Trends & Technology

Now in HD

By Gary Pageau

The move back to Las Vegas was more than a change in venue. It was a change in vision
Trendspotters have always used PMA trade shows to determine the direction of technology. PMA 07 was no different. Digital technology is driving rapid change in the photo/imaging industry, forcing some basic assumptions to be revisited. A simple example is aspect ratio. By virtue of its 24-by-36mm aspect ratio, 35mm film dictated print shapes. In the digital age, however, the display determines the format. Photos are cropped and resized to fit different monitor displays and different print options. Toward that end, one of the most influential technologies at PMA 07 is actually coming from the broadcasting industry: HDTV. There was a big influx of HD-format products, ranging from still cameras to camcorders to photo viewers. HD-format devices display images in a 16:9 aspect ratio. Among the Sony cameras were several new Cyber-shot models that connect to HDTVs with an optional cable. The DSC-T100 features a 3.0-inch LCD screen, 5x optical zoom lens, and HD component output in 1080 HD. The DSC-T20 is an 8.1-megapixel model with a 2.5-inch screen, 3x optical zoom, and
1080 HD component output. Other Sony Cyber-shots with HD capability include the 8.1-megapixel DSC-H9, the 8.1megapixel DSC-H7, the 12-megapixel DSC-W200, the 8.1-megapixel DSCW90, and the 7.2-megapixel DSC-W80. To achieve the HD resolution in Sony cameras, users must select the 16:9 mode. Panasonic, which also makes widescreen TVs, brings HD to its DMC LZ-series still cameras. The high-performance cameras have 7.2-megapixel CCD sensors, a 6x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 37-222mm on a 35mm film camera), and AA battery power. The DMC-LZ7 and DMC-LZ6 incorporate intelligent image stabilization, and also feature 2.5-inch and 2.0-inch LCDs, respectively, and are equipped with the Panasonic Venus Engine III image processing engine for higher image quality and speedy processing. Additionally, each camera accepts large-capacity SDHC memory cards. Other HD features include the ability to capture wide-aspect VGA motion images. In addition to recording standard VGA (640-by-480) motion images at 30 frames per second, the DMC-LZ7

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What is HDTV?
HDTV in widescreen format provides the highest resolution and picture quality of all digital broadcast formats, according to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). Combined with digitally enhanced sound technology, HDTV sets new standards for sound and picture quality in television. HDTV and digital televisions are not the same thing HDTV is one format of digital television, according to the FCC. As of March 1, all new televisions must have digital tuners. (Analog programming continues until Feb. 17, 2009.) HDTV formats generally refer to the number of vertical display resolution (720 or 1,080), and whether progressive scan frames or interlaced fields are used. Current HDTV standards are defined as 1,080 active interlace (1080i) or progressive scan lines (108p), or 720 progressive (720p) scan lines, using a 16:9 aspect ratio. A single 108p frame is 1,920-by-1,080 pixels. For information, visit the FCC digital television site at www.dtv.gov. 45
PMA May 2007 www.pmai.org
and DMC-LZ6 can record wide-aspect VGA (848-by-480) motion images at 30 frames per second. The company says these 16:9 motion pictures are impressive on a widescreen TV. The 7.2-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DSC-LS70 also offers wide-aspect VGA motion pictures. The Canon PowerShot TX1 straddles the worlds of still cameras and camcorders. Although it resembles the now-classic Elph series still camera, the pocket-size PowerShot TX1 also boasts HD video capability. The camera has a 10x optical zoom lens and a swing-out LCD screen, like a camcorder. The TX1 can capture 30 frames per second HD video in 720p widescreen, and includes a MovieSnap mode for capturing stills from recorded movies. In camera mode, the TX1 has 14 shooting modes, including auto, manual, and super macro; and seven scene modes, including portrait, night snapshot, foliage, snow, and more. The camera includes a component video cable for connecting to HDTVs.

