For this show it turned out by chance to be all about netbooks and cameras. As it happened I had two Sony cameras in the office and they both show some of the exciting things going on in digital cameras right now. The netbook is a good example of what’s on offer for those of you that want something cheap and small.
Samsung N120 netbook
- 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB hard drive, 10.1-inch display (1024×600 pixels), 1.3-megapixel webcam, three USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3-in-1 memory card reader.
- Great keyboard, almost “full size”.
- 2.1 speakers, stereo on either side of the display, sub woofer underneath.
- Windows XP home.
- 6-8 hour battery life.
- AED1499.
Sony WX1 camera
- 10.1-megapixel.
- 2.7-inch display.
- 24-120mm 5x zoom lens.
- First digital still cameras that use so called “back-illuminated” image sensor, 200% increase in sensitivity.
- Built in HDR (High Dynamic Range) functionality, takes six shots, Basically better pictures in less light.
- Sweep panorama, up to 100 pictures in a 256 degree panorama, automatic stitching.
- Shoots 720p video at 30fps (1280×720).
- US price $350.
Sony A330 DSLR
- Positioned as a simple entry-level DSLR.
- 10.2-megapixel.
- 2.7 inch tilting LCD screen.
- ISO range of 100-3200.
- Anti-shake that’s built into the body.
- Eye-start auto-focus.
- Body small and light but feel plasticky, I’d be concerned with durability.
- They’ve reduced external controls to make it easier to use but I don’t think that’s a good thing.
- “Smart teleconverter” button which is just digital zoom.
- Can shoot RAW.
- Even in Live View it’s as fast focusing and taking pictures because of as secondary sensor.
- US Price about $600 with 18-55mm kit lens.
