Camera makers delight with a string of new products at world's largest photography fair

Camera makers are exhibiting their latest and greatest products at the 2010 edition of Photokina, the world's largest photography and imaging fair.

Amongst the exhibitors, major brands like Sony, Fujifilm, Samsung and Panasonic have stolen center stage with their newly announced products.

Manufacturers are racing to develop products that conform to and exceed the current trends in photography such as the convergence of cameras and video cameras, 3D imaging, internet-connected devices, multi-image technologies and compact cameras with interchangeable lenses and advanced features.

Fujifilm's designers looked to the past when crafting the FinePix X100 digital camera. The retro-styled compact point-and-shoot device provides users with advanced features, a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, 23mm f/2 lens and a hybrid viewfinder. The FinePix X100 will go on sale in spring 2011; pricing is yet to be announced.

Samsung's compact interchangeable lens camera, the NX100, made an appearance during the company's press event. The mirrorless interchangeable lens camera comes with a 14.6 MP sensor, a 3.0 inch OLED display, 720p HD video recording, and the world's first i-Function lens. Samsung revealed the camera will start shipping in October for around $599 with a 20-50mm lens bundle.

Panasonic unveiled the Lumix GH2, a hybrid touch-control digital camera with full 1080p HD video recording and compatibility with the company's recently announced interchangeable 3D lens. The camera provides intuitive touch-control operation and touch auto focus, variable frame rate recording for creative cinematic effects, has a 16.05 MP sensor and can simultaneously record video and capture photos. The Lumix GH2 will be available in early December starting from $899.95.

The world's first interchangeable 3D lens, the Lumix G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012), is also on display at Photokina. The lens enables consumers with an interchangeable lens camera to shoot in 3D without having to purchase a standalone camera. The 3D lens will become available to the public in November for $249.95.

Panasonic's newly announced Lumix G 14 mm / F2.5 ASPH lens (H-H014) is the world's lightest interchangeable single focal length lens. The H-H014 lens will start selling in November for $399.95.

Sony is showing off prototypes of its advanced A-mount system interchangeable lens digital cameras - cameras that use Translucent Mirror Technology to enable "super-fast shooting responses with continuous AF during stills and HD video shooting in a compact body."

The company is also displaying its Bloggie Touch Mobile HD snap camera (the MHS-TS20K), a compact device that helps users to capture and share video and photos with its built-in USB arm. The Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20K mobile HD snap camera will be available in November. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.

Photokina takes place at the Exhibition Centre in Cologne-Deutz, Germany September 21-26.

http://www.photokina-cologne.com