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The future of photography

Optics and the future 

Recent development in the photographic market has seen the wide angle lens becoming a popular feature on most compact cameras. From a couple of years ago when the average focal length on a camera was 35mm it now appears that most models now support a 28mm wide angle lens and some stretch as far as 24mm.

Not only have camera manufactures increased the angle of the lens but the optical zoom has made a big development. Again from not that long ago the average zoom was 2-3x optical we are not seeing compacts with 5-8x optical zoom and the superzoom models are reaching as far as 26x optical zoom. Where will it end?

Connectivity and sensors

A digital camera is more than just a body, a lens and some high tech features: the elements inside the body are just as, if not more important to the functionality and quality of the camera.

The camera sensor is one of the most valuable components of any digital camera and the advances behind this side of technology is beginning to make a dramatic change. Not so long ago we were witnessing the pixel race that was a push from the manufacturers to try and achieve the highest resolution possible. However all it did was create larger size files, longer recording times and noise became a major issue that effected many camera models. Recently manufacturers have begun to reduce the megapixel count and improve the technology behind the sensor.

One company that has always produced high quality sensors and had a significant influence on the camera market is Fujifilm. In 1999 Fujifilm announced the 1st Generation Super CCD and in 2003 they had developed it to the 4th Generation Super CCD. What they achieved in this short period of time was ground breaking as they became the first company in the world to record 6.63 million megapixels on a 1/1.7-inch CCD. This was a major step forward for consumer products and higher quality images were now being produced. Even in 2009 Fujifilm has made a significant impact in the compact market and one model that can’t go without mention is the Finepix F200EXR that made its debut with its dynamic range sensor producing fantastic results for a point and shoot model. 

Recently developments in sensor technology has been incorporated into the new Sony compacts, the Cyber-shot WX1 and TX1. Both cameras include the worlds first backlight CMOS sensors that essentially means more light is able to reach the sensor, hence in lowlight the noise in images is significantly reduced and overall quality enhanced. Paul Genge from the Technical Field Sales Manager for Sony Digital Imaging claims “The introduction of the Cyber shot WX-1 and TX-1 cameras represent a quantum leap in digital camera sensor technology and the resulting image quality. The performance in low light is significantly improved, with a 200% increase in sensitivity and 50% reduction in image noise.”

Canon has also followed this path and although the latest cameras to be released from them do not incorporate this exact type of technology the significant difference between the Canon PowerShot G10 and G11 is the sensor. Although the G11 is 4 meagpixels less, Canon claim that new technology has improved image quality and noise levels have been considerably reduced in the PowerShot G11.

Moving away from sensors the next progressive step forward in the world of digital cameras is wireless connectivity. Back in 2006 Kodak launched the EASYSHARE ONE that was the first camera enabling images to be emailed from a camera. Since then the wireless technology in digital cameras has exploded and now GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are becoming more common place in camera models. Samsung recently launched the ST1000 as Robert King the director of Samsung Electronics claims “Our latest “SMART CAMERAS” are packed full of groundbreaking and unrivalled technology.  They fully embrace the growing trends in the social networking culture, and we have a range of features that enhance the experience for the user.” Social networking, emailing, Bluetooth are all major technological advances and for the next generation these will be regular features found in most compact cameras.

Wireless technology is all good when it is working however for large amounts of data there is still a purpose for a wire connection. The latest USB to announced is the USB 3.0 that is supposedly ten times faster than h-speed USB. This technology has not yet come to the market however with quicker connection times the amount of data that can be uploaded will be an enormous quantity, supposedly making all of our lives easier. 

"Wireless technology has opened so many doors in photography, and Samsung's recent line of compacts now include Emailing from camera to computer" Simon Skellen, Photoshop Creative. 

“I'm glad the sprint race for cramming the most megapixels into a compact sensor has been replaced by a far more sensible attempt to remedy the age old problems of noise, as the benefits far outweigh those of having 14MP in a compact camera.” Matt Tuffin, Digital Camera Essentials.

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