 and S5100 both feature 4.0 megapixel resolution with an improved viewfinder and LCD for low-light viewing. The S3100, which replaces the S3000, offers fully automatic exposure controls with a 6x optical/3.4x digital zoom. The S5100, which replaces the S5000, is equipped with manual controls and a 10x optical/3.6x digital zoom. Fujifilm also updated the specifications and announced availability for its high-end digital single-lens reflex camera, the FinePix S3 Pro. New features of FinePix S3 Pro include adjustable range and several film simulation modes.

This article features the digital cameras introduced by camera vendors DXG, Konica Minolta and Panasonic in July 2004. DXG announced the 3-megapixel DXG-308U that ships with an underwater housing which can be submerged in 5 meters of water. The camera also features 16MB of internal memory, an SD/MMC slot, 4x digital zoom and a 1.5 liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. Meanwhile, Konica introduced four new digital cameras, two in its Z-series and two in X-series. The 3.2 megapixel DiMage Z10 features a 0.5 second start-up time, 8x optical/4x digital zoom lens, Predictive Focus Control and a new energy saving design which allows the camera to capture up to 500 frames with the included AA alkaline batteries. The 4-megapixel DiMAGE Z3 features an Anti-Shake System, 12x optical/4x digital zoom lens and Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control. In the compact line, the 5-megapixel X50 features a 2.8x non-protruding optical zoom lens with a new sliding lens cover, a 2 inch LCD screen, a half second start up time. The 3-megapixel X31 features a 3x optical/4x digital zoom lens and sports 0.1 second shutter release time. Finally, Panasonic introduced five new Lumix ultar-zoom digital cameras including the 3-megapixel DMC-FZ3, the 4-megapixel FZ15 and the 5-megapixel FZ20.

Presents information on various digital cameras introduced at the Purchasing Management Association 2004 show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cost of the Eye-Q 5062 from Concord; Features of the EX-P600 Exilim Pro from Casio; Models of DiMAGE brand from Konica-Minolta.

Announces the introduction of digital cameras by Sony in January 2004. Aim of the move; Features of the cameras.

The article evaluates new printers from Kodak, namely, the ESP 7 and ESP 9 printers.

The article offers information on the Panasonic DMC-FX500 and the Pentax Optio V20 digital cameras.

The article deals with a study which assessed the importance of revenues from digital camera accessories to the performance of the photography printing industry in the U.S. The NPD Group forecasted that accessories will keep the imaging business growing as camera revenue increases. The author states that camera accessories such as lenses, cases, batteries, speedlights, tripods, accessory kits, docks, lens filters and adapters improved 29 percent in units and 40 percent in dollars from 2005 to 2006.

The article presents a comparison of different Samsung digital cameras including L73, S1050 and S630.

The article offers information on several digital cameras released by Olympus for the 2006 holiday season including the Stylus 1000, Stylus 750 and Stylus 740.

The article reports on the launch of Exilim 7-megapixel digital cameras from Casio. The compact cameras feature the eBay scene mode for framing and exposing images of products destined for auction. The camera will be available in different colors. The Exilim EX-Z70 has similar features with the 6-megapixel Z60 such as an easy mode that streamlines the camera's menu and a 2.5-inch liquid crystal display. Casio's Best Shot scene modes will be introduced in its EX-Z700 camera. Meanwhile, the S770 model will feature a 2.7-inch liquid crystal display with increased brightness and a battery that is capable for shooting 460 images on a single charge.

The article reports on the launch of several digital camera models from Kodak. The V705 model replaces the V570 dual lens models. The camera offers 7-megapixel resolution and a 5x optical zoom wide-angle lens. It also features 22 scene modes, three color modes, in-camera panoramic stitching and video graphics array (VGA) movie recording with in-camera video editing. It will be offered at a suggested retail price of $349. The company will also launch the 8-megapixel C875 with a 5x optical zoom lens, a 2.5-inch liquid crystal display and VGA/30 frames per second movie recording.