The Canon PowerShot TX1 captures 30 frames per second HD video in 720p widescreen.
Given the growth of HD as a video format, its natural HD camcorders made the scene at PMA 07. JVC upped the ante with its HD Everio GZ-HD7 camcorder, sporting resolution of 1,920-by-1,080 resolution. Using the optional $400 CU-VD40 Share Station dock, the camera can burn DVDs that can be played, through the Share Station, on a television. The built-in 60GB hard drive can hold up to 5 hours of full-resolution movies. The camera has three 0.5-inch CCDs and a 10x optical zoom with image stabilization. Canon also introduced the HV20, featuring a 10x optical zoom, 2.7inch widescreen LCD, Canon DIGIC processor, and optical image stabilization.
The JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 camcorder sports a 60GB hard drive.
The camcorder can record with a resolution of 1,920-by-1,080. The camera also has extensive still capability, with the ability to shoot 3.1-megapixel still photos or 2.0-megapixel images while shooting video (and saves them to a mini-SD card). Two-megapixel still images can be extracted from video. The new Hitachi DZHS500A boasts a 30GB hard drive, 30x zoom, and users can choose to record directly to DVD or onto the hard disc. Panasonic AVCHD camcorders include the HDC-DX1, which records to miniDVD, and the HDC-SD1, which records to an SDHC memory card. The HDC-DX1 features three 0.25-inch CCDs, a 12x Leica lens, 32x optical zoom, image stabilization, and it can record in widescreen. Up to 90 minutes of content can be recorded on a 4GB SDHC card from the HDC-SD1, which

What is SDHC?

Joining the cornucopia of digital media formats is the SDHC format, a large-capacity variation of the common SD card. SDHC cards are similar in many ways to SD cards, but have a greater than 2GB capacity. SDHC cards, however, are not compatible with older SD devices; so an older camera cant use the new cards. Existing SD cards can, however, be used in newer SDHC-compatible devices. As more cameras incorporate high-quality video shooting, they need higher-capacity cards like SDHC to which they can record. According to the SD Card Association, a 4GB SDHC card can store 1 hour, 40 minutes, of MPEG-2 (704-by-480 pixel) video, recorded at 30 frames per second. For more information, visit the SD Card Association at www.sdcard.org/sdhc/index.html.

is equipped with a 3CCD system, Leica Dicomar lens with 12x optical zoom, built-in Optical Image Stabilization, and 5.1-channel recording. Sony featured the HDR-UX5 and HDR-UX7 camcorders, which can record in 1080i high definition and 5.1 channel surround sound. The HDR-UX5 has a 2-megapixel CMOS sensor for taking 4-megapixel still images; a 2.7-inch-wide touch-panel LCD, and 10x optical zoom. It supports DVD-R/-RW/+RW/ and +R dual layer media formats. The HDR-UX7, with a 3.5-inch LCD, can take 6-megapixel still images, has a 3-megapixel CMOS sensor, and a 10x optical zoom. Both camcorders feature x.v.Color, a technology Sony claims allows for capturing and displaying nearly twice as many viewable colors as previously possible, resulting in a more natural and vivid picture. Each can also simultaneously record high-definition video and 2.3-megapixel still images directly to Memory Stick Duo media. While most digital cameras can connect to televisions, thats not always convenient. Sony has a dedicated photo storage unit, with HD output. The 80GB HDPS-L1 has eight slide show styles with image transitions synchronized to background music. The device, which accepts seven types of media cards, automatically sorts picture files by creation date. The user also has the option to group images by type. A wireless remote control is included to sort photos by theme or by date, to select show styles, and adjust the volume. Another solution is the new Samsung HD Photo Box, a photo storage device
Getting images from cameras wirelessly
While the prediction of cameraphones making a big impact on the photo printing market has yet to be fulfilled, there were still examples at PMA 07 of how a wireless future is coming to cameras. FotoNation announced its FotoNation MTP-IP that allows users to transfer large photos, movies, and audio files at speeds up to 10 times faster than Bluetooth. For example, with FotoNation MTP-IP a 3-megapixel mobile phone photo can be transferred , to another mobile phone, a computer using Windows Vista, or other device at speeds of 0.3 second or less, the company claims. The MTP-1P responder is available for Wi-Fienabled mobile phones, digital cameras, and other devices. Another interesting technology was a form of wireless USB connection shown by Artimi Inc. The chip-based solution is integrated within cameras; when activated, it appears to the desktop PC or laptop that the camera is attached via the USB port. According to Artimi, the A-150 chipset offers USB 2.0 connection speed without the fuss of cables. The company says the A-150 is standards-compliant, including WiMax and next-generation USB.
The Canon HV20 has the ability to shoot 3.1-megapixel still photos.

