Photography

What can you say about a winner that just keeps getting better? At a street price of around $160 you get a pocket size camera that has been refined over the past 15 or so years and has won (and continues to win) awards across the world. Read more

There's a new generation of hybrid camcorders/digital cameras that combine the best of movie making and digital still imaging in one unit. Panasonic's PV-DV601 digital camcorder uses the new mini DV tape for movies and has a special slot for a SD Secure disc memory card that holds high resolution digital still images. Other features include a 20x Zoom/300x Digital Zoom for close-ups and Color Viewfinder that helps save battery power when used during recording and playback. It comes with a 8MB SD card and sells for $1,000. www.panasonic.com

Hewlett-Packard just unveiled an innovation in scanning technology that will enhance image quality and speed, improving consumers’ ability to communicate, collaborate and stay connected through the power of images. Three scanners introduced -- the HP Scanjet 7400C, 7450C and 7490C scanners -- incorporate the technology for the benefit of busy office professionals. Read more

The new improved Max 400 film is the most versatile 400 speed film ever -- ideal for everyday snapshots in sunlight, room light, or low-light, action or still, so consumers don't need to worry about which film speed to use. Read more

IBM's tiny new tethered UltraPort Camera connects easily to any desktop or laptop USB port. It's powered from the USB port -no external power source required. It captures still images up to 640x480 resolution and full-motion video up to 320x240 at 30 frames per second, allowing you to create video e-mail, video conference, edit AVI files, and even monitor your workspace. $99. www.ibm.com

Kodak 's new EZ200 digital camera doubles as a PC video camera for videoconferencing. The EZ200 features 4MB of internal memory and can store up to 128 pictures (64 at VGA resolution). It can also capture short video clips, and features a burst mode for action shots. Images can be uploaded to a computer through the supplied USB cable. Connecting the camera to a computer via its USB cable transforms it into a PC video camera. The EZ200 also features a detachable swivel base and adjustable focus with macro mode. $129. www.kodak.com

Sharp's new Model No. VL-FD1U mini DV camcorder is a tiny 1.2 pound movie maker that measures 5 1/2" (W) X 1 7/8 " (H) X 3 3/8" (D) and fits easily into a backpack, briefcase or purse. Read more

Intel's affordable new Pocket PC camera comes complete with a software suite that allows you to make video phone calls, create personal Web pages, send email postcards, create PC movies, edit photos and play PC Camera games. Read more

Leave it to Olympus to surprise the photo world with an innovative single lens reflex digital camera with the industry's first 4 megapixel chip. The chip wars continue and, at this writing, 4 million rules (until you get to the $15,000 pro level atmosphere). This unique camera has a fast, high quality zoom lens and offers virtually every feature known to man (and then some) in a digital camera. As you would expect from Olympus, the images are great, and 4 million pixels give you a beautiful 8" x 10" print. The street price of the E10 is around $1900.

Minolta has hit the 21st century with a truly innovative 35mm single lens reflex. The radical departure Minolta chose was in the 7's unique user interface screen nestled on the back of the camera. At first glance it may look like your usual LCD; however, this large screen is based on a dot matrix system, allowing it to provide previously unheard-of amounts of information. This new screen displays the usual exposure information as well as offering the option to delve many stages further. Without going into great detail, this one has to be seen to be believed. Needless to say, it also offers a wide range of high-quality Minolta interchangeable lenses and enough features to please even the most picky and demanding user. $1200.