InFocus | Photography
Moments, memories and Megapixels
Digital photography has revolutionised the way people take photographs, even moving ones, and store them, thanks to advances in technology. The leading brands of cameras and photography equipment have established a staunch following in the UAE.
- By Latha Krishnan, Gulf News Report
- Published: 01:07 October 27, 2007
- The ease of the digital era, with its conveniences, low cost and immediacy, far outweighs the (g)olden days of film.
- Image Credit:
From weddings to vacations, from coffee breaks to kayaking - every occasion can be captured forever
In a world where digital cameras have almost completely replaced film cameras, photography is becoming not only easier but also exciting and affordable to all.
Digital photography has revolutionised the way people take photographs, even moving ones, and store them, thanks to advances in technology. The leading brands of cameras and photography equipment have established a staunch following in the UAE.
"The growth rate of desire and demand for digital cameras has been sensational in the UAE over the years. Unlike previously, today the market offers a smorgasbord of brands to choose from whilst customers have also escalated to a powerful position of judging their digital requirements pretty prudently," says Vineet Wadhwa, Brand Manager, Nikon UAE.
Nikon, with 90 years of innovative heritage in the photography industry, is all set to continue expanding its market base across the Emirates by redefining its strategic positioning, accommodating user groups from all levels.
Recently, Nikon introduced the Coolpix P5100, the new flagship model in the Nikon Coolpix line up, tooled to satisfy photo and camera enthusiasts.
Built on a custom application of Nikon's innovative Expeed digital image processing concept and incorporating the precision optics of a Nikor lens, the Coolpix P5100 is built to realise optimum performance and maximum image quality.
"The Coolpix P5100 comes with a 2GB SD Card and carry-case and retails at Dh1,699. Nikon's new D40x that comes with the same offer retails at Dh3,299," informs Wadhwa.
Digital forerunners
Kodak is one of the pioneers of digital cameras. Arif Khan, Area Business Manager, MENAFT of Kodak, says, "Kodak's transformation into a complete digital brand is a success story which is reflected in the overwhelming success of Kodak EasyShare digital products.
"Kodak's innovation in digital cameras, home photo printers, photo kiosks, digital picture frames and the world's largest digital photo lab chain of Kodak Express outlets makes Kodak the only complete digital imaging solution provider to today's new age consumer."
Sony, another pioneer, continues to lead the consumer digital camera market with innovative features such as the 'smile shutter' - designed to capture the most important part of a photo - the smile.
Featured for the first time in the latest T-series (Cyber-shot T200 and T70), the intelligent auto shutter system can detect a smiling face and activates the shooting mode. Ideal for joyous occasions, these Cyber-shot cameras ensure that a happy moment is never missed.
All smiles
Taiju Ishikawa, Marketing Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Sony Gulf FZE, says, "Sony has always channelled its vast resources to make life simple and richer for its end consumers.
"The features in Sony's Cyber-shot range of digital still cameras are tools that capture good images in difficult conditions to give you best possible images. Images in high definition are the future where people will be able to shoot high-resolution images and will be able to view them on high definition LCD TVs like Bravia."
Canon is a worldwide leader in digital photography, and one of the biggest manufacturers of digital cameras.
"Canon employs cutting edge breakthrough technology in all its products, and is strongly focused on research and development. Emphasis on product development investments is also strong as it always holds one of the top three positions on annual basis when it comes to number of patents," says Mohamed S. Salama, Regional Head of Marketing, Canon Middle East and Africa.
The EOS 400D D-SLR camera is the latest innovation from Canon for entry level D-SLR, and it makes upgrading from compact digital cameras to D-SLR easier than ever. With the superb picture quality, and unique anti-dust feature EOS 400D is a good choice for people interested in exploring and enjoying good quality photos.
"The new models of Panasonic cameras are loaded with powerful features that deliver best quality recording, and yet are so simple and enjoyable to use," says Yasuo Kimoto, Product Manager at Panasonic Marketing Middle East.
Panasonic has provided a new set of excellent features within a compact, easy-to-use and highly fashionable digital camera. The DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 allow ordinary photo enthusiasts to enjoy high-performance photography without becoming confused by all the technicalities of professional imaging.
"Panasonic has combined creativity, practicability, high functionality and a number of other high-end features into a compact, uncomplicated camera. When you want to portray true-to-life colours and capture the exact mood of any precious moment, the DMC-FX55 and the DMC-FX33 deliver the most vivid results that can be truly treasured for a lifetime," Kimoto says.
Casio, a six-decade-old company that started the electric calculator revolution, has always been a leader of technology in digital products including cameras. The Exilim range of Casio digital cameras is modern, stylish and sports advanced features.
"The newest addition of the slim, stylish Exilim Z-1200 represents Casio's continuing objective to produce innovative products fit for everyone's needs," says S. M. Siraj, Deputy General Manager of Abba Electronics, which represents Casio in Dubai.
Linus Monteiro, Managing Director, Al Sayegh Brothers Imaging, says that the two latest Olympus digital cameras the E-410 and Mju-790SW are unique. Both the Olympus models come with several add-ons and are available in leading outlets in the country.
"No other brands has these features. Extraordinary compactness, leading-edge technology and brilliant performance distinguish the new Olympus E-410 from the rest. This is the world's smallest and lightest 10MP D-SLR with live preview.
"Among its many advanced features the Olympus E-410 also incorporates the patented supersonic wave filter. This ensures that users never need to worry about the harmful effects dust can have on their images.
"The Olympus Mju-790SW goes where you do. Shockproof against falls from 1.5 metres and waterproof to a water-pressure equivalent of three metres, the newest addition to the Mju tough series keeps up with just about any active lifestyle," says Monteiro.
More ways to shoot
Be it still and video cameras as an added feature on mobile phones as well as high quality video cameras from most leading brands are also in great demand in the region.
Samsung, the digital giant, leads in imaging technology as well.
M. Ashraf Sajid, Senior Manager Sales and Marketing, Digital Media Business-AV, Samsung Electronics says, "We are launching a new range of Samsung flash memory based video camera range in the Middle East this month. The main model is VP-HMX10C, which is the world's smallest HD camcorder.
"It captures your memories directly to flash memory, so it is inherently silent. It is shock resistant, and ready to record in an instant.
"It records up to 90 minutes of HD progressive video in superfine mode at an ultra smooth 50 frames per second (PAL) to faithfully preserve the smallest nuances of everyday life. It has a swivel handgrip for ergonomic high and low angle shooting, and a 2.7-inch touch screen LCD for easy operation and editing."
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