The article reports on the launch of the Optio A20 and M20 digital cameras from Pentax. Both models will serve as replacement to its A and M digital camera series. The company also introduced a waterproof model. Optio 20 features a 2.50-inch liquid crystal display and a 3x optical zoom. Three varieties of blur reduction technology will be offered. The A20 model, on the other hand, records video graphics array movies at 30 frames per second using the DivX format. Facial recognition is also incorporated into the camera's autofocus and auto exposure modes.

The article reports on the launch of two digital SLR cameras from Pentax in the U.S. in May 2006. The 6-megapixel K100D features a proprietary shake-reduction (SR) system that uses a moving CCD sensor to combat image blur. The camera features a 2.5-inch, 210,000-pixel LCD, automatic ISO sensitivity to 3,200, and a 2.8 fps burst mode up to five JPEG images or three RAW images. The SLR takes SD memory and can save images as a group or automatically save them by the date taken as individual folders on the SD card.

This article reports that Pentax will lower the price of its *ist DL digital SLR kit with a 18-55 DA lens from a suggested $799.95 to $599.95 effective February 21, 2006. The *ist DL features a 2.5-inch LCD and 11-point autofocus system. The move positions the 6-megapixel *ist DL as the cheapest d-SLR on the market, competing against Nikon's D50, Konica Minolta's Maxxum 5D and Canon's initial EOS Digital Rebel. It move also represents an effort by the company to shift its emphasis toward interchangeable lens category and transcend the hyper-competitive compact still camera market.

This article reports on the two new W-series cameras introduced by Sony as of February 2006. The new models are both 6-megapixel, 3x optical zoom cameras. Both cameras feature improved light sensitivity. The Cyber-shot DSC-W30 features an ISO of 1,000, a 400 shot battery, 32MB of internal memory and a 2-inch LCD. The DSC-W50 features a 2.5-inch LCD, five-point AF system and VGA movie recording at 30 frames per second, but features a battery life of just 390 shots. The Cyber-shot DSC-W30 will retail for an estimated $230 while the Cyber-shot DSC-W50 will retail for an estimated $250.

This article features the new ultra-zoom Lumix DMC-FZ7 digital camera from Panasonic. The camera brings a 12x optical zoom model to market under $400. The 6-megapixel camera features a 12x optical zoom Leica lens and Panasonic's MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer. The camera also features a new High Sensitivity Mode for minimizing blur in low light settings and when shooting with fast shutter speeds. The camera features automatic and manual control and can record full resolution JPEG files in bursts of 3 frames per second.

This article reports on the release of the GX-1S, a digital SLR, 6-megapixel camera from Samsung, as of January 30, 2006. This digital camera is the first fruit of the Samsung-Pentax partnership. It is based on Pentax's existing d-SLR technology. It will feature a 2.5-inch LCD and pentaprism viewfinder with a 95 percent field view with .95x magnification. It offers 16-segment multipattern metering, center-weighted and spot metering, an 11-point autofocus sensor and several automatic shooting modes.

The article deals with X60 and X30, the 10-megapixel digital point-and-shoot cameras announced by Vivitar at a press conference during the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The X60 camera has digital zoom lens, liquid crystal display (LCD) and video graphic array (VGA) frames. On the other hand, the X30 has optical zoom with LCD and VGA resolution frames per second. Vivitar will start shipping the X60 and X30 in the second quarter of 2006.

The article stresses the intention of camera makers to increase digital camera penetration in the U.S. as of December 19, 2005 by offering bundled-snap shot printers and low-cost digital cameras. Despite the success of digital photography over its analog hold-outs, there are still U.S. households that prefer film cameras. According to Chris Chute, senior analyst at IDC, digital camera penetration will only peak at 62 percent of households, while film cameras experienced 84 percent penetration. The gap between film and digital penetration is caused by digital's reliance on computers. Thus manufacturers are trying to attract households without computers by offering printer bundles.

The article assesses the behavior of the repeat buyers of digital cameras during the fourth quarter of 2005. Consumers who will come to retail stores this Christmas season are those who intend to get the most of their purchase as they become more critical in evaluating resolution, liquid crystal display (LCD) size and zoom length. According to Kristen Elder of Circuit City, household penetration seems more stable as more customers buy camera to replace an existing digital camera. As consumers become more experienced, the enhancements on product design also improves. Elder added that repeat buyers are opting to trade for ease of use, more zoom and larger LCD, smaller cameras and more resolution.

