Alphabetical list

Note: Some of the stand photos were taken before the show was open to the public (hence the lack of anyone at the stands).

Minolta

Minolta's official announcements were the Minolta Messenger (unique 'hot-spot' e-mail messaging application), the DiMAGE Xt (an evolution of the Xi), the DiMAGE S414, the DiMAGE E223 (entry level two megapixel, three times zoom) and the five megapixel DiMAGE F300. In addition Minolta in Europe announced the four megapixel DiMAGE F200, a development of the F100 but with a slightly updated body and control system (not found on the five megapixel DiMAGE F300, oddly). Sadly there was no Digital Maxxum SLR as some had hoped (nor any confirmation of one in development).

Minolta stand	Minolta Messenger
Minolta DiMAGE Xt (3 mp, 3x zoom)	Minolta DiMAGE Xt (rear)
Minolta DiMAGE Xt (dark blue)	Minolta DiMAGE Xt (red)
Minolta DiMAGE S414 (4 mp, 4x zoom)	Minolta DiMAGE F300 (5 mp, 3x zoom)
Site links • Minolta Messenger • Minolta DiMAGE Xt • Minolta DiMAGE F200 • Minolta DiMAGE F300 • Minolta DiMAGE E223 • Minolta DiMAGE S414	External links • Minolta USA
^ Back to top

Nikon

Nikon announced their new products on February 18th, some two weeks before PMA. The Coolpix SQ was probably the biggest surprise, a square shaped ultra compact digital camera with a three megapixel sensor, three times optical zoom and split body (in the greatest tradition of Coolpix digital cameras). The SQ also comes with a charging / transfer dock as shown below. Also announced were the two and three megapixel, three times zoom Coolpix 2100 and Coolpix 3100. More compact evolution's of the Coolpix 885. These two cameras will undoubtedly do well in the entry / mid-level sector of the market, they're small, easy to use and will no doubt have good image quality. Interestingly all of Nikon's new digital cameras now feature a primary (RGB) color filter array which should improve color response.

On the SLR front Nikon were showing the recently announced Nikkor 12 - 24 mm DX lens, designed specifically for the smaller-than-35mm sensors used in Nikon digital SLR's, more than a hint of Nikon's future direction in this field. Another noteworthy announcement was the Nikkor 24 - 120 mm AF-S VR lens which provides a very usable equivalent 36 - 180 mm field of view on a Nikon digital SLR (1.5x FOV crop) with vibration reduction. There was sadly no news of a new digital SLR.

Nikon Stand	Nikon Coolpix SQ (3 mp, 3x zoom, split body)
Nikon Coolpix 2100 (2 mp, 3x zoom)	Nikon Coolpix 3100 (3 mp, 3x zoom)
Nikkor 12 - 24 mm AF-S DX F4.0 G lens	Nikkor 24 - 120 mm AF-S VR F3.5 F5.6 G lens
Site links • Nikon Coolpix SQ news article • Nikon Coolpix SQ preview • Nikon Coolpix 2100 news article • Nikon Coolpix 3100 news article • Nikon Coolpix 3100 preview • Nikkor 12 - 24 mm AF-S DX F4.0 G • Nikkor 24 - 120 mm AF-S VR F3.5 - F5.6 G	External links • Nikon USA • Nikon Europe
^ Back to top

Nixvue Systems

At PMA Nixvue a new portable storage device, in a departure from hard disk storage the new Visor utilizes a CD-R/RW writer mechanism along with the smarts to transfer directly from flash card (virtually any type) directly to a CD-R. The idea behind this device is to allow you to store your photos directly to 'archive media'. The Visor isn't battery driven (because of the problems involved with the battery failing during a burn) but can be used all around the world, so would be ideal to take on holiday.

It uses a similar multi-session packet writing system to the Sony CD Mavicas which means you can keep adding to a CD-R until it is full, it will also span single cards greater than 640 MB over multiple CD-R's. The unit can also be used to playback images directly to a TV and as an external CD-R/RW drive for computers. I personally would like to see Nixvue improve their external design, it looks dated and cumbersome.

Nixvue Systems stand	Nixvue Visor
Site links • Nixvue Visor news article	External links • Nixvue Systems
^ Back to top

Olympus

At the 'prelude to PMA' (also known as CES) Olympus announced the Stylus Digital 300 and 400 (known as the mju Digital 300 and 400 in Europe and Asia), these compact and weatherproof digital cameras follow closely the styling of their film camera namesakes, their ability to withstand rain and dust are impressive and relatively unique. At PMA Olympus announced two new ten times 'Ultra Zoom' digital cameras, the three megapixel C-740 UZ and the four megapixel C-750 UZ, both of which offer flexibility and portability, their lenses are also a new design which will hopefully reduce the chromatic aberrations we so often associate with big zoom digital cameras. The two megapixel D-390 (C-150) and three megapixel C-560 (C-350) Zoom digital cameras rounded off the consumer end of Olympus's new offerings.

But probably one of the biggest stories at the show was exhibited behind glass in the center of the Olympus stand, the new digital SLR 'E System'. The 'E System' will be the first implementation of the long awaited 'Four Thirds' sensor standard (first announced back in 2000). The 'E System' includes one digital SLR, one new flash unit and four lenses. It will be the first ever removable lens system design for digital from the ground up and promises improved image quality and smaller lighter lenses and cameras. My biggest disappointment however was that Olympus didn't attach any specifications to the digital SLR, so we don't yet know how or where it will sit in the market (or expected pricing). We did get our hands on the new digital SLR and lenses and you can see more pictures of them from the link below these images.

Olympus stand	Olympus 'E System' behind glass, lots of interest
Olympus Stylus / Mju Digital 300 (3 mp, 3x zoom)	Olympus Stylus / Mju Digital 400 (4 mp, 3x zoom)
Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom (3 mp, 10x zoom)	Olympus C-750 Ultra Zoom (4 mp, 10x zoom)
Olympus D-390 / C-150 (2 mp, fixed lens)	Olympus D-560 / C-350 Zoom (3 mp, 3x zoom)
Olympus E System Digital SLR (no specs yet)	Olympus 'E System Digital SLR (rear)
E D-SLR & E 300 mm F2.8 lens (600 mm equiv.)	E 50 mm F2.0 Macro lens (100 mm equiv.)
E 14 - 54 mm F2.8 - F3.5 (28 - 108 mm equiv.)	E 50 - 200 mm F2.8 - F3.5 (100 - 400 mm equiv.)
E D-SLR with optional vertical battery grip	E D-SLR with flash unit
Site links • Olympus Stylus Digital 300 news article • Olympus Stylus Digital 400 news article • Olympus D-390 (C-150) news article • Olympus D-560 (C-350) Zoom news article • Olympus C-740 / C-750 UZ news article • Olympus 'E System' news article • Olympus 'E System' hands-on preview	External links • Olympus USA • Olympus Europe
^ Back to top