Digital Wins

In the race between film and digital photography, there is a new clear winner. For the first time ever digital cameras out sold film cameras in the US. This is a key change for the photo industry.

Key to that is the photo companies taking the intimidation factor out of digital cameras, making them more palatable for the first time digital camera buyer. Here are some of the latest photo printing and digital camera products:

Kodak DX 6340
Kodak just introduced the 3.1-megapixel Kodak EasyShare DX6340 Zoom Digital Camera, which features a professional-quality Schneider Krueznach Varigon 4X zoom lens, plus a 3.5X digital zoom function. The camera's advances include a new high-speed, precision autofocus for faster image capture in bright and low light. It is also equipped with a high-resolution 1.8-inch Indoor/Outdoor LCD monitor. An optional EasyShare 6000 Camera Dock is available for the 6000 digital camera series, and is also compatible with all EasyShare 2003 model cameras. The dock's new design includes a tilt mechanism for improved viewing, and has separate battery charging and picture transfer indicators. $330. Available May 2003. www.kodak.com

Ofoto online processing
What Ofoto has done is made it really easy for you to share your digital photos with family and friends around the world as well as actually ordering prints of your favorite images. It's free to join Ofoto, currently you can upload as many photos as you would like to their website. www.ofoto.com

Lexar JumpDrive 2.0 Pro
With capacities up to 1 gigabyte, this little storage device holds over 800 pictures for easy transfers between PCs and Macs. In fact, you can carry a whole PowerPoint presentation on one for a business meeting on the fly.www.lexarmedia.com

Panasonic PVGS-70
This three CCD Camcorder/digital camera combo is one of the big trends this year --combining digital still photography with camcorders in a sleek space saving package. www.panasonic.com