This article describes the D200 digital camera from Nikon. The 10-megapixel D200 offers an array of automatic and manual controls and several new enhancements in the unit's autofocus. The D200 features a 2.5-inch LCD with a 170-degree viewing area, a 0.15 second power-up time, and a new 11-area autofocus system that can convert to a seven-wide area sensor. The camera can shoot continuously at up to five frames per second for up to 37 JPEG images or 22 RAW images. A Recent Settings menu displays the last 14 settings adjusted, giving users the ability to track and make changes to the camera's settings.

This article reports on the plan of Canon to introduce a Wi-Fi-enabled digital camera in the U.S. in 2006. The SD430 Digital Elph Wireless will be available in Europe first with a U.S. ship date slated for the first quarter of 2006, according to Chuck Westfall, Canon's technical information director. The camera will build off of the existing 5-megapixel SD400 with 802.11b wireless support. It will ship with a USB Wi-Fi dongle to connect to the company's existing PictBridge-enabled printers. Canon is pitching wireless technology as the next step in direct, PC-free printing, Westfall said.

This article reports on the launch of the PictureMate Express edition portable snapshot printer from Epson, in the U.S. in October 2005. The printer offers the same features as the original PictureMate but with faster print speeds, printing a 4-inch by 6-inch photo in 80 seconds.

This article reports on the plan of Kodak to introduce its first photo printers designed to work with third-party digital cameras in the U.S. as of September 2005. The company also introduced a new printer dock series with built-in Bluetooth connectivity. All of its introductions ship in October 2005. The EasyShare Photo Printer 500 is a stand-alone 4-inch by 6-inch printer that features built-in Bluetooth connectivity, a 3.5-inch LCD and slots for memory cards. Using an optional Kodak Wi-Fi card, the printer can connect to wireless home networks or make prints directly from Wi-Fi enabled digital cameras. It can produce a 4-by-6 inch photographs in roughly 60 seconds. The printer will retail for a suggested $249. For Kodak camera owners, the company introduced the EasyShare PrintDock Plus Series 3 for a suggested $179. The new dock offers built-in Bluetooth, compatibility with the optional Wi-Fi card and built-in infrared for making prints directly from infrared-enabled devices. The company integrated its Perfect Touch imaging technology formerly found on its digital still cameras into the 500 and Series 3 dock.

This article reports on new introductions to the digital camera lineup of Olympus as of September 2005. The new Styles 600 features an all-weather construction and the company's new Bright Capture technology, which Olympus says improves low light photography without a flash. The camera also features built-in editing features such as red-eye removal, the ability to add frame and text to images, color brightness and saturation adjustment. The company's C-series of digital cameras has been replaced with the SP-series. Its newest member includes the 6-megapixel SP-500 UZ. The camera features a 10x optical zoom lens with an extra dispersion glass element, 2.5-inch LCD, manual and automatic exposure controls, in-camera editing and 21 scene modes. The camera is compatible with accessory lenses. Olympus also renamed its D-series of entry-level models.

This article reports on the emergence of women as primary consumers of digital cameras as of June 2005. With digital cameras flourishing in the mass market, the traditional purchasing and usage patterns associated with the old analog model are reasserting themselves--and that means women are back in the driver's seat. Perhaps no camera manufacturer has been the beneficiary of this gender shift more than Kodak. While the company failed to gain significant market traction in the early days of digital imaging--a time when the technology was novel and the demographic base skewed heavily toward male early adopters--it has seen its competitive fortunes rebound on a wave of female purchasers. It is no coincidence that 2004 saw both the emergence of women as the primary users of digital cameras and Kodak claiming the top spot in digital camera sales, said Laura Klein, vice president/marketing director at Kodak. If the digital still camera market mimics its 35mm counterpart, women will account for three-quarters of the products users, according to the Photo Marketing Association. As such, Klein said the overwhelming majority of its marketing efforts--90 percent--will be geared toward women. Unlike their specification-obsessed male counterparts, female purchasers view digital cameras as a means to an end--a photo print--and are more receptive to a message that stresses the outcome.

