Monday, July 2, 2007
Digital camera exports from China rise sharply
Exports of digital cameras from Mainland China in 2004 are estimated at 73 million units valued at $5.5 billion, up from 48.63 units worth $2.96 billion in 2003, a 190% increase. The 2003 total represented 86% of global production. With higher resolution and steady supply stabilizing prices, further explosive growth is seen for 2005.
Summary:
* Mainland China dominates global output as Taiwan and Hong Kong roll out higher-resolution models.Steady supply stabilizes prices.
* About 200 makers are in mainland China's digital camera industry, with less than a third of them active and into mass production.
* About 90 percent are located in Guangdong province, shipping 56 percent of the country's exports.
* A healthy mix of domestic and foreign-invested makers have set up manufacturing bases in the mainland to capitalize on the country's support industries that serve as suppliers of digital camera parts and components, as well as of services such as mold-making, plastic injection, metal stamping and machining, and surface mounting of sensor modules.
* These include Hong Kong and Taiwan makers that mainly focus on the OEM/ODM business for overseas markets, although some of them plan to promote their own brand.
* Others, such as famous domestic IT brands Lenovo and Founder Tech, are subcontracting their manufacturing capabilities to mainland makers as they strengthen their in-house design and brands.
* Taipei-based Market Intelligence Center (MIC) translates this to total shipment value exceeding $500 million, rising 18.5 percent from Q1 2004, and more than 50 percent in terms of year-on-year change.
* Digital cameras adopting CCD image sensors remain the driving force in shipments volume, accounting for 70 percent of exports in Q2 2004.
* Guangzhou Darling Industrial Inc.'s first camera models with MPEG-4 video decoder and MP3 playback support would have been put into production by end-2004.
* In Hong Kong, Sunox Technology Ltd plans to release 4MP models in 2005, using interpolation technology.
* Models with MP3, radio, voice recording and binocular/telescope features have already been released and more are expected to come out in early 2005.
* In Taiwan, BenQ Corp.'s digital sports cameras have video and voice recorders, FM radio tuners and MP3 player functions.
http://www.newstarget.com/003252.html
Camera phones, digital cameras converge in new Samsung model
* his year, Samsung used the conference environment to spotlight one of their upcoming gadgets, the SCH-V770 mobile phone.
* What makes the SCH-V770 so attractive to consumers and industry experts is the addition of a 7 mega-pixel camera, which will be featured with the unit.
* The SCH-V770 is similar to a 3-megapixel model released last year by Samsung and is distinctive because at first glance it resembles a digital still camera.
* Its camera-like looks are thanks in a large part to a 3X optical zoom lens, just like that found on conventional digital still cameras, and a camera-style flash.
* On the rear of the phone there's a 2-inch color TFT (thin film transistor) display and a keypad for operating the phone and camera functions...
* Users can also clip a wide-angle convertor and tele-convertor to the front of the lens on the SCH-V770.
See more articles and news on Samsung
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http://www.newstarget.com/003714.html
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Fuji Digital Cameras
Started in a small Japanese in the foothills of Mt. Fuji, the Fuji Film Co. Ltd was founded in the year 1934. At that time, no one could imagine that such a small camera making company would become a million dollar global name known all across the globe within a span of 50 years. Today, Fuji is known for its great digital cameras and innovative technology.
It took Fuji 35 years to come to the USA. In the US, Fuji again started small with the establishment of a six person office in the Empire State Building in New York City. Within a span of four years, in 1969, the company had expanded itself so fast that the
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company issued American Depository Receipts (ADRs) on Fuji Photo Film stock.
In 1976, Fuji Film launched the world's first ISO 400 color print film. This was the fastest color still photo film present in the world during that time. Then, in 1980, Fuji launched the fastest color motion picture film - the A-250. After this, Fuji became the official sponsor of the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984.
One of the biggest launches in camera history made by Fuji was the QuickSnap in the year 1986. The QuickSnap was a one-time-use camera and it became an instant hit in the market. Due to its usefulness, easy-to-use convenience and price, the QuickSnap became the market leader during its time. Improvising on the QuickSnap, Fuji introduced the world's first one-time use 35mm camera with a flash in the year 1988.
Fuji was not a company which could be left behind as far as digital technology and digital cameras was concerned. Even though Sony overtook Fuji in the race of introducing the first digital camera, Fuji gave the world the first digital camera with removable media in the year 1988.
Today, Fuji has firmly established itself in the digital revolution. It has continuously innovated itself and made several product launches such as the MX-700 in the year 1998, which was the world's smallest and lightest mega pixel digital camera at that time. Fuji has also made forays into digital printing technology.
Not only this, but Fuji is a conscientious of the environment as well. In the year 2000, Fuji made a $7.8 million contribution in the construction of the Fuji Film Giant Panda Conservation Habitat in Washington DC in order to bring two giant pandas from China to the USA.