HDTV at a glance

High-definition broadcasts offered. Best available picture resolution, clarity, and color. Dolby theatre surround sound. Dolby surround sound. Widescreen movie-like format.

with 250GB of internal memory. Users can load photos directly from a camera, or connect it to a computer. When the device is plugged into an HDTV, the user can use the remote to navigate the photo library or select categories of photos. The HD Photo Box automatically categorizes photos by composition, orientation, and even color. While HD is often considered a display format, the printing side of the industry has yet to catch up. (Actually, some could argue, since the now-dormant APS film format had an HD print size, its been there for a decade; but thats a discussion for another day.) Express Imaging Systems LLC (EIS) announced at PMA 07 a marketing campaign for central photo labs and
photo retailers based on its 450 ppi photo output available exclusively from its Europa series high-speed digital printers. The HD Prints branding campaign creates an association between high-definition TV (HDTV) and high-definition photographic prints produced by the Europa digital silver-halide LCD printer, the company says. The HD Print brand is a tangible reference point for quality, the company says, but doesnt limit the print aspect ratio to 16:9. The Europa printer uses LCD-exposure technology with a resolution eight times higher than HDTV, claims EIS. HD Prints are available in 3.5-by-5.0, 4-by-6 and 5-by-7-inch print sizes, as well as an optional 4-by-8-inch size for panoramics and greeting cards. n

Nom de la housse

Rfrence

Appareils Compatibles

Dimensions Maximales

Name of the case

Compatible with

Maximum dimensions

Casio Exilim EX- Z110 Nikon S700 Canon Ixus 750 - 800is 54001 Casio Exilim EX- Z10 Casio Exilim EX- Z120 Canon Digital Ixus II's Canon Digital Ixus 60 Canon Ixus 60 - 75 Canon Powershot A Serie Canon Digital Ixus 75 Canon Digital Ixus 70 Canon Powershort A610 Canon Digital Ixus 850is Canon Ixus 850is - 900ti 54004 Nikon Coolpix S510 Canon Digital Ixus 95is Canon Powershot SD 1100 Is Canon Ixus 860is - 960ti 54005 Canon Digital Ixus 990is Canon Digital Ixus 860is Casio Exilim EX-S10 Casio Exilim EX-S600 Casio Exilim EX-S880 Casio Exilim EX-Z8 Casio Exilim EX-Z50 Casio Exilim S et Z Srie 54501 Casio Exilim EX-Z60 Casio Exilim EX-Z100 Casio Exilim EX-Z200 Casio Exilim EX-Z500 Casio Exilim EX-Z750 Casio Exilim EX-Z1200 Fuji FinePix Z1 Fuji FinePix A600 Fuji FinePix F10 Zoom Fujifilm FinePix F - A - Z 54201 Fuji FinePix F11 Zoom Fuji FinePix F20 Zoom Fuji FinePix F30 Zoom Fuji FinePix F31D HP Photosmart R817 HP Photosmart R927 Samsung S1030 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX520 HP Photosmart 50201 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33 Samsung NV24HD
Canon Digital Ixus 40 Canon Digital Ixus 500 Canon Digital Ixus 430 Canon Digital Ixus 750 Canon Digital Ixus 65 Canon Digital Ixus 85is Canon Digital Ixus 100is Canon Powershot S80 Canon Digital Ixus 900ti Sony Cybershot DSC-W55 Canon Digital Ixus 80is Sony Cybershot DSC-W55 Canon Digital Ixus 960ti Casio Exilim EX-S100 Casio Exilim EX-S660D Casio Exilim EX-Z5 Casio Exilim EX-Z9 Casio Exilim EX-Z30 Casio Exilim EX-Z55 Casio Exilim EX-Z70 Casio Exilim EX-Z850 Casio Exilim EX-Z600 Casio Exilim EX-Z1050 Fuji FinePix Z4 Fuji FinePix A400 Zoom Sony Cybershot DSC-W200 Fuji FinePix A470 Zoom Fuji FinePix Z5FD Fuji FinePix A350 Zoom HP Photosmart R818 HP Photosmart R727 HP Photosmart E327 HP Photosmart R417 HP Photosmart R717 Samsung NV30
Canon Digital Ixus 50 Canon Digital Ixus 700 Canon Digital Ixus 30 Canon Digital Ixus 800is Canon Digital Ixus x 59 x 23 mm Canon Powershort A710 Canon Digital Ixus 90is Sony Cybershot DSC-WXx 60 x 26 mm 104 x 66 x 50 mm 90 x 60 x 30 mm
Canon Digital Ixus 970is Casio Exilim EX-S500 Casio Exilim EX-S770D Casio Exilim EX-Z7 Casio Exilim EX-Z11 Casio Exilim EX-Z40 Casio Exilim EX-Z57 Casio Exilim EX-Z80 Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 Casio Exilim EX-Z700 Casio Exilim EX-Z1080 Fuji FinePix Z3 Fuji FinePix A500 Zoom Sony Cybershot DSC-W300 Fuji FinePix A350 Zoom Fuji FinePix Z2 Fuji FinePix A345 Zoom HP Photosmart M527 HP Photosmart R725 HP Photosmart M525 HP Photosmart E317 HP Photosmart M425 Samsung NV40