The article features the Coolpix S1 digital camera from Nikon. The 5-megapixel S1 features a 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5-inch liquid crystal display and several in-camera editing features, including automatic red-eye removal, D-Lighting to obtain a balanced exposure, and a blur warning to alert users when a saved photo suffers from blur. The camera also incorporates the recently introduced Face Priority Auto Focus. The S1 sports 17 scene modes, continuous shooting at 1.8 frames per second (fps), video graphics array movie recording at 15 fps, and a start-up time of less than two seconds. A voice-memo function records up to 20 seconds of sound that can be appended to a still image.

This article features a line-up of digital cameras that are ultra-slim. Concord introduced the 3-megapixeI 3043, a fixed focal length unit with a 4x digital zoom. It can record movies with sound and will retail for a suggested $99.99. The 3043 is 0.78-inch thick and offers 16 megabytes of internal memory. It will ship in blue, silver or metallic gold. Casio debuted two new models in its Exilim family of ultra-slim digital cameras. The 5-megapixel EX-Z57 features a 3x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch liquid crystal display, 9 megabytes of internal memory, and a business-shot mode, and it ships with a cradle for recharging the camera's batteries and connecting it to a personal computer. It can record voice clips to add to still images in addition to 320 by 240 movies with sound at 15 frames per second. Fujifilm added a model to its Z-series of slim form factor models. The 5-megapixel, all-metal Z1 product will ship in June 2005 for a suggested $449.95. The Z1 employs Fujifilm's Super Charge-Coupled Device HR and features a non-extending 3x optical zoom lens. The camera's 2.5-inch liquid crystal display offers a gain-up feature to improve viewing in brightly lit environments and sports a reinforced glass coating that the company claims is 35 times more scratch resistant than previous screens.

This article provides information on several models of ultra-zoom digital camera. Kodak expanded its new Z-series line up, initially launched at the international Consumer Electronics Show, with the introduction of the 5-megapixel Z7590 unit. The camera offers a Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon 10x optical zoom lens and is the first in the line to feature a flash sync connection. The camera incorporates a live histogram display, which enables users to see the exposure of their subject before taking the shot. It will ship in May 2005 for a suggested retail price of $399.95. On the other hand, Panasonic has anchored the bulk of its Lumix camera offerings around ultra-zoom models featuring the company's MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer technology, which it has migrated down in price points and into smaller form factor cameras. Meanwhile, Sony trotted out its 5-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-H1 with a 12x optical zoom lens and Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization technology. The unit features a 2.5-inch liquid crystal display, 7 preset scene modes, automatic and manual exposure modes, PictBridge compatibility and 32 megabytes of internal memory. It offers 5-area multipoint AF, an AF illuminator and an automatic macro focus in addition to an eye-level view finder and Universal Serial Bus 2.0 high speed connectivity.

This article provides information on various digital camera models that feature more than megapixels. Canon added two new Digital Elphs to its PowerShot line up with the 5-megapixel SD400 and 7-megapixel SD500 units, redesigning the models and offering a new color effects mode. The SD500, which ships in April 2005 for an estimated $499.99, features a 3x optical/4x digital zoom, a 9-point AiAF autofocus system, and a new six-mode flash. Shipping in March 2005, the SD400 also offers a 3x optical/4x digital zoom with a different focal length. On the other hand, Concord broke new pricing ground with an 8-megapixel camera, the ES820z, with a 3x optical zoom and an estimated street price of $249.99. The model also features a 2.4-inch liquid crystal display and 16 megabytes of internal memory. Hartford Computer Group will introduce two new models under the Argus brand. Meanwhile, Hewlett-Packard introduced its top-of-the-line 6.2-megapixel Photosmart R717. The unit features a 3x optical 200 meter, a 1.8-inch liquid crystal display, 12 shooting modes including a custom mode, and 32 megabytes of internal memory. The camera offers Hewlett-Packard's Real Life technologies such as adaptive lighting and in-camera red-eye removal and the company's Instant Share technology.