From the NANO CUBIC Technology which allows digital videotapes to increase their recording capacity to 1000 two-hour movies in 2001 to the xD-Picture Card, which was the smallest storage media in the market in 2002 ; Fuji continues to introduce newer and newer digital technologies today. Some of the newest digital cameras introduced today are :
- A-Series
: Automatic point-and-shoot cameras for basic users.
- E-Series
: Full featured, compact cameras with manual control as well.
- F-Series
: Ultra compact cameras in different styles with full features.
- S-Series
: Advanced cameras with optic controls for advanced users.
- S-Pro Series
: Extremely advanced cameras for professionals.
http://www.great-digital-cameras.com/fuji-digital-cameras.html
HP DIGITAL CAMERAS
Started by two Stanford University graduates, Dave Packard and Bill Hewlett in 1938 in a rented garage with a mere working capital of $538 - Hewlett Packard is a multi-billion dollar company today. With net revenues of $7.2 billion in the year 2004 and over 28,000 employees all across the globe, HP has come a long, long way.
Both Hewlett and Packard being students of electrical engineering, started with the invention of a resistance-capacity audio oscillator. They continued to make similar test and measurement products, and by 1942, had constructed a 10,000 square foot company- owned building in Palo Alto, California. One interesting fact to note is that they decided the name of the company on the basis of just tossing a coin!
In the 50's, the company continued to grow dynamically, making major advances in microwave instrumentation and in the year 1962, Hewlett Packard appeared in Forbes Top 500 List of Companies for the first time at number 460.
After this, there was no turning back for HP. The company went from strength to strength, constantly innovating new technologies - whether it was in the field of medicine, laser technology, computers, printers, microprocessors etc.
After HP entered the consumer market with its computers and allied products, it also recently decided to introduce its own digital cameras as well. In fact, in order to make its mark in digital cameras, HP has invested nearly $300 million in its consumer advertising for the same. This is the largest investment made by the company in advertising till today. HP believes that digital photography is a booming business and is slowly going to take over the film camera market. The trend to purchase digital cameras is spreading all across Asia and Europe - and HP does not want to be left behind.
Hence HP says that it is the only company which is providing a one-stop-shop for all digital camera users. You can buy a HP digital camera, take snaps, and then load them onto your HP computer and take printouts (you guessed it) from your HP printer as well. And even the paper and ink used in your printer, is yes, HP again.
HP has yet to make a niche for itself in digital cameras, however, with its current aggressive marketing strategies and brand image, it is most likely that the company will surpass all market expectations as it has done in the past already. Here is a list of the latest cameras by HP :
- HP Photosmart 945 digital camera series and HP Photosmart R707 digital camera series: The camera for all users with an optional dock, can be used for slideshows as well.
- HP Photosmart R717 Digital Camera series : Slightly advanced series with digital zoom and Real Life technology.
- HP Photosmart R607 digital camera series : With 4.1 nega pixels, this series is good for home use.
- HP Photosmart M407 digital camera series, HP Photosmart M417 Digital Camera series, HP Photosmart M307 digital camera series, HP Photosmart M22 Digital Camera series and HP Photosmart 435 digital camera series : all these series have 3-5 mega pixels and are nice and cheap for users.
Kodak Digital Cameras-the giant comes to digital
It all started in the year 1879 for Kodak, when George Eastman obtained an American patent for his plate coating machine and started manufacturing dry plates. In 1888, Eastman introduced the concept of manufacturing films in rolls and thus made it possible for all to possess a camera. This Kodak camera came with film for 100 exposures at just $25. After the pictures had been clicked, the camera could be returned and the film would be developed and replaced just for $10.
This level of innovation started a period of no-return for Kodak. Eastman's aim was that "you press the button, we do the rest". He has achieved this through constant innovation by making the camera simpler to use and making photography an enjoyable experience today.
In movie making technology, since the Academy Awards have started, all Oscar "Best Movies' have been shot on Kodak film. In fact, Kodak itself has won eight Academy Awards for scientific and technical excellence in cinema. Kodak has also introduced the concept of 'infoimaging'. As the name suggests, it means communicating through pictures.
In the late 80's, Kodak started to make great advancements in digital technology. It developed the concept of Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) displays which depicts information with the use of self-illuminated pixels and does not require any back lights for support. The OLED also provides clearer images, sharper contrasts, and lower energy consumptions as compared to LCD display units. In fact, it is Kodak who is considered to be the inventor of the basic technology utilized in a digital camera i.e. the pixel technology.
In the year 1990, Kodak introduced the Photo CD. This CD enabled people to store photographic images onto a CD and then view them on a computer. As a result, it became more practical for people to use a digital camera. Then, in the late 90s, several companies including Kodak launched digital cameras which could be used at home.
