Kamera Digital News

CeBit 08: Samsung Shows off Cameras

CeBit 08: Samsung Shows off Cameras
Techtree.com, India

We reported about Samsung’s myriad announcements at CeBit 08. The company has also showcased two of its newer digital cameras. Here’s looking at them…

The one, the GX-20 — a DSLR fitted with a high-quality APS-C size (about 23.4 x 15.6mm) 14.6 mega pixels CMOS image sensor, and the other, the NV24HD — a premium HD compact digital camera.

An intermediate-level DSLR camera targeted at families, amateur photographers, and professionals, the GX-20 has been released in the Korean market this month. It comes with a 14.6M CMOS image sensor with vibration-type Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), dual dust removal function, and other image correction functions that promise to take images to the next level in terms of clarity and precision.

Samsung claims GX-20′s CMOS sensor is the fruit of two years labor that began in 2006, and boasts the advantage of extended battery use in-sync with low power consumption. The CMOS sensor improves upon the amount of light received per unit area through refinement of the circuit process, promising clear images with high definition and color reliability. The image sensor vibration-type OIS quickly detects minor vibrations of the hand, and minimizes camera shake by moving the image sensor in a direction opposite to that of the shake.

The GX-20 is optimized for resistance to dust and water. The dual dust removal function prevents microscopic dust from getting absorbed onto the image sensor. And if at all, dust does get absorbed, the vibrating image sensor system helps shake it all off.

The GX-20 supports high sensitivity ISO 3200 (ISO 6400 in the user setting), and integrates upgraded image correction technologies such as HDR or High Dynamic Range function for a wider gamut of expressions. For professionals, the camera comes geared with X-sync for connection with an external flash, one-touch RAW and JPEG conversion button, plus upbeat RAW format conversion software.

A high-quality 2.7-inches LCD, and a live-view function for shooting subjects by directly looking at the LCD screen complete the specs of this camera.

The other shot from Samsung, the 10.2 mega pixels NV24HD, is a lean-mean looking digital camera that comes fitted with a 24mm wide-angle 3.6x optical zoom Schneider lens, and a Smart Touch UI (user interface). The camera’s DRIM (Digital Real Image and Movie) Engine developed exclusively by Samsung, is intended for shooting high resolution images more quickly and clearly.

The NV24HD uses Gen-Next H.264 video encoding standard, and can shoot videos/pictures in up to 1280 x 720 pixels resolution at 30 fps (frames per second) HD video to match HD camcorders.

Other features of this camera include: a next-generation AMOLED or Active Matrix OlED to not only give rich color to videos being shot but also display video subjects clearly in bright light; plus Dual IS, a next-step upgrade in image stabilization technology that deploys both OIS(Optical Image Stabilization) and DIS(Digital Image Stabilization).

Add comment March 10th, 2008

Camera makers to ride retail gravy train

Camera makers to ride retail gravy train
Business Standard, India 
Suvi Dogra / New Delhi March 10, 2008

With increasing disposable incomes and rising consumer awareness for genuine products, camera makers are bullish on the Indian market. Canon India, for example, hopes to generate 50 per cent of its revenue target of Rs 1,000 crore from cameras alone in 2010.

 The company plans to take the retail route for ensuring stronger sales. At present, the company expects over 30 per cent of sales to come from retailers such as Home Solutions, Vishal, Spencer’s.

The company has also set up exclusive brand shops in New Delhi and Bangalore to showcase latest products.

 According to experts, the compact camera market in India is estimated at 1 million units, while it is 12,500 units for professional cameras. Both categories have been growing at a CAGR of 30 per cent in the last three years and the momentum is likely to continue.

Nikon has big plans as well. Despite being a late entrant in the Indian market, the company hopes to garner a 45 per cent market share of the digital SLR market and 10 per cent of the compact camera market by 2010.

 “In order to achieve this target, we are aiming at 100 per cent expansion in retail consumer outreach through our dealer network,” said Hidehiko Tanaka, managing director, Nikon India.

The company plans to take the number of dealers in the country to 1,000 from 400 by 2008-09. Nikon products are available across traditional multi brand outlets and consumer electronics retail chains such as Croma.

 For Sony India, the exclusive retail store network contributes 35 per cent to revenues. The company, which introduced 17 new models last year, has 7,000 channel partners and 260 Sony outlets.

 Samsung India, too, plans to up the ante in the camera segment through 115 Samsung Digital Plazas. The company also has tie-ups with Reliance Digital, Croma, and other multi brand outlets.

 While the Indian import duty structure has compelled Nikon to operate on low margins, the biggest challenge for the company remains grey market sales. 

“Our biggest competition in India is Nikon itself. Nearly 80 per cent of the Nikon products sold in India are through the grey market,” says Tanaka.

 While grey market is canabalising into Nikon share, others like Sony and Canon do not give it much weight.

 “We look at the grey market as a missed opportunity,” says Alok Bhardawaj,President, Canon India.

“Our strategy of branded stores in leading locations that offer international shopping ambience, guaranteed product quality, warranty and widespread after-sales are acting as catalysts in changing customer preference from grey to original products,” says Sachin Rai, product head (digital still camera), Sony India

 Also, the government’s initiatives such as reduction of duties and FTA policies have led to a decline in the hold of the grey market.

 Further, the emergence of organised retail through large nationwide store chains has further strengthened the position for original products.

 

Add comment March 10th, 2008