We took out our crystal ball for a little digital camera foreshadowing. Check out the latest technologies geared for 2009, including Micro Four Thirds, Hybrids and a 3D model.
More Micro Four Thirds in 2009
  While Panasonic flaunted its new 1080P-capable Lumix DMC-GH1 at PMA, Olympus modestly showcased its first Micro Four Thirds camera about 50 feet away. This is intriguing because the Micro Four Thirds system was co-developed by both companies, and here is Panasonic lapping Olympus with a pumped-up version of the highly acclaimed Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 while all Olympus can offer is a rectangular tin camera body mounted behind glass. Perhaps Olympus wanted to go to school on Panasonic's DMC-G1 design, or maybe the company is biding their sweet time in order to release a Micro Four Thirds monster. We do like the faux leather paneling and retro style, but we highly doubt this is a finalized version of what we can expect to see this summer. All we know is that the Micro Four Thirds revolution will be one more strong in a matter of months, and Olympus is the harbinger.
On the other side of the fence, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 appeared visually identical to its predecessor, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, but we noticed a few significant additions upon further investigation. First off, the Lumix DMC-GH1 ships with Panasonic's newly developed long range 14 – 145mm (28 – 280mm equivalent) HD lens, featuring Mega OIS and Auto Focus. The implementation of 1080P HD video necessitated a new optical system, one that was conducive to digital stills and HD video alike. The Lumix DMC-GH1's 1080P recording mode is limited to 24 fps however, while 720P video recording is captured at 60fps, both in the AVCHD format. The Lumix DMC-GH1 receives Dolby Digital Stereo sound recording and it even gets a new 12-megapixel Live MOS sensor with Venus Engine HD processing. Suddenly, it's beginning to look like a whole new Micro Four Thirds compact, but we'll have the official scoop when we get our hands on the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1.
Samsung has alternate plans…
 Rather than join the revolution, Samsung decided to transcend Micro Four Thirds technology with the introduction of the new NX series, which was featured as a cluster of hollow camera bodies placed within a glass cube at PMA. Samsung is coining the NX series as "hybrid" digital cameras that feature SLR guts stuffed into a compact chassis. Like the Micro Four Thirds system, the Samsung NX cameras will feature an Electric Viewfinder with Live View, which reduces overall size by 40% because there is no mirror box chomping away at valuable space. Perhaps the most enticing feature is the APS-C sized imaging sensor, which is larger than a Four Thirds sensor, and found in many high-end DSLRs. Though only concept models, the NX series cameras looked strikingly similar to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and Lumix DMC-G1 Micro Four Thirds compacts, sporting burly Mode dials and shallow bodies. There's no news on optics as of yet, but we project that this camera will change the game of digital imaging. As far as Samsung is concerned, it better, for the company is forecasting 20% global market domination for hybrid digital cameras by the year 2012.
Fujifilm goes 3D
  At the mouth of the PMA show floor, Fujifilm was cooking up an entirely different recipe, titled the Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D System, capable of capturing 3D images from a single press of the shutter button. We got a chance to play with the mockup models, which were merely rectangular plastic boxes. However, the dual lenses caught our eye, and when Fujifilm showed us the real concept model, our wits were replenished thanks to its glossy back design and cool blue lights. We also got a chance to see the 3D images projected on a small screen and some of them were highly impressive. Certain images made us queasy, like we were riding an unruly Tilt-A-Whirl, but Fujifilm reps assured us that the images would be much more tolerable when printed on photo paper. We like where this technology is headed, especially because the dual lens system will allow shooters to capture enhanced 2D images like panoramas, simultaneous telephoto/wide angle shots and two different exposures at once. The 3D LCD system allocates light direction to the right and left eyes, so there was no need to use 3D glasses while taking shots of the babe on the Harley. Fujifilm has not released any information on release dates, but you can be sure we'll have that review up as soon as a 3D Fujifilm falls into our clutches.
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