The Underwater Digital Camera Mask HD320 is priced around US$250 and is due for release in May.

The annual Photo Marketing Association (PMA) trade show held this month in Las Vegas attracted slightly fewer attendees than last year but there was no shortage of new cameras, applications and accessories.
 
Although no new D-SLRs were announced at this year’s PMA, the US market is expecting some exciting new models in a month or so, according to media reports.

Even though PMA is primarily a show for still photography, high-definition hybrids were a feature of the show. More cameras than ever have HD capability, including 720p and 1080p recording.  Among the highlights were the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 and Canon PowerShot SX1 IS. 

Also making news were more cameras offering enhanced intelligence, where the devices recognise the scene in front of them and make adjustments accordingly.

There were also more megapixels, more mega zooms, and more ‘tough’ cameras.

Two cameras that attracted a lot of interest were the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and the new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. 

The GH1, although similar in size and shape to the G1, adds AVCHD high-definition video recording (1080p filming at 24 fps). It also records 720p footage at 60 fps, which users would use to capture fast action rather than more static scenes.
 
Sweeping panoramas
Another stand-out was Sony’s HX1. This mega zoom digicam has a 20x lens (28-560mm) with higher-quality G glass. By using a new CMOS sensor and Bionz processor, the camera can operate close to 10 fps at full resolution and shoot 1080p video. The Sweep Panorama feature lets users take a 224-degree horizontal vista (or 154 degree vertical). Unlike typical panoramas, the HX1 stitches them together in the camera without the usual post-production software task.
 
According to one report, the crowd almost gasped when the panorama was shown on a big screen at a PMA press event.

Also attracting attention was the Canon PowerShot SX 1 IS, another 20x mega zoom (28-560mm). This 10MP digicam uses a CMOS sensor so it can shoot a rapid 4 fps, even better than the company’s entry-level D-SLRs. It also shoots 1080p video at 30 fps and users can use the optical zoom while making movies.
 
Growing mega zooms 
Enthusiasts can also get a 26x model from Olympus - the SP-590 Ultra Zoom with a huge 26-676mm focal length. It arrives in the US this month and has Dual Image Stabilization and a 2.7-inch LCD screen. Nikon’s new Coolpix P90 has a 24x zoom while Pentax announced the 12MP X70 with a 24x zoom. Kodak also announced the 10MP EasyShare Z915 with a 10x zoom for less than US$200.
 
The new 12MP Olympus Tough 8000 can operate 10 metres underwater while Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-TS1 features technology from the company’s Toughbook laptops.

Canon’s new 12MP PowerShot D10 also goes underwater and is shock and freeze-proof.

At the leading edge of technology, Fujifilm showed prototypes of its FinePix Real 3D system which was first unveiled at Photokina in Germany. This boxy-looking camera has two lenses and two CCDs. By using a new technology, it combines them to make a 3D image that users can see on the camera screen or a special 3D viewer or have prints made of by Fujifilm.
 
Another show-stopper was the Underwater Digital Camera Mask from Liquid Image. These diving masks (snorkel or scuba) have built-in 5MP cameras that can takes stills and videos as well. The VideoMask 310 can go to 10 metres (stills only) while the Scuba Series HD320 goes down to 25 metres and captures 720p video.