This article reports on the enthusiasm of vendors about the digital growth in the U.S. despite challenges, as of February 2005. Apparently, digital camera manufacturers have balanced the needs of newcomers with the demands of digital veterans and unveiled a 2005 product line that has many camera retailers excited about another year of category growth, but worried about what they see as a confusing proliferation of product. Kristen Elder, purchasing director, Ritz Camera Centers, noted that Ritz Camera still sees lots of new users coming through its doors and that the cameras have improved to such a degree that the overall satisfaction rate is stronger among new entrants than in previous years. Apparently, diminutive models, which are cameras small enough for pocket or purse, are also selling briskly. According to Glenn Cunningham, consumer electronics director, Amazon.com, a second-time buyer is more prone to buy a model based on its size or its style. However, retailer excitement is tempered by the caution that in the rush for share and self space, vendors were flooding the market with too many cameras, sparking price drops and confusing consumers with an alphabet soup of families and Stock Keeping Units at overlapping price points.

Examines the statistics supporting the claims of Kodak and Canon that they are atop the digital still camera market as of February 2005. In a twist on the old saying chat there's always room at the top, both Canon and Kodak have claimed a spot atop the U.S. digital camera market, pointing to differing market share reports that place them in the coveted lead. According to research firm IDC, Kodak was on top, shipping 4.8 million, or 21.9 percent of all consumer point-and-shoot digital cameras in the U.S. throughout 2004. The numbers do not include sales of digital single lens reflex cameras. IDC placed Sony second with 19.4 percent and Canon third with 16.1 percent of the market. IDC also claimed that Kodak was the fastest-growing brand among market leaders, with a 66 percent year-over-year increase in units shipped. NPD argued a more complicated storyline. Canon was the top vendor in the research firm's point-of-sale unit share data, earning a 20.4 percent share including sales of digital single lens reflex cameras. Here, too, Sony placed second with 17.8 percent of the market and Kodak was third with 17 percent. In the consumer panel data of NPD, however, Kodak was the top vendor with a 21.1 percent share of the market. Canon placed second with 14.4 percent of the market, and Sony placed third with 13.8 percent.

This article features four digital camera models from Casio, Norcent Technology, Rollei Logistics, and Samsung. Casio aimed high with a feature-laden 7-megapixel ultracompact unit, while Samsung targeted technology-savvy teenagers with a 4-megapixel model that can create and display animated figures on its liquid crustal display screen. Norcent introduced a competitively priced 4-megapixel snap shooter for mainstream consumers, while Rollei Logistics updated a decades-old camera design for the digital age, in the hopes of luring photo hobbyists and collectors. Casio's 7-megapixel EX-P700 was added to its ultracompact Exilim Pro line of digital cameras, which will ship in January 2005 for the price of $599.99. The P700 features a 4x optical/4x digital zoom, a 0.01-second shutter lag, a two-second start-up time, 2-inch LCD screen and a continuous shooting mode to capture three photos per second tor up to five images. A business shot mode automatically straightens photos taken at an angle, while an Auto Macro automatically switches between macro and autofocus, depending on the distance of the subject. The camera also offers a seven-point multi-auto-focus and a manual assist, which displays a sample photo on the liquid crystal display to demonstrate the effect that a manual setting change would have on an image.

This article provides information on the Imagelink product specification. Several leading digital camera manufacturers announced a product specification called Imagelink that would allow digital cameras to work with Kodak printer docks. Kodak, Konica Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax and Sanyo, a major digital camera original equipment manufacturer, have signed onto the new system and plan to offer digital cameras in the first quarter of 2005 that are Imagelink compliant. For cameras and printers it will mean a small 26-pin connector to ensure interoperability. With the system, users place the camera in a compliant printer dock, press a single button and a 4-inch by 6-inch or 3.5-inch by 5-inch print will be produced.

The article presents information about the Single Lens Reflex (S.L.R.) digital cameras which have been recently launched in the United States. The prices of digital S.L.R. cameras are coming close to the mainstream price range. Konica Minolta and Nikon Inc. have introduced the digital S.L.R. cameras which are compatible with accessories of film S.L.R. cameras. Pentax Corp. has become the second company to introduce a digital S.L.R. with lens for under $1,000. Konica Minolta's digital S.L.R., Maxxum 7D is a 6.1 megapixel camera and works with the company's existing line of Maxxum AF lenses and d-series accessories. Nikon's D2X has been targeted toward the advance and professional users. Pentax's digital S.L.R. is a 6.1 megapixel camera which is also compatible with most of Pentax's interchangeable lenses, and features a high magnification viewfinder.