100 x 60 x 30 mm

96 x 61 x 25 mm

95 x 62 x 35 mm

100 x 65 x 35 mm
Samsung NV15 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 Kodak Easyshare V530 Kodak Easyshare V et Pentax Optio W Sries Kodak Easyshare VKodak EasyShare V1233 Kodak EasyShare V1253 Pentax Pentax Optio Wpi Kodak Easyshare C530 Kodak Easyshare C Sries 54602 Kodak Easyshare C875 Kodak Easyshare C533 Kodak EasyShare V1273 Nikon Coolpix S9 Nikon Coolpix 5600 Nikon Coolpix L2 Nikon Coolpix L4 Nikon Coolpix L12 Nikon S - P - L Sries 53801 Nikon Coolpix P4 Nikon Coolpix S3 Nikon Coolpix S7c Nikon Coolpix S600 Nikon Coolpix S710 Nikon Coolpix S550 Nikon S50 Sries 53802 Sony T900 Nikon Coolpix S640 Nikon Coolpix S51C Olympus Mj 1000 Digital Olympus Mj 53901 Olympus Mj 725 Digital Olympus Mj 800 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 Panasonic FX et FS Sries 51901 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX07 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS6 Panasonic LX Sries 51902 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Panasonic TZ et LZ Sries 51903 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4 Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ6 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5
Samsung NV8 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX50 Canon Digital Ixus 980is Kodak Easyshare V550 Kodak Easyshare V603 Kodak EasyShare V803 Pentax Pentax Optio W30 Pentax Pentax Optio W20 Kodak Easyshare C310 Kodak Easyshare C743 Kodak Easyshare C643 Nikon Coolpix 5200 Nikon Coolpix 7600 Nikon Coolpix 7900 Nikon Coolpix L7 Nikon Coolpix P1 Nikon Coolpix S1 Nikon Coolpix S4 Nikon Coolpix S6 Nikon Coolpix S510 Nikon Coolpix S700 Nikon Coolpix S710 Nikon Coolpix S70 Nikon Coolpix S550 Nikon Coolpix S52 Olympus Mj 750 Olympus Mj 730 Olympus Mj 720SW Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX10 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX9 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3 Samsung S1050 Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ55 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ20

Pentax Optio A40 Pentax Optio M40 Pentax Optio M20 Pentax Optio S7 Pentax Optio Svi Pentax Optio S55 Pentax Optio S55 Samsung Digimax V800 Samsung Digimax A503 Samsung NV 10 Samsung i8 Samsung TL34HD Samsung ST500 Samsung NV 100 HD Samsung NV 5 Sony Cybershot DSC-W120 Olympus Mj 1030SW Sony Cybershot DSC-T100 Sony Cybershot DSC-T33 Sony Cybershot DSC-T700 Sony Cybershot DSC-W50 Sony Cybershot DSC-W70 Sony Cybershot DSC-W80 Sony Cybershot DSC-W85 Sony DSC-TX10 Sony Cybershot DSC-T900 Nikon Coolpix S200 Nikon P6000 Canon Powershot G7 Canon Digital Ixus 120 is Canon Digital Ixus 970is Nikon Coolpix S50c Nikon Coolpix S630 Nikon S70 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX50 Samsung TL34HD Sony Cybershot DSC-W300 Samsung IT100 Samsung TLx 60 x 30 mm Nikon P7000 Olympus X-Z1 Canon Powershot S95 Sony Cybershot DSC-TX9 Canon K/Ixus 1000 HS 115 x 80 x 60 mm 95 x 57 x 24 mm 95 x 56,5 x 23,3 mm 100 x 65 x 30 mm Samsung EX1 Sony DSC-HX5V Sony DSC-HX7V Sony DSC-TXx 57 x 31 mm 95 x 65 x 35 mm

Samsung L et I Sries

100 x 62 x 25 mm

Samsung NV Sries

110 x 60 x 65 mm
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