{"id":516,"date":"2010-12-30T15:18:49","date_gmt":"2010-12-30T22:18:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.knuetter.com\/christian\/?p=516"},"modified":"2010-12-30T15:18:49","modified_gmt":"2010-12-30T22:18:49","slug":"will-next-year-be-the-year-to-replace-my-cameras","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.knuetter.com\/christian\/2010\/12\/30\/will-next-year-be-the-year-to-replace-my-cameras\/","title":{"rendered":"Will next year be the year to replace my camera(s)?"},"content":{"rendered":"

I was really hoping this year to make a couple of upgrades to my cameras. \u00a0Unfortunately, the manufacturers weren’t playing along.<\/p>\n

There’s essentially 3 different form factors that I’m interested in for photography<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. point & shoot<\/li>\n
  2. compact<\/li>\n
  3. SLR<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Point & Shoot is the camera that’s always with me and is great for quick snapshots. \u00a0This was long ago replaced by my cell phone and I don’t see this changing.<\/p>\n

    When I think about a compact camera, what I’m looking for is more control than a simple point & shoot but in a smaller size than a hefty SLR. \u00a0These are great for traveling, around town, and as a second option when I do have my SLR with me.<\/p>\n

    Traditionally I’ve used the Canon G-series cameras for this and I’ve been pretty pleased. \u00a0The current iterations are the Canon G12<\/a> and Nikon’s P7000<\/a>. \u00a0My older Canon G10 has a nasty smudge across the lens which I haven’t been able to remove so it hasn’t seen the light of day for quite a while.<\/p>\n

    This year I was really interested in trying out the newer Micro 4\/3rds<\/a> form factor to fill this spot but I wasn’t happy with any of the camera releases. \u00a0My ideal camera in this range would be a newer Olympus EP2 (EP3?) with better high-ISO capabilities, better connectivity options (as in, wifi), and a built-in flash. \u00a0According to the rumors sites, there is a new Olympus on the way that somewhat fits this request, but it’s based on the EPL-1 which is a more consumer-orinted camera, with a slightly poorer interface for advanced functionality. Unfortunately, this seems to be the market that the 4\/3rds are trending towards which I think is a shame. \u00a0I really think there’s a market for enthusiasts\/pro-sumers who want a smaller form factor than the traditional 35mm SLR but with similar controls.<\/p>\n

    The biggest disappointment this year has been in the SLR range. \u00a0Nikon introduced 2 new SLRs this year, both in their consumer line. \u00a0Last year they also released 2 new consumer SLRs as well as a new professional level camera but only a small revision to their enthusiast line. \u00a0They are long overdue for an update to their D700 camera (introduced in July 2008). \u00a0This is the camera I have been waiting for! \u00a0In this form factor I’m really interested in the better high-ISO performance as well as video. \u00a0I’m really looking forward to spending a little more time in 2011 working in video.<\/p>\n

    Early indicators are that Olympus should be making announcements in January about their next releases (at CES) and if they don’t deliver perhaps Samsung will provide. \u00a0Rumors are also beginning to stir that the D700 replacement (D800?) could be announced in the 1st half of 2011.<\/p>\n

    Here’s to hoping they match what I’m looking for.<\/p>\n

    \"\"