This article reports on a new printer dock from Kodak. Kodak introduced a new EasyShare Printer Dock that can produce prints from camera phones, in addition to traditional digital sources. The company also made a replacement in its EasyShare digital camera lineup with a new ultra-zoom model, the 5-megapixel DX7590, which will replace the DX6490. Kodak's new EasyShare Printer Dock Plus will ship on August 2004 for a suggested $199.99. It lets users wirelessly transmit pictures from their mobile phone cameras to the Printer Dock Plus via infrared. In October, Kodak will ship an optional USB dongle for transmitting camera phone images via Bluetooth. The Printer Dock Plus is PictBridge enabled, features a slot for SD/MMC flash memory cards and works with an optional external 8-in-1 memory card reader for producing prints without a computer. The unit's dedicated camera dock works with Kodak's 600/6000 and 700/7000 series of EasyShare cameras. The new Printer Dock Plus can also be connected to a computer and is packaged with a sample photo paper and cartridge kit good for 10 pictures. Kodak sells a 40-print refill pack with paper and ink for a suggested $24.99. The dock also works with an optional remote control for viewing and printing images from television.

This article evaluates the two new digital cameras added by Fujifilm to its F-series lineup in July 2004. The FinePix F440 and F450 compact cameras feature and all metal housing, a 2-inch liquid crystal display screen and PictBridge compatibility. They will ship with the Picture Cradle USB dock for image transfers, battery recharging or for using the cameras as Web cams. The F440/450 can capture QVGA movie clips at 10 frames per second with sound to an xD-Picture Card. A 16MB xD card is included with both cameras. Large liquid crystal displays are big drivers for the camera market, according to brand manager Darin Pepple. The company also upgraded its online marketing material. The company has partnered with Channel Intelligence to drive Fujifilm's online traffic back to retail.

This article reports on the return of Epson to the U.S. digital market with two new models targeting opposite end of the digital camera spectrum in 2004. The 4-megapixel L-410 is a compact model priced at a suggested $399 and targeted for mainstream consumers. The R-D1, will command close to $3,000 and is aimed at enthusiasts, professionals and collectors. The L-410 features a 3x optical/3x digital zoom, automatic and manual modes and a VGA motion JPEG video mode for clips up to 102 seconds. It comes with 16 megabytes of internal memory and a 1.5-inch liquid crystal display screen and features the CleanCapture image processor from NuCORE for capturing images at 3 frames per second to the capacity of an SD memory card. It offers a new Epson technology, PRINT Image Framer, which lets users add pre-loaded borders to their images in the camera. The frames do not impact the original image file. Epson will bundle software with the L-410 that will allow users to create their own frames and import them into the camera, as well as to personalize existing frames stored within the camera. The R-D1 is the first digital camera to support the L and M mount lenses from Leica. The company also announced 3 new photo scanners in its Perfection series.

This article reports that World Wide Licenses (WWL), manufacturers of Polaroid-branded digital cameras, announced a partnership with another Polaroid licensee, Petters Consumer Brands, that will allegedly allow Petters to become the exclusive distributor of Polaroid digital cameras in the U.S. With the deal in place, Petters adds digital cameras to its line of Polaroid-branded television players, DVD players and portable DVD players. Also, WWL earns the right to distribute Petters' Polaroid lineup in overseas markets. According to Bill Dunlap, chairman of Petters Consumer Brands, the agreement provides retailers access to a wider range of branded products that are developed, manufactured and marketed for a global marketplace. In addition, the agreement with World Wide Licenses allows Petters to consolidate manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution of Polaroid-branded products in the most cost-effective manner possible. Apparently, WWL had a distribution agreement in place with Uniden, but the phone manufacturer terminated the partnership because it was not in the company's strategic interests, according to Al Silverberg, president of Uniden. Allegedly, WLL has a lineup of digital cameras which is the first consumer digital camera to incorporate a Foveon image sensor.