Kodak also tied up with Microsoft in the year 2001 so that digital camera manufacturers could use the Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) through Windows. This would enable people to easily view and share their pictures through the Internet under an Windows operating system.
Today, as technology advances, Kodak has introduced several hi-tech digital cameras such as the Kodak Professional DCS Pro SLR/c. These cameras are capable of storing 13.89 million pixels, which makes them the digital camera with the highest resolution available in the market today.
The latest digital cameras by Kodak today are as follows :
- Easyshare Point-and-Shoot Series : The C and CX series are simple and low cost cameras.
- Easyshare High Zoom Series : The Z and DX series have extensive zoom and provide control to the photographer.
- Easyshare Pocket Series : Small, compact cameras for travelers.
One time use Digital Cameras : Single use digital cameras.
Nikon Digital Cameras-cool(pix) and functional
Nikon was one of the late starters in the camera world. It established itself after the end of the World War II with the launch of the Nikon I in the year 1948. It took Nikon three years to develop this camera. From its launch, the Nikon I had a lot of problems. This was rectified by the company and another model called the Nikon M was introduced in 1949 which was well accepted by the market.
During the 1950's, Leica (a German make) had the best 35 mm rangefinder cameras. Nikon wanted to surpass Leica, and its pursuit, it came up with the Nikon SP in 1957. This was considered to be one of the best Nikon cameras available at that time.
After this, Nikon continued to innovate and launched the Nikon F single lens reflex (SLR) camera in 1959. The Nikon F set the industry standard for SLR's and became the hot favorite of photo journalists and professional photographers at that time. With the Nikon F, Nikon managed to surpass Leica and became the market leader in this category.
Then, in the year 1980, Nikon hit another milestone. It designed the Nikon F3 which was to be used by NASA astronauts in outer space expeditions. This camera needed to be big enough so that astronauts wearing bulky gloves could easily handle it and at the same time it had to be strong enough to work perfectly in zero gravity situations and withstand the strong rays of the Sun. NASA was very happy with the job done by Nikon and it got more cameras designed for itself in the coming years from the company.
During the 1990s, Nikon continued to innovate by bringing out better and more advanced SLR cameras. It came up with the NIKONOS RS, the world's first underwater auto focus SLR camera in the year 1992. The company also joined hands with Fuji Films and introduced the E2/E2S digital still cameras in 1995. As far as digital cameras were concerned, Nikon entered the digital arena in the year 1997 with the launch of its first digital camera, the COOLPIX100.
Today, the company has expanded itself further, and even opened factories in distant lands such as Poland and the Netherlands. It has entered new areas such as binoculars and telescopes and eyewear. Nikon is also considered to be one of the good makes as far as digital cameras are concerned. Over its 50 year history, Nikon has done a fascinating task of constantly innovating itself and bringing about new technologies in the market. here are the latest cameras by Nikon :
- Digital SLR Cameras (D-Series) : For advanced, professional users.
- Coolpix Cameras : Ranging from 3-5 mega pixels, these are great for everyday users.
Panasonic Digital Camera
The inception of Panasonic took place in the year 1918 on a small work table in the house of Konosuke Matsushita. At that time, Matsushita invented the two-socket light fixture. This product became a success and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. was established.
Panasonic is the largest manufacturer of consumer electronics in the world today. The firm produces a wide array of products which cater to several needs of consumers. Its policy of achieving hundred percent customer satisfaction and providing optimal quality goods, has led Panasonic from strength to strength. In fact, the name Panasonic is synonymous with innovation, quality, performance and ease of use.
As far as digital cameras are concerned, Panasonic has got several types of Panasonic digital cameras which can cater to various audiences depending on their budget and needs. In fact, Panasonic has also entered into an alliance with German camera maker, Leica to develop still digital cameras. The reason for this alliance is the fact that Panasonic is a small player in the digital market today. This alliance will help both Leica and Panasonic to take over an estimated ten percent of the digital camera market share.
Panasonic's latest line of digital cameras consists of mainly three series. One of these is the Lumix digital camera series. The Lumix camera makes use of lenses provided by Leica. This helps in getting images which are extremely clear and bright. The Lumix is a highly advanced camera and also comes with manual control options. Its shutter interval is also less than 0.04 seconds, hence allowing the photographer to take shots quickly.
Another series of digital cameras are cheaper and smaller, known as the D-Snap digital camera series. These cameras are trendy and small. They are super-slim and come in different colors. These cameras can also record videos and play music. The D-Snap digital camera is aimed at teenagers and youngsters who are looking for something smart and trendy and which also fit into their budget.
http://www.great-digital-cameras.com/panasonic-digital-camera.html